H90.42

Clinical Causes: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) Exposure to loud noises over time Head trauma or injury Infections affecting the inner ear, such as meningitis or vestibular neuritis Ototoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs Genetic factors or hereditary conditions Acoustic neuroma or other benign tumors affecting the auditory nerve Sudden sensorineural hearing loss due to unknown causes (idiopathic) Underlying neurological conditions or diseases like multiple sclerosis

Key Symptoms: Sudden or gradual decrease in hearing ability in the left ear Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments Perception of muffled or distorted sounds Ringing or buzzing in the affected ear (tinnitus) Sensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis) Feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear Balance issues in some cases, depending on inner ear involvement

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a comprehensive hearing assessment performed by an audiologist, including pure-tone audiometry to determine the level and configuration of hearing loss. Additional tests such as speech discrimination scores, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing may be employed to evaluate inner ear and nerve function. Medical examination often includes physical assessments and may involve imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to identify potential underlying causes such as tumors or structural abnormalities.

Treatment Protocols: Hearing aids fitted specifically for the affected ear to amplify sounds Corticosteroids or medications for sudden sensorineural loss, if diagnosed early Surgical intervention in cases involving tumors or structural abnormalities Cochlear implants in severe cases where hearing aids are ineffective Assistive listening devices or communication strategies for better speech understanding Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals