Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear: Causes and Prevention Tips

Q: Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear: Causes and Prevention Tips

Hello： In response to your question, I believe it is highly likely that earwax impaction in the external auditory canal has led to otitis externa. <br>The treatment methods you have experienced are all reasonable and appropriate. <br>To prevent this issue, it is essential to avoi

Sudden loss of hearing in the right ear?

Dear Director Hsu,
My name is Chen, and I apologize for taking your time to ask a question.
My wife suddenly lost hearing in her right ear around mid-September last year without any external force.
We visited an ENT clinic, where the doctor said her ear canal was swollen and blocked.
He prescribed ear drops for her to use, but after a week there was no improvement.
We then referred her to a large hospital's ENT department, where the physician performed a microscopic procedure to remove foreign objects from her ear.
They then placed a silicone-like material in her ear to keep the ear canal open and prevent the wound from closing up, along with daily ear drops.
Two weeks later, the silicone was removed, and her hearing was restored.
However, just the day before yesterday (September 8), my wife experienced pain in her right ear.
I took her to the ENT clinic again, where the doctor found a lot of debris and signs of inflammation in her ear canal.
The doctor used long forceps to remove the debris, which caused my wife significant pain and some bleeding.
The doctor mentioned that the debris was tightly adhered, and suggested using ear drops to separate the debris from the skin for two to three days before attempting to remove it again.
After returning home and showering that evening, my wife found that she could no longer hear from her right ear.
I would like to ask you, Director Hsu, why is my wife's ear experiencing these issues? What could be the underlying causes, and how can we prevent this from happening again? In your medical career, have you encountered similar cases to my wife's? I sincerely hope you can help clarify my doubts.
Wishing you good health.

Xiao Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/10

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, I believe it is highly likely that earwax impaction in the external auditory canal has led to otitis externa.
The treatment methods you have experienced are all reasonable and appropriate.
To prevent this issue, it is essential to avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears, as the rounded tip can push soft earwax deeper, eventually causing it to harden.
Once it comes into contact with water (during bathing or swimming), it can expand and block the ear canal, leading to a feeling of fullness and ear pain.
In fact, many patients experience similar issues, and the treatment approaches are the same as what you have undergone.

Reply Date: 2005/09/10

More Info

Sudden hearing loss in one ear can be a distressing experience, and it often raises concerns about underlying health issues. In your wife's case, the sudden loss of hearing in her right ear, particularly following a series of treatments for ear canal blockage and inflammation, suggests a complex interplay of factors that may have contributed to her condition.

Possible Causes
1. Ear Canal Blockage: The initial diagnosis of ear canal blockage is quite common. Blockages can occur due to earwax buildup, fluid accumulation, or foreign objects. When the ear canal is blocked, sound cannot effectively reach the eardrum, leading to a sensation of muffled hearing or complete hearing loss.

2. Infection or Inflammation: The presence of inflammation, as noted by the doctor, could indicate an infection, such as otitis externa (outer ear infection) or otitis media (middle ear infection). Infections can lead to swelling and fluid buildup, further obstructing sound transmission.

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear. If it becomes dysfunctional due to allergies, infections, or other factors, it can lead to a feeling of fullness in the ear and hearing loss.

4. Trauma or Injury: Although you mentioned there was no external trauma, sometimes internal factors, such as sudden changes in pressure (like during swimming or flying), can cause barotrauma, leading to sudden hearing loss.

5. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Meniere's disease, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) can also cause sudden hearing loss. These conditions often require specialized testing and evaluation.

Prevention Tips
1. Avoid Inserting Objects into the Ear: Using cotton swabs or other objects can push earwax deeper into the canal, leading to blockage. It's best to avoid inserting anything into the ear.

2. Manage Allergies and Sinus Issues: If your wife has a history of allergies or sinus problems, managing these conditions can help prevent Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can lead to hearing issues.

3. Stay Dry: After bathing or swimming, ensure that the ears are dried properly. Water trapped in the ear canal can lead to infections.

4. Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can help monitor ear health, especially if there is a history of ear problems.

5. Avoid Loud Noises: Protecting the ears from loud sounds can prevent noise-induced hearing loss. If exposure to loud environments is unavoidable, using ear protection is advisable.

When to Seek Further Evaluation
Given the ongoing issues with your wife's hearing, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from an ENT specialist. They may recommend:
- Audiometric Testing: To assess the degree and type of hearing loss.

- Imaging Studies: Such as an MRI or CT scan, if there is suspicion of structural issues.

- Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected to contribute to her symptoms.

In conclusion, sudden hearing loss can arise from various causes, and understanding the underlying issue is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Your wife's case, involving multiple treatments and ongoing symptoms, warrants thorough investigation to ensure proper management and to prevent future occurrences. It is advisable to consult with an ENT specialist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

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