When Hearing Changes Suddenly

Prompt specialist evaluation for sudden and unexplained changes in hearing.

Man with his hand on his ear, touching a sound waveform, indicating that he is listening to a podcast

What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid decrease in hearing, typically 30 decibels or more, occurring within 72 hours or less. It usually affects one ear and can be accompanied by tinnitus, ear fullness, or dizziness. It is a medical emergency.

Why Prompt Evaluation Matters

Treatment is time-sensitive. Corticosteroid therapy is most effective when started early, ideally within the first few days after onset. Delayed evaluation and treatment are linked to worse outcomes. If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek immediate evaluation rather than waiting for it to improve on its own.

Causes

Most cases have no identifiable cause and are classified as idiopathic SSNHL. Possible contributing factors include viral infection, vascular events involving the inner ear, autoimmune conditions, and, rarely, an acoustic neuroma. Evaluation includes audiometry and may include MRI to rule out structural causes.

Treatment

High-dose oral corticosteroids are the standard first-line treatment. Intratympanic steroid injection, delivered directly into the middle ear, may be used as initial treatment or as salvage therapy when oral steroids are ineffective or not tolerated.

Prognosis

Recovery varies among patients. Some recover fully, others partially, while some experience permanent hearing loss. Early treatment improves the likelihood of recovery.