Sudden unilateral hearing loss is one of the severe manifestations of a stroke. When the brain's blood supply is severely insufficient, the auditory nerve can be significantly damaged, leading to sudden unilateral hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is often accompanied by other stroke symptoms such as hemiplegia, facial asymmetry, and speech difficulties. Immediate medical attention is required if unilateral hearing loss occurs to avoid missing the best treatment window.
In addition to the three ear symptoms mentioned above, another symptom not to be ignored is vertigo—a sensation of being in a constantly spinning world, often mistaken for ordinary dizziness.
However, a study from South Korea indicates that patients who frequently experience vertigo are twice as likely to suffer from a stroke compared to normal individuals. This is especially concerning for the elderly. If vertigo occurs frequently and lasts for a long time, professional medical examination is necessary.
These warning signals may be silent indicators of an impending stroke. We should remain vigilant at all times. Any unusual symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation to detect and address potential health risks as early as possible.