Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/31/2008

Question
2 weeks ago hearing in my right ear completely went away. I saw an ENT who sent me to have an audio test done which showed the loss was nerve related. I had an MRI done and there is no tumor, the artery is clear and no signs of disease.How can this happen and what can I do now?

Answer
Hi Kelly,
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) may be caused by many factors and is considered a medical emergency.  The most important thing in these cases is to rule out a tumor that is causing the loss. Since that has been done, unfortunately it is mostly a matter of eliminating other possibilities and waiting it out.  A common cause is an acute viral infection that attacks the inner ear.  Other causes include vascular bleeds in the ear, or autoimmune responses.  Many times we cannot even find the reason, and this is called idiopathic, i.e., of unknown cause, sudden hearing loss. The usual treatment is short-term steroids that would hopefully reduce inflammation and curb immune responses. Unfortunately, the longer the loss remains, the less likely there will be recovery. The best thing to do now is to keep yourself as healthy as possible and protect your good ear from noise etc.  Here is a good reliable site with information:  
http://www.bcm.edu/oto/grand/111893.html
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology