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Can delayed-onset sudden hearing loss be caused by ear trauma?

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I’m looking for opinions or similar experiences regarding a case of possible trauma-induced sudden hearing loss with delayed onset.

Here’s what happened:
• On March 7th, I was involved in a physical altercation where my left ear was pulled violently.
• I had significant bruising, swelling, and a laceration behind the ear, deep enough to require stitches.
• The area remained sore and tender for weeks, but I didn’t notice hearing loss at that time.

Then, on April 26th (about 6 weeks later), I suddenly experienced a “pop” or pressure sensation, followed by high-pitched tinnitus and a muffled feeling in the same ear.
I went to an on April 28th, and a hearing test confirmed high-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss ().

I’ve asked multiple doctors whether the trauma could be related, but all of them say it’s unlikely because of the time gap. However, the coincidence in timing and the fact that it happened in the exact same ear make me question that.

My questions:
• Is it possible for trauma to cause delayed-onset SSNHL (weeks after the injury)?
• Are there any documented cases of gradual microvascular damage or nerve dysfunction after ear trauma leading to hearing loss?
• Could stress or autonomic dysfunction post-trauma be a trigger?

Any insights from ENT professionals or people with similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I read your whole post.
In the first sentence, you request opinions. I usually have some.
In the very last sentence you seem to qualify that request to ’s or those with specific experience.
Wish I had known that you don’t just want my opinion… before I read the whole thing.
But seriously… I cannot think it was totally coincidental. The timing is relatively close. I mean in all your borne days, never had that sudden loss.
It is in the same ear.
So I think you need to find a few pros who agree with you… a few lawyers.
And eventually in a few decades… you may get some financial relief… if you are not able to schedule any further altercations sooner.

Disclaimer: I sometimes am a big tease with a wicked sense of humor.
Usually there is a trigger… in this case, the title containing both “delayed” and “sudden” did just that not to mention your last sentence.
And seriously - I do hope you can have a full and speedy recovery.

Edited

Did you have an or HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) performed?

Ideally, both—MRI for cochlea, nerve, and soft tissue assessment; HRCT with bone window for bone assessment.

If your trauma was only to the outer ear (pinna and scalp) without blunt trauma from a hit, it is somewhat less probable that this would shift your bone conduction thresholds, suggesting cochlear damage.

What is your , including bone and air conduction thresholds? Did you start steroid therapy, and additionally, hyperbaric therapy?

@yoon said:

Are there any documented cases of gradual microvascular damage or nerve dysfunction after ear trauma leading to hearing loss?

Don’t know about the cases, however, I know that cochlea and its nerve has different source of vasculature than ear pinna.

@yoon said:

Could stress or autonomic dysfunction post-trauma be a trigger?

Don’t know for sure. Theoretically yes, but that delay makes it less probable.

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