Taking Quick Action Can Make All the Difference

You wake up and something’s off. One ear seems muffled. Your balance might be a little shaky. Voices sound far away or distorted. Your ear is ringing. It can feel frustrating and frightening. You’re wondering, what’s going on and why is this happening?

If this sounds familiar, try not to brush it off or wait it out. Sudden hearing loss — especially when it happens in one ear — is a medical emergency. Timely care can make all the difference in protecting and preserving your hearing. Here’s what to do and how we can help.

What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), sometimes called “sudden deafness,” refers to a rapid, unexplained loss of hearing that occurs either instantly or over a span of up to 72 hours. The problem typically affects just one ear and may occur together with problems such as dizziness or ringing in the ears.

It can arise at any age but more typically affects those in their 40s/50s. Most cases — about 90% of them — have no clearly identifiable cause. Regardless of origin, however, SSHL should never be ignored. Prompt medical attention can significantly improve the chances of hearing recovery.

What Are Signs of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss isn’t always obvious at first. You may simply notice that your phone sounds quieter on one side or that background noise seems muted. Common symptoms include any or all of these:

Sudden drop in hearing, especially in one ear
Sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear
Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears or head)
Dizziness or vertigo
Difficulty hearing conversation or environmental sounds
Sounds seeming distant or muffled
Loud “pop” just before a drop in hearing

If you notice any combination of these symptoms — especially after a cold, illness, or loud noise exposure — seek medical attention immediately. A delay could turn into permanent hearing loss.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

Only about 1 in 10 diagnosed cases of sudden hearing loss has a known cause, according to public-health experts. Though many instances are idiopathic (of unknown origin), several potential triggers include:

Viral infections, including those following colds, flu, or other respiratory illnesses
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Cogan’s syndrome or lupus)
Ototoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, or chemotherapy drugs
Inner ear trauma, such as from a head injury or sudden pressure changes
Circulatory issues, including ministrokes or blood vessel blockages
Neurologic disorders, including multiple sclerosis
Benign tumors, such as acoustic neuromas (which predominantly affect the auditory nerve)

Research has also linked sudden sensorineural hearing loss to COVID-19, identifying SSHL among nonspecific symptoms that might signal an instance of the virus.

Also worthy of note: Temporary blockages like earwax or fluid buildup are typically associated with conductive hearing loss, which is different from SSHL but can sometimes feel similar. It’s one of the reasons accurate diagnosis is crucial.

How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

Timing is critical. Ideally, evaluation and treatment should begin within the first 48 to 72 hours. A doctor of audiology can work closely with your medical team to assess your condition, determine the underlying cause, and recommend the most effective path forward.

The diagnostic process may include:

A hearing test to determine whether the loss is sensorineural (involving the inner ear or auditory nerve) or conductive (due to blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear)
A thorough physical examination to check for earwax buildup, fluid, infection, or other visible issues
Imaging, typically an MRI, to rule out structural abnormalities, nerve damage, or growths such as acoustic neuromas
Blood work, when appropriate, to help identify possible autoimmune, vascular, or infectious contributors

These evaluations provide a clearer picture of what’s happening, helping your providers craft a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Treatment: Acting Fast for the Best Results

In some instances, hearing returns spontaneously. The window for optimal results is so short, however, thus waiting it out can significantly reduce the odds of a full recovery.

Steroid therapy is the most common and effective initial treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. When started promptly, it may improve the chances of hearing recovery.

If an identifiable cause like an infection or autoimmune condition is found, targeted therapies such as antivirals, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed. Hearing aids or other solutions may also be indicated in the case of severe or permanent hearing loss.

What to Expect During Recovery

The recovery timeline can vary significantly from one person to another. Some individuals experience noticeable hearing improvement within just a few days, while others may need weeks or even months. In general, the sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of regaining hearing. If symptoms were severe or treatment was delayed, recovery may be slower or incomplete.

Several factors can influence how recovery unfolds:

How quickly treatment was initiated after symptom onset
Shape and pattern of hearing loss on the audiogram
Whether additional symptoms, like tinnitus or vertigo, were present
Age, overall health, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions

Ongoing follow-up care plays a crucial role. Repeat hearing tests help your provider monitor progress and determine next steps. If hearing doesn’t return to previous levels, rehabilitative options — including counseling, hearing technology, and communication strategies — can help restore confidence and connection in daily life.

Navigating Long-Term Hearing Loss

Even if hearing doesn’t fully return, staying fully connected to the sounds that matter in your life is possible. Most hearing loss can be successfully managed with personalized and properly fit hearing aids — including CROS (contralateral routing of signals) devices, which send sound from the non-hearing to the better-hearing ear.

Options may also include:

Osseointegrated devices, which transmit sound through bone via a small implanted post behind the ear
Cochlear implants, which may be considered for profound, irreversible loss
Assistive listening devices, such as amplified phones or TV streamers to further enhance everyday communication
Tinnitus treatment to address ringing in the ears or head, which can accompany hearing loss
Counseling and support groups, which provide navigation strategies and community

Our hearing care team plays a key role in helping you adapt, working closely with you on everything from technology choices to empowering education and ongoing follow-up.

How to Protect Your Hearing in the Future

While SSHL can’t typically be prevented, prioritizing hearing wellness is especially important after an episode. These steps can help safeguard your hearing long-term:

Avoid ototoxic medications when possible — certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics can harm the inner ear. Talk with your doctor about alternatives or hearing monitoring if such medications are necessary.
Control cardiovascular risk factors — conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can affect blood flow to the inner ear. Managing these may help protect hearing and overall health.

Stay on top of other conditions — autoimmune disorders, viral illnesses, and neurologic diseases may raise the risk of hearing loss. Regular checkups and proactive care are key.

Use hearing protection in loud settings — whether mowing the lawn, attending concerts, or working in noisy environments, wearing properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs (and taking regular breaks from loud environments) can help prevent ear trauma.
Don’t delay care for any new hearing issues — even subtle changes can signal a larger issue. Early evaluation may help improve the odds of successful treatment and recovery.

It’s also important to communicate hearing concerns during medical appointments. Many primary care visits don’t routinely include hearing checks — and it’s easy to forget to bring up hearing changes unless asked. Being proactive can make all the difference.

If you or someone you care about experiences sudden hearing changes, don’t delay. Contact our caring team to schedule a hearing evaluation with our board-certified doctors of audiology today!

Recovering From Sudden Hearing Loss