An “ear stroke” refers to a specific and serious condition affecting the ear, not the brain. It describes a rapid and significant change in hearing. This condition requires prompt medical evaluation.
The Condition Behind the Name
The medical term for what is colloquially called an “ear stroke” is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). SSNHL is characterized by a rapid decrease in hearing, occurring over a period of up to 72 hours. This rapid hearing loss most frequently affects only one ear. It results from damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear, such as the tiny hair cells within the cochlea, or to the auditory nerve. SSNHL is considered a medical emergency because early intervention can significantly improve the chances of hearing recovery.
The condition affects approximately 5 to 20 people per 100,000 annually, with many cases going unreported. While it can affect individuals of any age, it is most common in adults between 50 and 60 years old.
Identifying the Symptoms
People experiencing SSNHL notice a sudden drop in their hearing. This often happens in one ear, and some individuals discover the hearing loss upon waking. The change can be profound, making conversational speech sound like a whisper.
Other symptoms often accompany SSNHL. Many report tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the affected ear. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear is also common. Some individuals may experience dizziness or vertigo, a sensation of spinning or imbalance.
Potential Triggers
In many instances, the specific cause of SSNHL remains unknown, with approximately 90% of cases being idiopathic. However, several potential triggers have been identified. Viral infections are frequently suspected, as many people report a preceding cold or respiratory illness. These infections, or the inflammation they cause, may damage the inner ear’s sensitive structures or its blood supply.
Other known causes, though less common, include autoimmune diseases where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Vascular problems, head trauma, and certain medications toxic to the ear also represent potential triggers. Rarely, a growth on the auditory nerve can be the underlying reason for sudden hearing loss.
Seeking Timely Care
Seeking prompt medical attention for SSNHL is crucial. The window for effective treatment is narrow, and early intervention significantly improves the chances of hearing recovery. Contact a primary physician, urgent care, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist immediately upon noticing symptoms.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive hearing test, known as pure tone audiometry, to confirm the extent and type of hearing loss. This test measures how loud different frequencies of sound need to be heard. The most common treatment involves corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the inner ear. These steroids may be administered orally or through injections directly into the ear. While some individuals may experience spontaneous recovery, especially with milder hearing loss, initiating steroid therapy within two weeks of onset offers the best prognosis for regaining hearing.