Sudden Hearing Loss in Seniors: Causes and Treatment

Sudden hearing loss is a scary event for anyone. According to the American Academy of Audiology, roughly a third of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 suffer from hearing loss.

It's a normal occurrence for seniors to lose bits and pieces of their hearing over time. That may mean losing range of hearing or having trouble with light sounds. Sudden hearing loss may point to more serious issues, though.

Here are some of the causes and treatments for hearing loss in seniors.

Common Hearing Loss Causes

There are many reasons why seniors suffer from hearing loss. They may have age-related hearing issues that are natural and normal.

That's why it's so important to monitor these changes in case something abnormal occurs. Even if you live in a residential living community, hiding health changes can create problems later on.

Circulatory Issues

Aging affects blood circulation, and poor blood flow to the inner ear can result in hearing loss. Conditions such as hypertension and diabetes increase the risk of damaging the tiny blood vessels in the cochlea.

In most cases, your hearing will gradually suffer due to these circulatory issues. This allows you to make changes to your lifestyle to reverse these changes.

Viral or Bacterial Infections

Infections affecting the ear or nervous system can lead to sudden hearing loss. Viruses like herpes and mumps can cause inflammation or nerve damage to your inner ear. The same goes for bacterial infections such as meningitis, which directly affects the brain.

If ignored, all of these conditions will cause more serious damage to your body.

Ototoxic Medications

Ototoxicity is when a medication causes hearing or balance problems. It may occur due to a side effect or an interaction with another medication.

Certain medications used to treat chronic conditions in seniors may be toxic to the ear. Drugs like antibiotics or chemotherapy agents can harm the inner ear's delicate structures, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a condition well-known for causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. That hearing loss can be sudden, and some doctors link it to fluid imbalance in the inner ear.

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that grows on the auditory nerve. This can cause sudden hearing loss and is often accompanied by ringing in the ears and balance problems.

Early detection is crucial to prevent further nerve damage.

Head Trauma or Injury

Falls, accidents, or other head trauma can damage your middle ear structures. If you sustained a brain injury, that can also cause problems with how your brain communicates with your ear.

Seniors with balance issues are at higher risk of falls that could impact their hearing.

Autoimmune Diseases

Certain autoimmune conditions can cause the body's immune system to mistakenly attack the inner ear. This can result in fluctuating or sudden hearing loss episodes.

Earwax Blockage or Middle Ear Problems

Most people do not have issues with earwax buildup. Those who do may suffer hearing loss if that wax forms a blockage.

An earwax blockage is painful and can cause sudden hearing loss if it shifts or forms a wall. Ear infections and allergies can also contribute to temporary hearing loss.

Treatment Options for Sudden Hearing Loss

Anyone who has suddenly suffered hearing loss should stay calm. There are many treatment options available, but it all depends on your doctor's diagnosis. A senior ear health specialist will prescribe the treatment based on the primary cause.

Corticosteroids

Steroid therapy is the first line of treatment for sudden hearing loss. It reduces inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. Doctors usually apply it through oral prednisone or steroid injections administered into the ear.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Increasing oxygen supply to the inner ear's damaged cells is believed by some to improve hearing recovery. It's often used alongside other proven treatments, such as corticosteroids.

Antiviral or Antibiotic Medications

Hearing loss caused by an ear infection is treated with either antiviral drugs or antibiotics. These can help prevent further damage and restore your hearing quickly. You'll need a doctor's diagnosis before you can pick up the medication.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aid solutions are available if your hearing is not restored to its original state. Seniors experiencing permanent hearing impairment can benefit from modern hearing aids or cochlear implants. They also make bone-anchored hearing systems.

There's a wide variety of hearing aids to pick from, and which one you'll need depends on what caused your hearing problems.

Managing Underlying Conditions and Lifestyle Changes

For seniors with circulatory issues, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases, treating the root cause of their hearing loss can help. That means blood pressure management, diabetes control, and other relevant medications.

In addition, lifestyle changes can protect your hearing.

Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet will improve blood flow to the inner ear. Using ear protection in noisy environments prevents further auditory damage. It's especially important for people who work around heavy machinery or frequently attend loud concerts.

When to Seek Audiology Care

You'll enjoy the amenities of your senior living community and time spent with family and friends more when your hearing loss is treated.

Sudden hearing loss should always be treated as a medical emergency, much like a broken bone or head trauma. Seniors experiencing an abrupt decline in hearing should seek an audiologist or ENT specialist within 24 to 48 hours.

Early intervention increases the chances of successful treatment. A delayed diagnosis could result in permanent hearing loss or an increased severity of whatever caused it.

Don't Ignore Sudden Hearing Loss

Something as serious as sudden hearing loss in seniors is never something you should put off until your doctor has an open availability. Always go to the hospital or even urgent care to get an initial diagnosis. If you're lucky, they can treat it on the spot.

Aston Gardens At Sun City Center is an upscale retirement community near Tampa, FL. Our independent senior living residents have access to a wide variety of amenities like 5-star dining and frequent events. Contact us with any questions and to schedule a tour.