RBWH audiologist raises awareness of little-known medical emergency

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RBWH Audiologist Carla is raising awareness of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Imagine waking up to find you have lost, or significantly reduced, hearing in one or both ears. For people experiencing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, this can be a frightening reality.

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Audiologist Carla Rose is raising awareness of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), a condition that affects an estimated 5 to 20 people per 100,000 population each year and requires urgent medical attention.

“In simple terms, SSNHL is a sudden and significant hearing loss,” Carla said.

“It can be linked to viral infections, autoimmune conditions or trauma. However, in most cases, no specific cause can be identified.”

When no cause is found, the condition is known as idiopathic SSNHL and is considered a medical emergency.

“Treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours, which is why it is so important to seek help immediately,” Carla said.

Because the symptoms can resemble issues such as wax build-up, ear infections or sinus congestion, some people delay seeking medical care.

“While symptoms vary between individuals, the hearing loss associated with SSNHL is often accompanied by tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), vertigo, dizziness and nausea.”

Although SSNHL can affect people of any age, Carla said it is more commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults.

“Anyone who experiences a sudden hearing loss should contact their GP, call 13 HEALTH, or present to an Emergency Department for assessment and treatment as soon as possible,” she said.

“Treatment options may include oral medications, localised injections and, in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy.”

Carla and the RBWH Audiology team are encouraging people to recognise the signs of SSNHL and act quickly if symptoms occur.

“Any sudden hearing loss should be treated urgently. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own. Seek medical attention straight away.”