Sudden hearing loss: all you need to know

What are the causes?

The exact cause of sudden hearing loss is unknown. Although we do know that circulation in the inner ear is reduced during sudden hearing loss, resulting in impairment.

Sudden hearing loss affects different people differently, with so many potential factors in play. The most common causes of sudden hearing loss include:

• Ear wax build-up or blockage

• Ear infection

• Autoimmune disease

• Injury or trauma to the affected ear(s)

• Side effects of certain medication(s)

• Head injury

• Ménière’s disease

• Growth in the affected ear(s)

While sudden hearing loss in one ear is uncommon and can result from the factors mentioned earlier, it's essential to emphasize that any abrupt shifts in your hearing should not be overlooked. Whether minor or significant, always seek immediate medical attention for sudden hearing loss to ensure a swift diagnosis and suitable treatment.

What are the symptoms?

As implied, the symptoms of sudden hearing loss can come on unexpectedly – or develop over a few hours or days, possibly increasing in severity. People usually notice it when they first wake up or are in the middle of a conversation; listen to music or take an important phone call. Loud popping has been noted as a precursor to sudden hearing loss.

Some common symptoms of sudden hearing loss include:

• Feeling of full or pressure in the affected ear(s)

• Dizziness – usually accompanied by problems with balance

• Loss of sensation in the outer ear

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Any signs of these should be reported to a doctor or audiologist as soon as possible, to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment.

What is the diagnosis?

Your doctor or a trained audiologist can confirm a diagnosis of sudden hearing loss.

Don’t delay – seek medical help if you suspect that you’re suffering from sudden hearing loss, especially if additional symptoms are present. We offer a health check to see how your hearing is. We can then advise further treatment options for you.

Are there any complications

In certain instances, sudden hearing loss can lead to longer-lasting symptoms. These include:

• Permanent hearing loss in the affected ear(s)

• The onset and development of tinnitus

It's important that you get medical attention for sudden hearing loss right away in order to stand a chance of preventing such complications from arising.

What treatments are available?

How sudden hearing loss is treated depends upon the identification of underlying causes, which is always on a case by case basis. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options, including:

• A course of steroids to help reduce any inflammation or swelling that could be causing the condition

• Antibiotics if the underlying cause is determined to be a bacterial infection

• Alternative medication if your current medicine(s) are the cause of the problem

• Hearing aids, if the problem is particularly severe

• Lifestyle changes focused on reducing certain risk factors associated with sudden hearing loss – such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes

Just keep in mind that the earlier you start treatment for sudden hearing loss, the better the prognosis will be. Certain cases have been known to resolve themselves after a few weeks, but there’s no point in taking the risk. You should seek treatment as early as possible, as this will almost certainly increase the likelihood of recovery.