Sudden Hearing Loss: Why It Is an Emergency and What to Do
In short. Sudden hearing loss is a rapid, unexplained drop in hearing, all at once or over a few days, usually in one ear. It should be treated as a medical emergency: see a doctor immediately. Treatment works best when it starts early, and delays of more than two to four weeks make it less likely that hearing will come back.
What it is
Doctors call it sudden sensorineural hearing loss, meaning the change is in the inner ear or the nerve. A common diagnostic sign is a loss of at least 30 decibels in three connected frequencies within 72 hours. Most often only one ear is affected.
What it can feel like
- Waking up with one ear hearing much less.
- Noticing it suddenly on the phone, when using that ear.
- A loud pop just before the hearing goes.
- A full feeling in the ear, dizziness, or ringing (tinnitus).
Why it is urgent
People often wait, assuming it is earwax, a cold or allergies. That delay matters. Treatment, most commonly corticosteroids, is started as soon as possible, sometimes before all test results are back. When treatment is delayed by more than two to four weeks, it is less likely to reverse the loss.
About half of people recover some or all of their hearing on their own, usually within one to two weeks. Prompt treatment improves the chance of recovering at least some hearing.
What to do
- See a doctor the same day, or go to an emergency service. Do not wait to see if it clears.
- Say clearly that hearing dropped suddenly, in which ear, and when.
- Mention any pop, dizziness, ringing, recent illness or head injury, and the medicines you take.
If the loss comes with weakness of the face, a head injury or a spinning feeling, call emergency services.
Afterwards
A hearing test is part of the check and is usually repeated to follow recovery. How to read an audiogram helps you follow the results. When one ear hears less covers one-sided changes that develop slowly.
Key takeaways
- Sudden hearing loss is a rapid drop over hours or a few days, usually in one ear.
- Treat it as an emergency: see a doctor immediately.
- Do not assume it is earwax or a cold.
- Treatment works best when started early.
- About half of people recover some or all hearing; prompt care improves the odds.
Questions and answers
Could it just be earwax?
Sometimes, but you cannot tell at home. Because delay matters, have it checked straight away rather than assuming.
Does sudden hearing loss always come back?
Not always. About half of people recover some or all of their hearing on their own, and early treatment improves the chance of recovery.
Sources and further reading
This page draws on the following sources.
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This information is general and does not replace an examination by a qualified professional.