Sudden hearing loss refers to a rapid and usually unexplained loss of hearing. It can occur in an instant, or it may be a steady yet swift decline in hearing over a few days, and while it can occur in both ears, sudden hearing loss often only affects one.
Sudden hearing loss is something people usually notice first thing in the morning when they wake up, or in the case of sudden hearing loss in one ear, it can become apparent when people try to ‘use’ the affected ear – for example, making a phone call with the device held up to one ear. Some people also notice a loud popping sound just before their hearing declines. A feeling of fullness in the ear/s, dizziness, and/or even a ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may accompany the hearing loss.
There are several potential causes of sudden hearing loss, which can occur in the outer or middle ear (conductive hearing loss) or the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss). As you can imagine, sudden deafness in one ear (or both) can be a frightening experience, so it’s important to seek help from a hearing expert as soon as possible to assess the level of loss, the cause and possible treatment options.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) are damaged or when the hearing pathways to the auditory centres of the brain become damaged. While it is unknown what causes sudden hearing loss, it is believed that loud environments or workplaces could be one major factor. Infection, trauma, ototoxic drugs and neurological symptoms may also play a role. Sudden hearing loss may also hint at the presence of an underlying medical condition, such as Meniere’s disease (an autoimmune condition of the inner ear) or a tumour on the hearing nerve – so it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the cause of any sudden deafness in one ear.
If you believe you have sudden hearing loss, you should book an appointment with your local Bay Audiology clinician immediately. We can assess the level of loss you are experiencing, look at potential causes, and refer you to a GP if necessary.
Sudden hearing loss typically occurs due to one of two reasons:
Below are some common causes of sudden hearing loss:
If you are experiencing sudden deafness, we recommend you visit an audiologist to check your hearing levels and to make any appropriate medical referrals.
If you are experiencing sudden deafness, we recommend you visit an audiologist to check your hearing levels and to make any appropriate medical referrals.
About 50 per cent of people who experience sudden hearing loss recover all or some of their hearing within one to two weeks, although in rare cases, some people find their hearing recovers over the course of up to 12 months.
Recovery of lost hearing depends on several factors and is more likely if the sudden hearing loss is mild to moderate (not severe), accompanied by tinnitus, worse for low-pitched sounds than high-pitched sounds, and vertigo isn’t present.
Regaining lost hearing is also more likely when patients receive treatment within seven days of the onset of sudden hearing loss, so it’s important to visit your local Bay Audiology clinic as soon as you experience symptoms so you can be assessed and treated promptly.
Sudden hearing loss should be treated proactively. The most common and accepted treatment for the condition is a course of steroids, which reduces inflammation and swelling of the cochlea. These may be taken orally for a one to two-week period or may be injected directly into the eardrum twice a week for two weeks.
Of course, treatment depends on the cause – if, for instance, a tumour is the reason for the sudden hearing loss, surgery or radiotherapy may be required; if the patient is found to have Meniere’s disease, diuretics and a low-salt diet could be prescribed.
If you are experiencing symptoms, visit your Bay Audiology clinic as soon as possible. In most cases, normal hearing returns within one to two weeks or even sooner. The sooner you see a hearing professional, the more successful treatment can be.
Sudden hearing loss can be a frightening experience, but 50% of people with the condition regain their hearing. Quick diagnosis and treatment are key to recovering lost hearing, so be sure to book an appointment with your local Bay Audiology clinic if you notice any changes in your hearing.
