Hearing loss is a common health challenge worldwide, with a huge number of people having difficulty hearing or total hearing loss. The condition is even more common in people who are 65 years or older. It is estimated that about 1 in 3 people within this age group has some type of hearing loss.
Although hearing loss is common among the older generation, it can affect anyone of any age. While various factors contribute to hearing loss, genetics also plays a role. In this guide, we look at the most common reasons that could lead to hearing loss within a year.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss presents in various ways, and the symptoms can vary depending on what is causing the problem. However, there are some common symptoms that you should look out for that indicate you might be experiencing hearing loss. Looking out for these symptoms can ensure you seek medical assistance in time. Some of these symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- A sensation of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Muffled sound
- Inability to hear clearly while in a noisy area
- Difficulty following conversation in a group
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises.
5 Causes of Hearing Loss Within a Year
In many cases, hearing loss can occur over a long period. Because the hearing loss is so slow, it makes it difficult to tell that your hearing is compromised. However, there are instances where the hearing loss can be more aggressive, and you can lose your hearing within a year. Some of the factors that could cause you to lose your hearing within a year include the following:
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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, or SSHL, is a condition that can lead to hearing loss within a short period. The condition often affects people in their 40s and 50sand most people who receive that diagnosis do not know the cause of the condition. In some isolated cases, the doctors may diagnose an identifiable cause, such as:
- Head trauma
- Some types of infection
- Autoimmune disease
- A problem with blood circulation
- An inner disorder such as Menier’s Disease
- Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis
- Exposure to certain medications, especially for cancer treatment
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Tumour
A tumour can also lead to rapid hearing loss within a year. A common type of tumour that can lead to hearing loss is Acoustic Neuroma, which doctors also refer to as vestibular schwannoma. It is a benign tumor that affects the nerves that join the brain and the inner ear.
The tumour affects the Schwann cells, which cover almost all the nerves in the body. When they multiply too fast around the eighth cranial nerve, you may develop an acoustic neuroma. The tumour can prevent the nerves’ ability to maintain balance and hearing.
Some of the effects of the tumor include hearing loss, headache, tinnitus, and facial numbness. The tumor can also pose risks to their health besides hearing loss. It is important to know that while the acoustic neuroma is slow to grow, once it starts imparting hearing, the progress can be quick, with hearing loss experienced within a year.
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Exposure to Loud Noises
Constant exposure to loud noises can also lead to hearing loss in less than a year. Factors such as the loudness and type of noise may determine how long it takes to experience hearing loss. However, you shouldn't take any risks. It is important to always ensure you have hearing protection when working in areas that have excessive noise.
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Traumatic Brain or Head Injuries
A traumatic brain injury or head injury can cause sudden hearing loss in one or both ears. The hearing loss can be conductive, which prevents sound from reaching the inner ear, or sensorineural, which means the structures in the inner ear or the auditory nerve have been damaged.
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Disease
Some diseases can cause hearing loss, such as:
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: This is an inflammatory condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear.
- Otosclerosis is a disease that affects the middle ear. It affects the small bones in this area, keeping them from moving, which can result in conductive hearing loss.
- Meniere's disease is an inner ear disease. Experts do not know the exact cause of the condition, but it can cause sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to take years to reveal itself. In some instances where the cause of the hearing loss is aggressive, it is possible to lose your hearing within a year.