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does this count as sudden hearing loss?

Posted , 3 users are following.

rob23708
rob23708

Ive always had quite bad tinnitus in both ears but lately I've been having a very slight sudden loss of hearing which lasts for a second or two then goes back to normal. It's kind of the same thing where your ears pop on the plane, I've read stuff about sudden hearing loss which lasts longer and is much more intense but not sure if that's the same as I've got? Is mine just a more advanced form of tinnitus? I went to the doctors recentley and she asked if I had any hearing loss where I mentioned, checked the inside of my ears but didn't say much... Thanks

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Olizzieo
    Olizzieo rob23708

    Posted

    Hi Rob, no this isn't sudden hearing loss. The losing your hearing for a few seconds, often accompanied by loud ringing then sound fading back in, is a normal part of tinnitus. It is definitely a weird sensation where you feel you have gone completely deaf for a few seconds, but it completely harmless and very common. It doesn't get longer or worse with time and doesn't mean your tinnitus is advanced. Sudden hearing loss often occurs with a virus, after flying or for no apparent reason. It is more likely to be permanent unless treated with steroids. It is uncommon and not something to worry about. If it ever does occur to anyone you know, get them to go to emergency and have a hearing test and tympanogram. That will let you know whether it is a middle ear problem or sudden nerve deafness (sensorineural hearing loss.) Sometimes it is hard for doctors to know the difference, especially if the sudden hearing loss occurs with a cold/flu or other virus.
    • rob23708
      rob23708 Olizzieo

      Posted

      Cheers mate thanks for replying you've put me at ease !
  • donna04072
    donna04072 rob23708

    Posted

    My hearing loss was sudden and did last for two weeks.  I also have had high pitch tinnitus for many years and every once in a while I get a high pitch deafing ring and last only for a few seconds and thank heavens for that but this low-frequency tinnitus is the worse I have ever experienced.  At least with the high pitch i could mask it with TV or music.  This is distortion of sound and motor noise I can't mask. My ears I have always needed to pop on a regularly thought the day to keep them equalized. They also do so random popping as well and feel like hearing is with seashell over it.  Never anything wrong and vistiing ENTs.  But this is truly horrible and find it hard to live a normal life.  I hope you will be okay.  Have you been to specialist?
    • Olizzieo
      Olizzieo donna04072

      Posted

      Donna have they performed tympanometry to see how your middle ears are working?
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