Marc Holland
Hearing loss is a common occurrence after a stroke, with a study finding that stroke patients had a 71% increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) compared to non-stroke patients. This is because a stroke can affect all levels of the auditory pathway, which may lead to hearing reception and perception deficits. Hearing loss after a stroke can come on suddenly, or develop over a few days, and is usually accompanied by vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. While most patients show partial or complete recovery of hearing within a year, urgent treatment is necessary to prevent permanent hearing loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you regain hearing loss after a stroke? | In most cases, patients show partial or complete recovery of hearing loss by 1 year after a stroke. |
| What is the medical term for sudden hearing loss? | Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) |
| What are the symptoms of SSHL/SSNHL? | Hearing loss in one ear, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus or dizziness |
| What causes SSHL/SSNHL? | Disorders of the inner ear, circulatory problems, neurological disorders, exposure to certain drugs, vascular occlusion, viral or bacterial infections, tumours, autoimmune diseases, ruptured inner ear membranes |
| How is SSHL/SSNHL treated? | Corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, drugs that increase blood flow to the inner ear, hearing aids, cochlear implants |
| How can you prevent a stroke? | Quit smoking, exercise regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure, eat a healthy diet (e.g. DASH or Mediterranean diet) |
What You'll Learn
Hearing loss after a stroke is common
Hearing loss after a stroke is a common occurrence. A stroke can affect all levels of the auditory pathways, leading to "hearing reception and/or perception deficits". This means that even after the initial recovery from a stroke, many people are left with hearing loss or other auditory issues.
Hearing Loss and Strokes: Is There a Connection?
A study based in Taiwan and published in the journal Stroke in 2008 found a link between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) and the risk of stroke. The researchers examined data from 7,115 patients collected over five years and found that those who had experienced SSHL had a 1.64 times greater chance of stroke than the control group.
There is a phenomenon called "ear stroke" or Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), which can impact hearing. An ear stroke is unpredictable and can happen suddenly or develop over a few days. Some individuals will wake up with hearing loss, and others will notice a gradual loss over about three days. SSHL typically only occurs in one ear.
Risk of Hearing Loss after a Stroke
Research has shown that individuals with a history of stroke are more likely to suffer from hearing loss during subsequent strokes. Strokes that affect the outer part of the brain stem are more likely to affect hearing and lead to sudden hearing loss. Hearing loss is very common in populations with stroke, and in the general population, a past history of stroke increases the likelihood of having hearing loss.
Treatment for Hearing Loss after a Stroke
Corticosteroids are usually used to treat ear strokes to lessen inner ear irritation. Antiviral drugs may be necessary if there is an infection. To aid the healing process, doctors may prescribe drugs that increase blood flow to the inner ear. Hearing aids or other listening equipment may be advised, depending on the degree of hearing loss and recovery.
Dentist Visits Post-Stroke: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Strokes can cause sudden hearing loss
Risk Factors
Research has found that those who experience SSHL have a 1.64 times greater chance of having a stroke than those who do not. Furthermore, individuals with a history of stroke are more likely to suffer from hearing loss during subsequent strokes. Strokes that affect the outer part of the brain stem are more likely to affect hearing and lead to sudden hearing loss.
Symptoms
SSHL typically affects only one ear and can range in severity. Alongside hearing loss, other symptoms can include a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, and dizziness. It is important to note that SSHL can also be a symptom of an impending stroke, so it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment and Prevention
Corticosteroids are the standard treatment for SSHL and can help reduce inflammation and swelling, potentially restoring hearing. However, delaying treatment for more than 2-4 weeks may result in permanent hearing loss.
To minimize the risk of stroke and potential hearing loss, experts recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Cymbalta and Stroke: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Tips to help recover your senses
Hearing loss is a common occurrence after a stroke, which can be a frightening experience for individuals as it can happen suddenly or develop over a few days. While most patients show partial or complete recovery of hearing loss by a year after a stroke, here are some tips to aid in the recovery process:
- Distance yourself from noise as much as possible. Loud noises can be overwhelming and cause further stress to your auditory system.
- Get plenty of rest before attending social gatherings. When you’re tired, your brain will not be able to process sound as effectively, leading to auditory overload.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can negatively impact your hearing and increase the likelihood of auditory overload in social situations.
- Reduce the volume of background noise by asking the host to turn down or turn off music, especially if it interferes with conversations.
- Use ear protection such as earplugs to help reduce the intensity of noise and decrease the amount of stimulation your auditory system needs to process.
- Seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible. Corticosteroids are usually used to treat hearing loss after a stroke, and early intervention can increase the chances of recovery.
- Consider hearing aids or other listening equipment, depending on the degree of hearing loss and recovery. These can significantly improve your quality of life and ability to communicate.
- Make lifestyle changes to minimise your risk of a subsequent stroke, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy blood pressure and diet, and getting regular hearing tests.
Stroke Patients: Understanding COVID's Unique Impact
You may want to see also
Treatments for hearing loss after a stroke
If you experience hearing loss after a stroke, it is important to act quickly to prevent permanent damage. Here are some treatments and strategies to consider:
Seek Medical Help Urgently
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Without prompt treatment, SSHL can lead to permanent hearing loss. As soon as you develop symptoms, go to the emergency department or seek urgent medical care.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are the standard treatment for SSHL, especially when the cause is unknown. These medications help reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear, which may help restore hearing. They can be administered orally or through injections into the middle ear, allowing the medication to flow directly to the affected area. It is recommended to start corticosteroid treatment as soon as possible, as delaying it for more than 2-4 weeks may result in permanent hearing loss.
Address Underlying Conditions
If SSHL is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as circulatory problems or neurological disorders, it is important to address and treat those conditions. For example, if SSHL is a result of taking certain medications, your doctor may recommend switching to alternative medications. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants
In cases of severe hearing loss or when hearing does not respond to treatment, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended to improve hearing ability. These devices can help amplify sounds and enhance your ability to perceive and understand them.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of stroke and potentially improve your hearing health. These changes include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and adopting a nutritious diet, such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet.
Hearing Rehabilitation
Hearing loss can significantly impact your communication abilities and daily functioning. It is important to seek support and rehabilitation to help you adjust to hearing loss. This may include learning new communication strategies, such as speech-to-text apps or lip reading, and connecting with hearing loss organisations like the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) for practical and emotional support.
Remember, if you experience any hearing loss after a stroke, don't delay in seeking medical attention. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of recovering your hearing.
Recovering Memories: Stroke Survivors' Journey
You may want to see also
Hearing loss can be permanent
The risk of hearing loss is elevated after a stroke, and it can happen suddenly or develop over a few days. This is known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) or Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). It typically affects only one ear and can cause a feeling of fullness or ringing in the ear, known as tinnitus.
While some people may recover their hearing, others may experience permanent hearing damage. The longer an individual goes without treatment for a stroke, the higher the risk of long-term damage, including hearing loss. Seeking urgent medical treatment is crucial to prevent permanent hearing loss. Corticosteroids are often used to treat hearing loss after a stroke, and doctors recommend starting this treatment as soon as possible to improve the chances of hearing recovery.
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on an individual's life, affecting their ability to communicate and participate in social interactions. It can be distressing and lead to social withdrawal and poor mental health. It is important to seek support and make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent further hearing damage and improve overall well-being.
Varicose Veins and Stroke: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Strokes can cause hearing loss because they interrupt the blood supply to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and causing them to die. The auditory pathways can be affected at all levels, leading to hearing and perception deficits. Strokes that affect the outer part of the brain stem are more likely to affect hearing and lead to sudden hearing loss.
Corticosteroids are the standard treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). They help reduce inflammation and swelling and may help restore hearing. Doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids or inject them directly into the middle ear. Hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended for severe or treatment-resistant hearing loss.
Hearing loss is very common after a stroke. Studies indicate that hearing loss occurs in around 60% to 80% of stroke survivors. Individuals with a history of stroke are more likely to suffer from hearing loss during subsequent strokes.
