Imagine waking up one morning and realizing that sounds seem muffled, or maybe you can’t hear out of one ear at all. Sudden hearing loss can feel alarming, and for good reason – it often means something isn’t quite right with your ears or overall health.
If you experience rapid hearing loss, it’s important to act fast and seek medical attention quickly. Make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist.
What is sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss, also called sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), happens when your hearing diminishes significantly in one or both ears. This usually occurs within a few hours or over the course of a couple of days.
Some people wake up unable to hear, while others notice a gradual fading of sound. It often affects just one ear and can come with other symptoms, such as ringing in the ears or dizziness.
Possible causes and risk factors
No single cause of sudden hearing loss exists, but doctors believe several factors can contribute, including:
- Viral infections: Some viruses can attack the inner ear and cause damage to hearing structures.
- Blood flow issues: Reduced blood circulation to the inner ear can lead to hearing loss.
- Autoimmune conditions: Medical conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear can lead to sudden hearing problems.
- Middle ear problems: Fluid buildup, sometimes a result of ear infections, or issues with the tiny bones in the middle ear can also impact hearing.
- Certain medications: Some medications have side effects that can damage hearing, especially in high doses.
- Head trauma: A blow to the head can cause inner ear damage and lead to hearing loss.
What to do if you have sudden hearing loss
If you are experiencing sudden loss of hearing, don’t wait it out or assume it will get better on its own. Here’s what you should do:
Seek immediate medical attention
Time is crucial when dealing with sudden hearing loss. The sooner you see a doctor – preferably an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist – the better your chances of recovering your hearing.
Get a hearing test
A hearing test, or audiogram, can help determine the extent of your hearing loss and whether it’s related to nerve damage or a middle ear issue. This step is essential for figuring out the best course of treatment.
Start treatment to reduce inflammation
Treatment of sudden hearing loss often involves oral steroids, which help reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. These medications can improve your chances of regaining your hearing if you take them within the first two weeks of symptoms appearing.
Check for underlying conditions
Your doctor may run tests to see if a viral infection, autoimmune disease or blood circulation problem is contributing to your hearing loss. Treating the root cause can help prevent permanent hearing loss.
Will your hearing come back?
The answer depends on several factors, including how quickly you get treatment and what caused the hearing loss in the first place. Some people regain their hearing completely, while others only see partial improvement. Unfortunately, for some, the damage is permanent.
What if your hearing doesn’t return?
If your hearing returns partially or doesn’t return at all, don’t panic – there are solutions to help you hear again.
- Hearing aids: If you experience partial hearing loss, a hearing aid can amplify sounds and make communication easier.
- Cochlear implants: For severe cases, a cochlear implant can bypass damaged parts of the ear and send signals directly to the brain.
- Assistive devices: Special phones, apps and alert systems can help you adjust to life with hearing loss.
Protecting your hearing moving forward
Even if you recover from sudden hearing loss, it’s important to take steps to protect your ears in the future. Here’s how:
- Avoid loud noises: Use ear protection when exposed to loud sounds, like concerts or construction sites.
- Manage your health: Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can impact blood flow to the ears.
- Limit ototoxic medications: Some medications can harm hearing – talk to your doctor about alternatives if you’re at risk.
- Stay hydrated and active: Good circulation supports inner ear health, so regular exercise and hydration are key.
How we can help
Although sudden hearing loss is alarming to experience and should not be taken lightly, you have treatment options. Your first step is to make an appointment with your ear, nose and throat (ENT) provider to determine the cause and the right treatment plan.
However, your provider may determine that you need more immediate care. Getting yourself to the nearest emergency room can start the treatment process and hopefully avoid permanent hearing loss.
Learn about the ear, nose and throat services we offer at Mercy Health.
