07 Dec Hearing loss vs. tinnitus: that's the difference

As the clinical pictures of sudden hearing loss and ringing in the ears have some parallels, many patients think that they are one and the same disease. However, tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease in its own right. The ringing and ringing in the ears can go hand in hand with a sudden loss of hearing, but can also develop in other contexts. In addition, the causes of these two hearing disorders are different. In this article, we explain the differences between sudden hearing loss and tinnitus.

Hearing loss fact sheet: sound perception disorder, hearing loss and "ear infarction"

What is sudden deafness?

A sudden hearing loss is a hearing impairment that often occurs spontaneously. It is also referred to as sensorineural hearing loss, which can occur in one ear or, more rarely, in both ears at the same time. Those affected feel a dull pressure on the ear. They have the feeling of suddenly hearing through cotton wool and perceive sounds in a distorted way. Surrounding noises suddenly sound muffled, quiet and unclear. There may also be a furry feeling around the auricle. Many patients suffer from dizziness, nausea and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If this feeling occurs and does not subside within a few hours, you should visit our practice as a matter of urgency, because: A sudden loss of hearing can even lead to complete deafness.

What are the causes of sudden hearing loss?

There are several factors that can play a role, such as a circulatory disorder in the inner ear, which is why the term "ear infarction" is also used in this context. Inflammation or viral infections can also lead to sudden hearing loss. In many cases, high levels of psychological stress, as can occur in the case of private or professional stress, can also lead to or contribute to the development of sudden hearing loss. Triggers of a physical nature are also possible. These include, for example, problems with the cervical spine or the surrounding muscles. However, the cause of the hearing loss often remains unclear.

How can sudden hearing loss be treated?

It is important that you have yourself examined by us if you experience the above symptoms. This is the only way we can recognise sudden hearing loss in good time. The chances of recovery are high.

After we have carried out special analyses (Hearing diagnostics/audiometric testing) have confirmed the diagnosis, we begin treatment. Infusion therapy with cortisone is possible here in order to restore microcirculation in the inner ear. In addition or as an alternative, we offer medication in tablet form. If neither the infusion therapy nor the administration of tablets achieves the desired improvement, the so-called intratympanic cortisone injection can help. This involves anaesthetising the eardrum and injecting cortisone into the middle ear. The advantage here is that we achieve a significantly higher concentration of the medication in the cochlea or inner ear. The side effect rate of this treatment is very low.

We also advise you to avoid exposure to noise and stress as far as possible when treating sudden hearing loss. Massage and physiotherapy can be beneficial. Patients should stop or at least reduce physical exertion and factors that damage circulation, such as smoking.

Further information on treatment: Hearing loss therapy Frankfurt

Tinnitus fact sheet: Irregular hearing sensation with ringing in the ears

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an irregular hearing sensation on one or both sides. Patients hear noises for which there are no recognisable external sound waves. They usually perceive them as hissing, beeping, whistling or ringing.

There are two types: subjective and objective tinnitus. In the subjective variant, only the person affected perceives the noises. With objective tinnitus, which occurs more rarely, we can also hear the noises through a stethoscope.

Tinnitus is not a disease in its own right. The ringing in the ears is more of a symptom and occurs, for example, with a middle ear infection or sudden hearing loss.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is usually associated with diseases that cause hearing loss. These include, for example, sudden hearing loss, otosclerosis, inflammation of the auditory canal or inner ear, noise damage, acoustic trauma, Meniere's disease or age-related hearing loss. However, functional disorders of the cervical spine and shoulder/neck muscles, functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint (CMD) or neurological diseases such as acoustic schwannoma. Tinnitus can also occur with cardiovascular diseases and problems with blood pressure, constant stress and depression. Tinnitus can also be caused by side effects of certain medications (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, certain antibiotics, quinine and loop diuretics).

How can tinnitus be treated?

Before treatment can begin, the causes or the underlying disease with which the tinnitus is associated must be determined. It is therefore possible that investigations of the surrounding area are necessary in order to recognise the exact cause. In some cases, it is therefore necessary to work together with an internist, cardiologist, dentist, orthopaedist or neurologist.

After a detailed diagnosis, we begin treatment based on the initial findings. This means that the underlying disease should be treated. The therapy therefore ranges from the administration of medication (antibiotics for inflammation, cortisone for sudden hearing loss, antihypertensives for high blood pressure, etc.) to physiotherapeutic measures or CMD therapy.

Find out more about the topic here: Tinnitus therapy Frankfurt

Difference between sudden hearing loss and tinnitus: similar, but not the same

As you can see: A sudden loss of hearing is not the same as tinnitus - even if there are some similarities between the two. Tinnitus is a symptom that can occur with sudden hearing loss. If the sudden hearing loss is treated or improves, the acute tinnitus subsides. In some patients, however, the ringing in the ears persists and is considered to be a secondary symptom of sudden hearing loss.

Treatment Frankfurt: Difference between sudden hearing loss and tinnitus

If you experience acute hearing loss and/or ringing in the ears, we advise you to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt to make an appointment. We will examine you carefully and - if necessary - refer you to a colleague from another medical speciality. If the cause lies in the ENT area, we can help you with a customised therapy.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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ENT, ENT doctor, ENT doctor Frankfurt, ENT medicine, sudden deafness, Treating sudden deafness Frankfurt, Tinnitus, Treating tinnitus