Frequent flyers facing sudden hearing loss disorder in India

Frequent flyers facing sudden hearing loss disorder in India

Mumbai- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss SNHL can strike anybody, even the healthy physique, with no apparent warning as per medical experts in Mumbai. Well-known playback singer Alka Yagnik recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare form of hearing loss, a disorder which has forced her to cancel all her concerts. Loud noise, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities like diabetes, autoimmune disorders like arthritis, and cancer drugs can also impair hearing suddenly. Change in the middle ear pressure while scuba diving or flying (frequent flyers) can damage the inner ear, causing sudden but temporary deafness. If this happens repeatedly, deafness can become permanent. Giving more information on this Dr. Binhi Desai ENT and Voice Surgeon- Otorhinolaryngologist, Founder of ‘SWAR Voice and Swallowing clinic’ at Apex Superspeciality Hospital, Borivali, says, Viral Sudden onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss ( SSNHL) is an ENT emergency condition, which is characterized by rapid onset of hearing loss or a progressive loss over 12-24 hours. Certain viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus(HZV), HIV, hepatitis virus, measles virus, rubella virus, mumps virus, Lassa virus, and enterovirus are commonly associated with the condition. During the COVID pandemic, there were many cases of sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss. The incidence of SSNHL is 5 to 20 cases per 100,000 people per year. The patient complains of sudden onset hearing loss over 12-24 hours.

Dr. Binhi Desai ENT and Voice Surgeon further added, it can be unilateral or bilateral. One must visit an ENT surgeon at the earliest, since 72 hours is a golden period. Results are better if treatment is started within the first 1-2 weeks. There are multiple treatment options available. The treatment is mainly in the form of steroids, vasodilators, anti-viral, antibiotics. Intra- tympanic steroid injection is a novel technique and a very useful procedure which gives excellent results along with intravenous treatment. The prognosis is guarded. The earlier the treatment is started, the better is the prognosis. If the above treatment fails, hearing aids, cochlear implant and assistive hearing devices can be offered.

Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manage more than 350+ beds and provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.