High School Student Suffers Sudden Tinnitus, Diagnosed with Ear Stroke; Golden 72 Hours Crucial for Hearing Recovery

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (CNA) - Deng, a senior high school student in Taichung, suddenly experienced tinnitus accompanied by significant hearing loss earlier this year and was diagnosed with an "ear stroke." Emergency treatment helped him recover his hearing. Doctors remind the public that if they suddenly experience unilateral tinnitus and hearing loss, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid missing the golden treatment period.

The Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital held a health education press conference today, attended by Deng and his family. Deng stated that during his preparation for the college entrance exams earlier this year, on a weekend while on his way home, he suddenly experienced tinnitus in his right ear. Initially, he thought it was due to changes in ear pressure while passing through mountainous areas and didn't pay much attention. However, by that afternoon, the symptoms worsened significantly, accompanied by noticeable hearing loss and physical discomfort, prompting him to seek emergency care at the hospital.

Dr. Lai Wenshen, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, explained at the conference that after evaluation by the medical team, the patient was diagnosed with sudden deafness, commonly known as "ear stroke." This is an otological emergency often related to viral infections, poor inner ear blood circulation, tissue hypoxia, or inflammatory responses.

Lai Wenshen pointed out that the key to treating sudden deafness is "racing against time." If the golden treatment period is missed, it can lead to irreversible damage to the auditory nerve, potentially resulting in permanent hearing impairment. Especially during exam preparation, students often have irregular routines and high stress levels, making them prone to ignoring warning signs from their bodies.

With the simultaneous intervention of medication and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Deng's recovery was very satisfactory. After two days of intensive treatment, his tinnitus and discomfort significantly subsided, and he successfully reversed the worsening hearing symptoms within 72 hours, being discharged on the sixth day of treatment.

Lai Wenshen reminded the public that if they suddenly experience unilateral tinnitus, ear fullness, hearing loss, or accompanying symptoms such as dizziness or nausea, they should seek medical attention immediately to seize the golden treatment period and effectively reduce the risk of permanent hearing damage. Students preparing for exams, in particular, should be more vigilant due to academic pressure and changes in their routines, which can lead them to overlook bodily signals. They should not take any sudden hearing abnormalities lightly to avoid missing the opportunity for treatment. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150708

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