More than 25,000 people every year are diagnosed with sudden hearing loss. If youve experienced a sudden hearing loss in one ear or both ears, it can be traumatizing because there often seems to be no reason for it. But, in fact, there are many causes ofsudden hearing lossinLongview TX some of them serious and some of them not. When you seek out the help of an ear, nose and throat specialist, he can, in most cases, tell you what the reason is for your hearing loss and whether or not it is reversible. Among the causes of spontaneous orsudden hearing lossinLongview TXare:

Viral or bacterial ear infection. An infection in the middle ear is called acute otitis media and it can be the result of a cold or upper respiratory infection. The viruses or bacteria cause pus and mucus to accumulate behind the eardrum, blocking the Eustachian tube. This causes the middle ear to swell and ache. An untreated infection or one that recurs often can have serious consequences like temporary or permanent hearing loss

Acoustic neuroma. This is a benign tumor that originates in the balance nerves that carry balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. Along with sudden hearing loss in Longview TX, a patient will often notice ringing in the ear and dizziness. An ENT specialist is likely to suspect acoustic neuroma when the loss of hearing is only on one side or is more severe on one side. In most patients, these tumors grow slowly over a course of years and often the growing tumor can put pressure on the brain, which is extremely dangerous.

Menieres Disease. Though the cause of Menieres Disease is unknown, it likely results from an abnormality in the fluid of the middle ear. The symptoms include hearing loss, episodes of rotational vertigo (a spinning sensation), tinnitus (a buzzing, roaring or ringing sound in the ear) and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The hearing loss associated with Menieres is usually intermittent at first but can become fixed as the disease progresses.

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). AIED is a syndrome of progressive hearing loss (or dizziness) caused by immune cells or antibodies attacking the inner ear. Normally, hearing is reduced over the course of several months and is accompanied by tinnitus.

Head trauma. Sensorineural hearing loss can occur as the result of head trauma and can even result from a rapid change in air pressure the kind that happens when an airplane descends. These can cause a rupture or leakage of the inner ear fluid compartment.

No matter what the cause of your sudden hearing loss in Longview TX, its vital that you seek out an ear, nose and throat specialist for immediate help. As with most diseases and conditions, early intervention usually means a better prognosis. In Longview, Dr. Ronald Morton of East Texas Sinus and Dizziness Center can diagnose and treat your sudden hearing loss. Dr. Morton is a board-certified otolaryngologist and has been serving the Longview area since 1997. Call (920) 569-0325 to schedule an appointment today. And visit online to learn more.

Sudden hearing loss Longview TX

East Texas Sinus and Dizziness Center

901 Pegues Pl.

Longview, Texas 75601

(920) 569-0325