Q If I receive treatment diligently for sudden hearing loss, can I hear exactly as before?
A With prompt treatment and favorable recovery factors, full recovery is possible, but statistically this applies to about one-third of cases. Even when full recovery is difficult, reducing tinnitus, easing the blocked sensation, and protecting the remaining hearing are realistic and meaningful goals.
Detailed Answer
The chance of full recovery from sudden hearing loss varies greatly with the degree of initial hearing loss, the timing of treatment, and accompanying symptoms. When treatment begins within 72 hours for a mild loss, the chance of full recovery is relatively high. However, not every patient returns to how they were before. Realistically, recovering auditory quality of life by improving hearing while minimizing tinnitus, the blocked sensation in the ear, and dizziness is an important goal.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang addresses not only numerical hearing recovery but also real-life problems such as being unable to sleep because of tinnitus or finding conversation difficult. Even when full recovery is difficult, protecting the remaining hearing, reducing the bother of tinnitus, and lowering the risk of recurrence in the other ear are important over the long term. Stabilizing the whole body's circulation and constitution through treatment makes it possible to pursue all of these goals together.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Tinnitus came along with my sudden hearing loss. If the hearing loss heals, will the tinnitus naturally get better too?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Dizziness came along with my sudden hearing loss. Does accompanying dizziness mean a worse prognosis?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
When sudden hearing loss occurs, are there things I should do right away at home and things I must not do?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
While I am in treatment, what daily habits help my recovery?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
One ear suddenly cannot hear. Can I just wait, or should I go to the hospital right away?
#Safety