Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Ears Warning Signs. Let’s dive in!
Our ears do more than just hear—they also help us keep balance. The ear consists of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Inside, the vestibular system detects gravity and acceleration, while the semicircular canals sense movement and rotation. But when something goes wrong, your ears send warning signals that should never be ignored.
Sudden Hearing Loss (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss - SSHL)
If Sounds Suddenly Seem Quieter—It Could Be SSHL
One of the most common ear-related conditions is sudden hearing loss (SSHL). As the name suggests, it happens suddenly, causing a rapid decline in hearing. Some people experience fluctuating hearing loss, while others notice that sounds they used to hear clearly now seem much quieter. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness may also accompany it.
Doctors diagnose SSHL through a hearing test. If there is a hearing loss of 30 dB or more across multiple frequencies within three days, it is considered SSHL. Some may also experience persistent ringing or a spinning sensation (vertigo).
Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss
Viruses, Immune Disorders, and Noise Exposure
SSHL usually affects only one ear. While the exact cause is often unknown, some cases are linked to viral infections, vascular issues, and autoimmune diseases. Exposure to loud noises can also trigger SSHL.
Recently, there has been an increase in SSHL cases after recovering from COVID-19. Though research is still ongoing, scientists suspect that immune system damage from COVID-19 could be a contributing factor.
Treatment for SSHL
Early Treatment is Crucial!
With prompt medical treatment, SSHL can recover within a year. However, not all cases have a positive outcome. In severe cases, up to 30% of SSHL patients may experience permanent hearing loss. If the initial hearing loss is severe, delaying treatment significantly reduces the chances of recovery.
While hearing loss was once considered an age-related condition, younger patients are now at risk. In 2019, nearly 80,000 people under 30 in South Korea were diagnosed with hearing loss, accounting for 19.7% of all cases. Experts believe stress, lack of sleep, and frequent headphone use are major factors.
Ménière’s Disease
If You Experience Dizziness and Ringing in Your Ears—It Could Be Ménière’s Disease
Not all ear problems cause hearing loss. Ménière’s disease is a disorder that causes vertigo (dizziness) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at the same time. Some people feel a blocked sensation in the ear, which can escalate into sudden and intense vertigo episodes.
Causes of Ménière’s Disease
Linked to Autoimmune Disorders, Thyroid Issues, and More
The exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains unknown, but it is believed to be connected to autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and thyroid dysfunction.
The condition often begins with low-frequency hearing loss, meaning deep sounds become harder to hear. As the disease progresses, it affects high-frequency hearing as well. Initially, only one ear may be affected, but as the disease worsens, both ears can be impacted.
In severe cases, the dizziness can become so intense that standing up becomes impossible. Some patients also experience nausea and vomiting due to vertigo.
Treatment for Ménière’s Disease
Early Treatment and Rest Are Key
If treated early and managed with proper rest, symptoms can improve. However, if vertigo attacks become severe, medication may be necessary.
If you suddenly notice sounds becoming quieter, or if you experience unusual sensations in your ears, seek medical help immediately. Ignoring the signs could lead to permanent damage.
