In the case of acute hearing loss patients immediately to the ENT doctor

dull, „cottony“ Feeling in the ear often indicates sudden hearing loss

15/01/2014

Just then every sound was clearly heard, but suddenly a dull sound emerges, „cottony“ Feeling in the ear and hearing is limited. In such a case, it is usually a so-called “Sudden Hearing Loss“, which can vary greatly and can range from relatively harmless to complete deafness. Circulatory disorders in the inner ear, autoimmune diseases or stress: There are many possible causes, but the concrete mechanism of development has not yet been clarified.

Loss of hearing usually occurs quite suddenly without any apparent cause
„All of a sudden, I had such a dull, waddling sensation in my ear that I could not hear properly anymore“ - This is how many patients describe their symptoms before the doctor makes the diagnosis „Sudden Hearing Loss“ provides. A sudden loss of hearing, too „ear infarction“ usually occurs completely abruptly, without apparent cause and in many cases only on one side. Next to the „dull, tattered feeling“ In the ear, the loss of hearing is associated with a reduced hearing, which remain relatively low, but in severe cases can also mean complete hearing loss. But the diagnosis of a hearing loss is not easy, because the concrete triggers can not be determined. Therefore, according to Professor Karl Hörmann of the German Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Bonn a so-called „diagnosis of exclusion“ posed: „When the cause of the hearing loss is cleared up - for example a middle ear infection or a bang trauma - one does not speak of a hearing loss, but only if one has found no other reason“, explains the physician to the „world“.

Hypertension and metabolic disorders as possible causes
There are many theories about the causes of a hearing loss, but the concrete mechanisms of their formation are still not clear: „For example, in the area of ​​the inner ears hypoxia or metabolic disorders are suspected as well as circulatory disorders in narrow blood vessels, "explains Michael Deeg of the German Association of Otolaryngologists compared to the newspaper.High blood pressure, as well as high levels of fat and cholesterol may according to Professor Hörmann In addition, there are the expert according to how individuals deal with stressful situations.There are also other suspected risk factors such as obesity, smoking and lipid metabolism disorders, which may be too could lead to a hearing loss.

Loss of hearing can also be a symptom of diabetes or arteriosclerosis
Anyone who has good strategies for personal stress reduction would probably be less vulnerable to repeated hearing loss, according to Hörmann: „In general, the hearing loss is a one-time event, but in less resilient people, the inner ear can develop into a stress organ, so that their hearing curve decreases again and again with larger strains“, so the doctor continues to the newspaper. Often it does not stay that way „just“ Diminished hearing and a dull feeling in the ear, dizziness, tinnitus or a strong sensitivity to noise are common. In addition, a sudden onset of acute hearing loss can also be symptom of another disease, such as a closure of the ear canal by the so-called „earwax“ (Cerumen), a skull base or shingles, but also atherosclerosis or diabetes mellitus.

For hearing changes immediately to the doctor
Accordingly, in the case of changed hearing and a „wattigem“ Feeling in the ear as soon as possible to make an appointment with the ear specialist or ear, nose and throat specialist - to rule out other diseases and to be able to start treatment quickly. Since the exact cause of the hearing loss is not known, it is difficult to treat a sudden hearing loss - instead exist according to Michael Deeg of the German Professional Association of Otolaryngologists a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as the use of cortisone to combat inflammation and Swelling in the inner ear or infusions to improve blood flow.

Stress management for the prevention of an acute hearing loss
However, if one suspects that stress was the primary cause of the sudden onset of the hearing, it is important to learn to deal with stress in a lasting manner, such as tinnitus, in addition to medical treatment. There are many opportunities for stress reduction such as sports, relaxation techniques (for example, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation), hypnosis or yoga. In addition, naturopathy offers a number of natural „Stress-killers“ Such as Schuessler salts, homeopathy or aromatherapy, which have proven in many cases. „Especially lavender is useful here, because its ingredients have a calming effect on stressful situations, help with insomnia and to reduce anxiety. Even with high blood pressure or stomach problems as a result of stress lavender often works wonders“, so the naturopath Susanne Hoppe from Hannover. The effect can be achieved very quickly and easily by, for example, lavender oil is added to the bath water or dried lavender flowers are placed in small fragrance bags on the pillow. (No)