Sudden Deafness Caused by Lifestyle Stress: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Stress caused by lifestyles in industrialised countries can affect numerous illnesses. Side effects of stress at the level of microcirculation are vasoconstriction, haemoconcentration and vascular occlusion. Reduced or restricted blood flow in the internal auditory artery of the inner ear can lead to sudden deafness. The extent of the damage depends on whether vascular occlusion is momentary or prolonged. The hypothesis put forward is that stressful situations in everyday life can cause differing degrees of sudden deafness. Treatment is based on three main actions, including elimination of the acute stress, re-establishment of blood flow to the inner ear and management of overall patient stress for a complete recovery. Furthermore, another therapeutic option exists, and this alternative is based on the hypothesis that hair cells in the cochlea can be physical rehabilitated with sounds. The acoustic stimulus places pressure on the tympanic membrane, which increases pressure via the ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes). The stapes in the oval window move the perilymph, producing waves that move the endolymph. The tectorial membrane moves the cilia of the external and internal hair cells. Massaging the cilia causes hair cells in the cochlea to contract each other, thus emitting an electric impulse. This impulse through the cochlear nerves and the auditory system produces sound perception in the auditory cortex. The sound is applied in the ear with sudden deafness, even though cophosis, a complete loss of hearing, has occurred. In conclusion, sudden deafness may be caused by stress, being the treatment the elimination of stress; re-establish the blood flow to the inner ear and a physical rehabilitation with sounds of cochlear hair cells to reverse sudden deafness.