Sudden Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in One Ear: What You Should Know

Hearing loss in one ear accompanied by tinnitus?

Hello, on the evening of March 18th, I suddenly experienced a significant reduction in hearing in my left ear, followed by a loud ringing sound that lasted for about 3 to 4 seconds, after which everything returned to normal.
Could this be a benign tinnitus issue?

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/20

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, Ms.
Lin.
The issues you mentioned may be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This can occur not only during air travel, hiking, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
It may be intermittent or persistent.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (colds) or sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, often due to contaminated water or improper ear cleaning, leading to inflammation.
4) Degeneration of the auditory nerve.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication through medical consultation.
As for the medical diagnosis, there is no diagnosis of "benign tinnitus." If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/03/20

More Info

Sudden hearing loss and tinnitus, particularly when experienced in one ear, can be concerning and may indicate a variety of underlying issues. In your case, the sudden onset of decreased hearing accompanied by a loud ringing sound (tinnitus) that lasted for a few seconds could be related to several factors.
Firstly, it is important to understand that sudden hearing loss can occur due to various reasons, including but not limited to, ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, exposure to loud noises, or even sudden changes in air pressure. In some cases, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as Meniere's disease, vestibular schwannoma, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), which is a medical emergency.

The fact that your symptoms resolved quickly may suggest that it was a transient issue, possibly related to a temporary change in ear pressure or a brief episode of eustachian tube dysfunction. This can happen when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes blocked or fails to open properly, leading to a feeling of fullness in the ear and temporary hearing changes.
However, even if the symptoms have subsided, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely. If you experience any recurrence of symptoms, such as persistent tinnitus, ongoing hearing loss, or additional symptoms like dizziness or balance issues, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. An evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist would be beneficial to rule out any serious underlying conditions. They may conduct a thorough examination, including audiometric testing, to assess your hearing and determine the cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is wise to avoid exposure to loud noises, as this can exacerbate tinnitus and potentially lead to further hearing loss. Additionally, managing any underlying conditions, such as allergies or sinus issues, may help prevent future episodes.
In summary, while your experience may have been benign, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms recur or worsen. Early intervention can be key in addressing any potential hearing issues effectively.

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