Tinnitus and hearing loss are tough enough to handle individually, but when they occur simultaneously in one ear, they become a double whammy, not just affecting your hearing health but also wreaking havoc on your overall quality of life.
Understanding what is behind their coexistence is the first step toward getting answers and relief. Below, we discuss the potential causes of tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear, when it is time to seek professional treatment, and how an ENT specialist can address both issues.
Unilateral Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: The Possible Culprits
There are certain medical issues, of which tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear are among the common symptoms. Some of these conditions are easily treated, while others need specialized—or, sometimes, immediate—care.
In this section, we talk about a few of the possible culprits for tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear and why timely, professional intervention matters.
1) Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage)
This seemingly minor issue can cause equally disruptive problems. When wax builds up in the ear canal, it can block sound from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss and tinnitus. The pressure caused by the blockage can also irritate the ear’s delicate structures, leading to pain and even dizziness.
Professional earwax removal is important not only for maintaining optimal hearing but also for protecting the ears against irritation and infection.
2) Otosclerosis
This condition occurs when there is abnormal bone growth in the middle or inner ear, usually around the stapes bone. Also called the stirrup, this tiny bone is responsible for sending sound vibrations into the inner ear. The bone growth prevents the stapes from vibrating as it should, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus, which often start in one ear and progress to the other.
Early detection and treatment are key to slowing the progression of otosclerosis, mitigating its impact on hearing, and maintaining good quality of life.
3) Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is a rare disorder characterized by recurring bouts of tinnitus, one-sided hearing loss, vertigo, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. It develops due to excess fluid accumulating in a part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. The fluid buildup creates pressure deep inside the ear, affecting both hearing and balance.
Ménière’s disease is also a progressive condition with no known cure. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimizing the severity and duration of flare-ups, preserving hearing, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
4) Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor that forms on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. As the tumor puts pressure on the nerve, it interferes with the transmission of sound signals, leading to tinnitus and gradual hearing loss in one ear.
While typically benign, acoustic neuromas can also grow very large and press on the brainstem, causing fluid to build up in the brain—a life-threatening complication that can be prevented with prompt intervention.
Other Factors that Cause Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in One Ear
Not all cases of one-sided tinnitus and hearing loss are linked to medical conditions. Some can stem from other factors, including normal wear and tear and a person’s habits and occupation, as outlined below:
- Aging – As we get older, the structures in our ears, especially the tiny hair cells in the cavity of the inner ear known as the cochlea, naturally begin to wear out. These hair cells are crucial for detecting sound and sending signals to the brain. Over time, they become less sensitive or stop working altogether.
- Exposure to loud noise – Loud noise—whether due to using power tools, gunfire, or listening to blasting music through headphones—can also damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss, which often starts gradually and may affect only one ear, especially if the exposure was uneven. For example, a musician standing next to an amplifier on one side, or someone frequently using their phone in just one ear.
- Sticking objects into the ear or using cotton swabs – Both of these habits can injure the ear canal and lead to unilateral tinnitus and hearing loss.
- Taking ototoxic medications – There are certain medications that are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can potentially damage the inner ear and affect hearing and balance. Diuretics (water pills), pain relievers, and chemotherapy drugs are among the most commonly reported ototoxic drugs.
Understanding these factors can help you take the right steps, like using hearing protection, avoiding risky habits, and reviewing your medications with your healthcare provider, to protect your hearing health.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear are not usually cause for concern, there are instances where they warrant proper medical attention. If you experience them for more than a few weeks, or if they come on suddenly, worsen quickly, or are accompanied by vertigo or balance problems, ear fullness, or facial weakness, do not wait it out.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you and see a medical professional, ideally an ENT specialist, for proper evaluation at the first sign.
What an ENT Specialist Can Do
The right treatment for unilateral tinnitus and hearing loss depends on the underlying cause, which is why seeing an ENT specialist is important. Your ENT doctor can run the necessary tests to pinpoint the root cause and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Top-Notch Treatment for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in Georgetown, TX
If you are in Georgetown, TX, your go-to for first-rate treatment for tinnitus and hearing loss is Dr. Scott Franklin here at Georgetown ENT. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Franklin has spent his career providing unparalleled hearing care services to people of all ages, helping them connect with and enjoy the sounds of the world around them.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin, reach out to us at (512) 869-0604, or use this online form.
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