Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a disease that occurs abruptly

I heard that after recovering from COVID-19, there can be lingering symptoms following an incubation period, and one of these symptoms related to the ear. However, there is no clear pathological connection, so I wonder if sudden sensorineural hearing loss can also occur after several days or even years. Anyway, perhaps because of that, while I was working, I suddenly felt a slight blockage in my ear, and gradually the sensation of ear congestion worsened. At that moment, I thought it was a serious issue, so I searched online and learned that if sudden sensorineural hearing loss is left untreated, it can lead to decreased hearing and permanent disability. I informed my supervisor about the situation and immediately went to the hospital.

I went to a nearby ENT clinic and told the doctor about my sudden ear symptoms. The doctor also mentioned that it could become quite serious, and after conducting a hearing test, they found that I could hear sounds but couldn't clearly identify the exact symptoms, so they couldn't definitively say it was sudden hearing loss. They suggested I might need to go to a larger hospital. They first prescribed a three-day course of antibiotics. After finishing the medication and returning, my condition hadn't improved. This time, they performed a pressure test on my ear, but they couldn't find the cause of the problem either, so they prescribed stronger medication. They also advised that if there was no improvement, I should go to a larger hospital.

After taking the medication again, I started to feel better, but during the holiday, I ran out of medicine, and my symptoms worsened. This time, I even experienced dizziness, so I visited an ENT specialist again on a weekday. The doctor said it would be difficult to treat here and suggested going to a larger hospital. They wrote a medical certificate and prescribed a one-week course of medication, including antibiotics. After consistently taking the medication, fortunately, the symptoms of sudden hearing loss improved, and I believe that the quick visit and prompt treatment helped in recovery.

The doctor also advised not to let our guard down and to continue taking medication, so antibiotics could not be prescribed for more than two weeks. Since the symptoms improved, he re-prescribed a two-week supply of medication that is helpful for the ear and safe to take frequently. As expected, after taking it consistently, the sudden hearing loss symptoms completely recovered.

After experiencing this sudden hearing loss, I truly believe that no matter what disease it is, prevention is key, and if even a slight abnormality occurs in the body, going to the hospital immediately is the right thing to do. I have learned this lesson. I urge everyone not to hold back and avoid going to the hospital just to save money, because delaying treatment can lead to even greater expenses. Please visit the hospital promptly.

Lastly, sudden deafness is a truly more frightening disease than I thought, and I am grateful that I can hear well, see well, and am not in pain. Everyone, health is prevention. Always avoid overexertion, exercise steadily enough to feel good, and make sure to get regular health check-ups~~!!