WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE HEARING LOSS?
Autoimmune hearing loss is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the inner ear resulting in temporary to long-term deafness. With early diagnosis and treatment it is possible to prevent permanent hearing loss.
Autoimmune hearing loss is a disease that is believed by many to have genetic ties, but scientific studies have yet to confirm this. It is also possible that allergic reactions and nutritional factors may be involved with the condition. Indeed there have been varied findings and as a result, the observations and corresponding treatments of autoimmune hearing loss change as more is learned.
The discovery of how and why autoimmune hearing loss occurs is very new to the deaf studies community. Although there are some solid hypotheses, the disease itself is not yet completely understood. What is known for sure is that autoimmune hearing loss occurs between the ages of 20-55 usually and is marked by a rapid and sudden loss of hearing along with a great deal of dizziness and confusion. Oftentimes people who suffer from autoimmune hearing loss also lose their sense of balance due and experience vertigo or a sense of falling. .
If you suffer from autoimmune hearing loss then your immune system is being triggered inappropriately. It actually starts destroying your inner ear as it misinterprets the membranes as a threat. This is why people with autoimmune hearing loss often hear sudden ringing and hissing in their ears that accompanies the loss of balance and the ability to hear. The ringing and hissing is often attributed to tinnitus which is a common symptom of autoimmune hearing loss but is really its own condition.
Due to the fact that the actual study and discovery of autoimmune hearing loss is fairly new, there is not a lot of information available yet about treatment and prevention of the condition. However, it has been found that the sooner autoimmune hearing loss is diagnosed and discovered the better chance you have of making a complete or near complete recovery.
Steroid treatment in those that can tolerate it has been found to be very effective in reducing the deterioration of hearing. Nutritional handlings to reduce allergic reactions and increase blood flow may also be found helpful
Autoimmune hearing loss does not typically strike people until adulthood, so if your child exhibits signs of loss of hearing they probably have a different disease.
For the safety of everyone including yourself, if you think you have autoimmune hearing loss you should seek help from a doctor immediately to reduce possible long term damage. It is recommended that refrain from driving. It is recommended that you avoid activities that could be harmful to you or others until you receive for the disease until your sense of balance is restored.
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