Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Guide to Causes, Treatment, Problems, and Coping Strategies

Incidence of SSNHL is estimated to be 1 in 5,000 Americans each year.2 Any age group can be affected, but incidence seems to be higher in the fifth and sixth decades of life.3 Onset manifests unilaterally in most cases; bilateral or simultaneous bilateral onset is infrequent.4 Associated symptoms with SSNHL onset are tinnitus (ringing in the ear), aural fullness (plugged ear), and vertigo (dizziness). Even though other treatments have been used (antiviral drugs, drugs to reduce blood clotting or increase circulation, hyperbaric oxygen, and inhalation of gases to increase circulation), oral steroids have proven to be more effective over time.10 The most recent steroid treatment to come into play is intratympanic steroid injections. People who have lost hearing in both ears adapt more easily to hearing aids than those who have unilateral hearing loss.14 Additionally, SSNHL sufferers are almost always bothered more by loudness than those with conductive hearing loss or normal hearing.15 COPING STRATEGIES DURING TREATMENT FOR SSNHL During the period when I was under treatment for diagnosed SSNHL, I used various strategies to cope with the emotional stress and anxiety the diagnosis produced. The two main structures of the inner ear are the cochlea, which governs hearing, and the vestibular system (three semicircular canals and saccule and utricle sacs), which aids balance.18 Since the inner ear helps to establish postural elasticity and readiness for action, freedom of neck muscles and a properly balanced head on the top two joints, atlas and axis, can affect and improve hearing effectiveness.19 Supine position (on the back) of CR promotes release of neck muscles, which encourages movement of the head away from the spine while simultaneously lengthening the spine.