Hearing loss hardly seems like an emergency. After all, a day at the pool or a nasty cold can have dramatic effects on your ears. Unfortunately, repairing hearing loss that occurs for other reasons isn’t as easy as untrapping water from the ear canal or treating a sinus infection. Sudden hearing loss should be treated immediately for the best chance of recovery. More than 66,000 cases of sudden deafness occur annually and most patients wait weeks before seeking treatment.

Sudden hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean you will completely lose hearing in the affected ear. The condition might not occur immediately either. However, the difference will be significant and usually occurs within a period of 72 hours. If you experience any sudden decrease in hearing, seek help from an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Timely diagnosis vastly improves the chance of successful treatment.

Side view of senior man with the symptoms of hearing loss.

Sudden Hearing Loss Symptoms

Sudden sensorineural (inner ear) hearing loss is significant hearing loss that occurs suddenly or over a period of a few days. Sudden hearing loss symptoms vary but often are noticed upon waking. While it is possible for both ears to be affected, the condition usually only occurs in one. People experience hearing loss differently, so it is important to know some common symptoms.

Tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ear) may be experienced in the affected ear.
A loud pop is sometimes heard just before hearing loss occurs.
The affected ear may feel stopped up or full.
Dizziness and vertigo are experienced in some patients.
The absence of an earache with symptoms is a red flag. Sudden sensorineural deafness occurs without pain or a recognizable reason.
Difficulty following group conversations is common.
Some people experience clicking and buzzing in the affected ear.

If you experience a noticeable difference in the ability to hear in one ear with no other symptoms, it is still important to see a doctor. Not all patients have additional symptoms with hearing loss.

Sudden Hearing Loss Causes

There are many potential causes of sudden hearing loss. Illnesses and disorders of the inner ear likely lead to the event. However, the cause is only identified in about 10 percent of cases. Some sudden hearing loss causes may include:

Virus or infection.
Head injury.
Inner ear condition like Meniere’s Disease.
Conditions that affect circulation.
Exposure to certain medicines that treat serious infection or cancer.
Neurological disease like multiple sclerosis.
Autoimmune disease.
A tumor on a nerve connecting the ear to the brain.

No matter what causes hearing loss, it is vital to seek treatment immediately. Treatment of hearing loss with corticosteroids is most likely to be effective when applied immediately. If there is a diagnosable underlying cause for your condition, early treatment will help you recover faster.

Even if you think your hearing loss is related to a cold or a recent incident affecting your ears, see a doctor right away. Irreversible damage can occur while you delay treatment. Contact a hearing professional for an accurate diagnosis and speedy treatment of your condition.