Introduction
Overall, loss of hearing or deafness is most commonly caused by ear disorders such as ear infections, noise-induced hearing loss and age related hearing loss. All these ear disorders are not really important because they are not life-threatening conditions.
However, occasionally, loss of hearing or deafness can be caused by life-threatening neurological disorders.
What are the neurological disorders that can cause loss of hearing or deafness?
Stroke
Hearing loss of deafness, when started suddenly over a few minutes to half an hour, is most likely caused by Stroke. This is usually caused by blockage of the blood vessel in the brain. Patients with Stroke usually have other symptoms such as numbness, dizziness (vertigo), facial muscle weakness, difficulty in swallowing and unsteadiness. The symptoms of Stroke start suddenly, within a few minutes to half an hour.
Brain Tumour
Brain tumor can present as hearing loss or deafness, which started slowly over a period of a few weeks to a few months.
Other symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, headache and unsteadiness.
What will the Neurologist do for patients with loss of hearing or deafness?
The Neurologist will perform physical examination, blood tests and MRI scan of the brain. Some patients will be referred to the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists.
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