Fluctuating Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world's population has had some kind of disabling hearing loss. That percentage rises with age, and it's expected to grow even higher by 2050.
Hearing is one of your most vital senses, so you should care if something changes with it. At best, fluctuating hearing loss is annoying. At worst, it can disrupt your quality of life.
Here's your guide on the cause of hearing changes, symptoms, and your hearing treatment options.
What is Fluctuating Hearing Loss?
Fluctuating hearing loss is a condition where an individual experiences periodic changes in their ability to hear. The severity can vary over time, with some episodes lasting only a few hours. At other times, the hearing loss may last for multiple days or weeks.
This type of hearing can affect one or both ears. It may be temporary or progressive depending on the cause.
Causes of Hearing Changes
Several factors can cause variable hearing loss. Some of the causes can be solved with medication and a physician's intervention. Others are much more difficult and may require a hearing aid or changes in your lifestyle.
Meniere's Disease
One of the leading causes of intermittent hearing impairment is Meniere's disease. This disorder is characterized by:
- Sudden episodes of vertigo
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Fluctuating hearing loss in one or both ears
The disease is believed to be caused by abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear. Hearing changes may occur unpredictably.
Ear Infections and Fluid Buildup
Middle ear infections can cause temporary hearing changes due to inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. Fluid may remain trapped even after the infection has cleared.
Chronic or recurrent infections can damage the eardrum and middle ear structures. These can increase the risk of long-term hearing problems.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. It regulates pressure within the ear. If it becomes blocked or malfunctions, that can cause hearing impairment.
Seniors may encounter dysfunction due to:
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Cold or flu
- Altitude changes
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disorder (AIED)
AIED is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the inner ear. Left untreated, this rare condition will worsen over time. Some other side effects include dizziness or tinnitus.
In many cases, early treatment can help preserve hearing and limit fluctuations.
Noise-Induced Changes
Temporary hearing loss can occur due to exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, machinery, or firearms. In most cases, this change in hearing should resolve within a few hours or days. Repeated noise exposure can cause permanent damage, though.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a condition in which abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes conductive hearing loss. As it grows more, your intermittent hearing difficulties will become more consistent.
Hormonal Changes and Medications
Certain hormonal fluctuations can influence a person's auditory health. Seniors with thyroid disorders will notice this if they skip taking their medications.
In addition, some ototoxic drugs like certain antibiotics and diuretics can cause hearing fluctuations. The same goes for any chemotherapy agents.
Symptoms of Variable Hearing Loss
People with fluctuating hearing loss may experience:
- Sudden hearing changes
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Tinnitus and ringing in the ears
- Unusual ear fullness or pressure
- Episodes of dizziness or imbalance
These symptoms will appear randomly or even in response to certain triggers such as stress and fatigue. It's also important to stay aware of environmental changes that could affect your hearing.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Knowing your hearing treatment options starts with a diagnosis. An audiologist or ENT specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your hearing loss. These tests could include hearing tests, MRI scans, and blood tests.
An accurate diagnosis of your auditory health should lead to one of these treatment options.
Medications
The most commonly prescribed medication for hearing loss is steroids. These can reduce inflammation caused by AIED or Meniere's disease.
Antibiotics treat bacterial ear infections. Antihistamines and decongestants relieve symptoms related to allergies.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes may be necessary for seniors with fluctuating hearing loss.
Reduced sodium intake can help manage fluid buildup. Avoid loud noise exposure to protect against further hearing damage. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support auditory health.
Personalized chronic care strategies in senior communities can help residents manage these changes.
Hearing Aids
Seniors with persistent fluctuations may benefit from hearing aids with adjustable settings. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can also improve communication in most environments.
Keep in mind that most doctors will only prescribe these after attempting to correct your hearing through other methods.
Surgical Intervention
Surgical intervention can help if the cause of your hearing loss is structural.
Pressure equalization tubes may be inserted in cases of chronic ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Stapedectomy surgery can treat otosclerosis.
Seniors with severe hearing loss may opt for cochlear implants. These bypass the damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Seniors who have undergone recent procedures may wish to stay in an assisted living community temporarily while they recover. They can receive the help they need, especially if they need to be careful with bending over or straining themselves.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Balance issues are a common side effect of inner ear disorders. Vestibular rehabilitation can help reduce dizziness and improve stability.
VRT involves a series of customized exercises that help retrain the brain to process signals from the vestibular system. This system controls balance and spatial orientation.
Preserve Your Ability to Hear
If seniors notice fluctuating hearing loss, they should seek their doctor's advice as soon as possible. Their doctor may be able to solve the problem with some medications. They may also find something more serious that needs immediate treatment.
LakeHouse Fond du Lac is an assisted living community located in Fond du Lac, WI. Our residents can enjoy a cozy community with stunning gardens and amenities, such as a library and a hair salon. Contact us with any inquiries and to schedule a tour.