What is sudden hearing loss?

As the name suggests, sudden hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs suddenly, taking place over a few seconds up to 72 hours. In most cases, it only affects one ear.

Symptoms

Other than the inability to hear out of one ear, sudden hearing loss can have several symptoms. These include:

• Tinnitus
• Feeling of fullness or “plugging” in the ear

If you experience sudden hearing loss, consult an audiologist and an ENT specialist as soon as possible. There is a better chance of recovering hearing if it is treated within 72 hours.

Causes

The causes of sudden hearing loss are not always known. However, here are a few potential causes:

• Inner ear infection
• Autoimmune disease of the inner ear
• Vascular injury or disease
• Meningitis
• Acoustic trauma (exposure to loud noise)
• Barotrauma (lesion caused by a drastic change in air or water pressure; often observed when scuba diving or during takeoff and landing in an airplane)
• Endolymphatic hydrops (increased pressure in the inner ear; Ménière’s disease is an example)

Recommendations

Treatment depends on the cause of the deafness. In some cases, the hearing loss will resolve on its own. An ENT specialist will determine the best treatment. Generally, if medical treatment is required, it must be done within a few days. Close follow-up by an audiologist is recommended to track changes in hearing.