Did you awake to hearing loss after surgery? Call an audiologist!
Have you experienced sudden hearing loss after undergoing general anesthesia? While rare, it may happen more often than people know, and you are certainly not alone. If you believe you have hearing loss after surgery, learn more below about anesthesia and sudden hearing loss and what the next steps might be.
Sudden Hearing Loss after Anesthesia
There are multiple cases of sudden hearing loss, progressing hearing loss, or tinnitus in one or both ears after anesthesia. It appears that people are more prone to hearing loss after anesthesia in some surgeries more than others, mainly cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
What to Do After Sudden Hearing Loss
If you live in Maryland, Clarity Audiology in Baltimore, MD, is available to help you. You should see an audiologist as soon as possible if you experience sudden hearing loss. We are also here for you if you have any other form of hearing loss or tinnitus. We can evaluate your hearing, diagnose the condition, and go over treatment options with you. Losing your hearing in any way can result in grieving, and Clarity is there to walk with you through your hearing health journey.
Treating Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss after anesthesia may be sensorineural, which involves damage to the inner ear. It could be due to the tiny hairs in the cochlea, the cochlea itself, or the auditory nerves. Although some sudden hearing loss ends up being permanent, some cases resolve themselves. Some hearing loss is temporary. Treatment may involve continued observation and hearing tests.
If it persists, the most common treatment is to prescribe hearing aids. This solution works depending on the cochlea’s condition. Otherwise, an audiologist may prescribe a cochlear implant, which is a surgery implementing a synthetic hearing device. This treatment is at the severe end. Yet another treatment option, depending on the case, is medication involving corticosteroids.
Conclusion
Sudden hearing loss can happen for many reasons, and it is best to get an evaluation from an audiologist to know the nature of your case. It is possible that anesthesia can cause it, and it may be more common than you think. No matter what your hearing issue is, we are happy to help you in the Baltimore, MD, area.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.