Skip to main content

Featured post

Why Some People Can't Stop Coughing

  Understanding Refractory Chronic Cough: What You Need to Know   Have you ever faced a cough that simply refuses to subside?   While most coughs resolve independently, some persist for an unacceptable length of time—weeks, months, or even years. This condition is known as refractory chronic cough (RCC), and it is a significant issue that demands attention in the medical community, especially among specialists in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care.   In this blog post, we will clearly outline what RCC is, why it occurs, and the most promising treatments available to those suffering from relentless coughing.     What is Refractory Chronic Cough?   A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. For many individuals, it is associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or certain medications. However, there are instances where the cough continues even after these underlying causes have been effectively ad...

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss




Why is it essential to identify Sudden hearing loss?
Treatment of sudden hearing loss due to inner ear infection is a medical emergency. Sudden hearing loss could be due to simple cause due to wax in the ear canal or inner ear infection. If the treatment of inner ear infection is delayed by more than 7days, it can lead to permanent hearing loss. 10-20 people every 100,000 per year can get sudden sensorineural hearing loss.  


How do I know that it is a sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
It is straightforward to test by humming test. If you suspect your hearing is down in one ear. Humming "aa" and "ee" can help.
If you hear, sound louder in the ear you feel deaf then the chances are you have conductive hearing loss due to wax or glue ear. If the sound is louder in the better ear, then chances are you have sensorineural hearing loss, and you need to see a doctor urgently.
Example, you had flu for a few days, and suddenly you feel that hearing is low in the right ear. Next thing you do is hum "aa" and "ee" for 10-15 seconds. If you hear hum louder in the left ear, then this is a medical emergency.


 What can be done if have sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
If you see your doctor, he will organise an urgent appointment with an Ear Nose Throat Surgeon and start you on steroid tablets. 


What happens when I see Ear Nose Throat Surgeon? 
ENT surgeon will take a detailed history and examine you covering possible causes for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. You will need a hearing test, some blood test and a special head scan (MRI Scan). He will start you on one week of steroid tablets if it has not been prescribed yet, and arrange for you to be seen again in one week to retest the hearing. 


What are my options if there is no change hearing after steroid tablets?
If there is no response to oral steroid tablets, then Ear surgeon will discuss with your option of injecting steroid medication directly into the middle ear. This is known as an intratympanic steroid injection. This can be done under local anaesthetic by just numbing the ear canal or full general anaesthetic.  On the day of the injection, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.  You will need two to three such doses. In most cases, puncture created by the needle to inject medication closes in two to three weeks. 

Such possible complications of this procedure are bleeding, infection, dizziness,  hole in the eardrum and no response to the injection. Tinnitus is generally due to hearing loss due to disease rather than procedure. Complications are very rare.

Studies show a different response rate to steroid injection. In general patients with high BMI, cholesterol, and blood glucose (metabolic syndrome) have a poor prognosis. Always check with the surgeon about results in his hands.

Is sensorineural hearing loss reversible?

 Evidence is early intervention within 72hours of symptoms have good prognosis and recovery.

What treatment options do I have if have no response to medical treatment and injections?
If someone has no response to treatment, then he or she may need support with tinnitus, hyperacusis (sensitive to sounds) and hearing loss. Tinnitus and hyperacusis are managed by masking, tinnitus retraining and cognitive behaviour therapy. For hearing rehabilitation options are cross hearing aid and bone anchored hearing aid.  


Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

To make an appointment 

Book Online

Call 07494914140

email info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant



Popular Post

Are you thinking of your ears pinned back / pinnaplasty?

Before you make your appointment with your surgeon for pinnaplasty or otoplasty? When you decide to have your ear pinned back or any cosmetic procedure think what exactly you want to change in shape. Ear shape had been prominent for a long time so what exactly triggered to go for the procedure. Evidence suggests that having prominent ears can affect self-esteem and confidence. Next thing to do research about your procedure, recovery and possible complications and outcome. It is always good to write any query you have before you do your consultation. What is the cost involved for pinnaplasty or otoplasty? The average cost of ear correction surgery (pinnaplasty) in the UK ranges from £3500 - £5000. You should always think of any additional cost of consultation or investigations required. It is very important to discuss this with the hospital and surgeon as cosmetic surgery are not covered by most insurance companies and on NHS. What makes our ears look prominent? ...
Read more

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Are you unable to pop your ears or feeling pressure in your ears? Eustachian tube dysfunction is a very common problem after flu or cold or even after long haul flight when you feel hearing is muffled, feel pressure around the ears and sometimes you feel as if you are underwater. Good news is most of the time it is temporary.  If you try decongestants, antihistamine ( hay fever tablets ) and Valsalva (ie try and pop your ears) things should improve after a few days to a week. Why do we have symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction? The eustachian tube is present at the back of our nose and connects the nose to the middle ear. It is there to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The eustachian tube also helps in clearing normal mucus from the middle ear.  Hence opening and closing of this ventilation tube are very important for hearing. Normally every time we yawn and chew this tube opens and closes without us noticing it. So, if this opening of ventila...
Read more

Quinsy Abscess

 How to tell the difference between tonsillitis and quinsy? 🤔🩺 Tonsillitis vs. Quinsy: Spotting the Differences 🩺🤔   Feeling under the weather with a sore throat? It's essential to know the difference between tonsillitis and quinsy. Here's how to tell them apart:   1. Tonsillitis:   Symptoms: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and possibly a cough and hoarse voice. Cause: Usually viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or strep throat. Treatment: Rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis. 2. Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess):   Symptoms: Severe sore throat on one side, difficulty swallowing, fever, drooling, muffled voice, swollen tonsil on one side, swollen uvula, and possibly a visible abscess on the tonsil. Cause: Complication of untreated or inadequately treated tonsillit...
Read more

Why Some People Can't Stop Coughing

  Understanding Refractory Chronic Cough: What You Need to Know   Have you ever faced a cough that simply refuses to subside?   While most coughs resolve independently, some persist for an unacceptable length of time—weeks, months, or even years. This condition is known as refractory chronic cough (RCC), and it is a significant issue that demands attention in the medical community, especially among specialists in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care.   In this blog post, we will clearly outline what RCC is, why it occurs, and the most promising treatments available to those suffering from relentless coughing.     What is Refractory Chronic Cough?   A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. For many individuals, it is associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or certain medications. However, there are instances where the cough continues even after these underlying causes have been effectively ad...
Read more

Tonsil Stones or Tonsilloliths

Where do Tonsil Stones come from? Tonsil stones or tonsillolith are formed in the tiny crevices on the tonsil surface. Tonsils are present at the back of the throat. Two large tonsils on each side can catch food particles when we eat. This food debris can accumulate bacteria and give a bad smell. This mixture of bacteria and food debris can become solid to form tonsil stones. Can Tonsil Stones go away on their own? Tonsil stones form due to food particle and bacteria. You can prevent stone formation by regularly rinsing mouth after every meal, good oral hygiene and dental care. Gargling with salt water and gentle use of bud to deliver the stones can help in some cases. Soft water floss can help keep tonsil surface clean. If you have, post nasal drip due to sinusitis, seeking treatment advice from ENT surgeon can help. You should not use sharp objects to clean tonsil stones or make tonsil surface bleed. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause? Tonsil ston...
Read more

Boil in the Ear canal can be very painful...

How do I know I have boil in the ear canal? The ear canal is lined by skin up to the eardrum. Skin in the outer third of the ear canal has hair follicles. Hair follicles can get infected with bacteria and can form boil or furunculosis. It is challenging to look in our own ear canal. You can only feel a bump in the ear canal entrance which is tender to touch. Why is so painful when we have boil in the ear? Ear canal skin is very tightly attached to underlying cartilage. So any swelling in the skin stretches it and makes it very sore to touch. How do we get boil in the ear canal?  Most common causes of boil in the canal is dryness of the skin and trauma. Dry skin leads to cracks and these cracks can get infected. People who use dry earbuds, fingers, towel edges or pens and traumatise ear canal skin, which can get infected with bacteria. How do I release the temptation of using earbuds? Some people can get very dry skin due to sensitivity to soup, shampoo o...
Read more

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

  Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream   If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product.   Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses   Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and...
Read more

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...
Read more

Bleeding From Ears

  Why is my Q-tip bleeding from my ear?   It can be alarming if you've ever noticed blood on your Q-tip after cleaning your ears. Here are a few reasons why this might happen:   🚫 Avoid Inserting Q-tips Too Deep: The most common cause of bleeding is inserting Q-tips too far into the ear canal. This can lead to irritation, scratches, or even damage to the delicate ear tissues.   🩹 Ear Injuries or Scratches: Vigorous or improper cleaning can cause small injuries or scratches inside the ear canal. These injuries may result in bleeding when you use a Q-tip.   🩸 Ear Infections: Infections like otitis externa or swimmer's ear can make the ear canal more sensitive. Cleaning during an active infection can cause bleeding.   🔄 Wax Impaction: Excessive earwax can cause blockages, leading to a feeling of fullness and impaired hearing. Attempting to clean it out with a Q-tip may cause bleeding, especially if the wax is impacted.   👂 What to Do...
Read more

Retracted Ear Drum

  What Is a Retracted Eardrum? A retracted eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane retraction, is a condition where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is pulled inward or drawn backwards from its normal position. The eardrum is a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear, where the auditory ossicles (small bones) are located.   Under normal circumstances, the eardrum is slightly concave and positioned at an angle that allows it to respond to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tube, a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.   However, in cases of a retracted eardrum, the Eustachian tube might not function correctly or become blocked, leading to an imbalance in pressure. When negative pressure builds up in the middle ear, it causes the eardrum t...
Read more