Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)—a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear, over 72 hours—is often idiopathic (unknown cause, ~90% of cases), but can stem from viral infections, autoimmune diseases, vascular issues, or tumor-related nerve damage. It is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with corticosteroids.

Why would someone lose their hearing suddenly?

Causes of sudden deafness

About 10-15% of cases have a known cause, which may include: Certain infectious diseases. Head injury or trauma. Autoimmune diseases like Cogan's syndrome and others.

What is sudden hearing loss called?

Sudden sensorineural (“inner ear”) hearing loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing either all at once or over a few days. SSHL happens because there is something wrong with the sensory organs of the inner ear. Sudden deafness frequently affects only one ear.

How to treat sudden hearing loss in one ear?

It is generally accepted that steroids (cortisone), taken orally over 1 to 2 weeks, are the single most beneficial treatment for sudden hearing loss, although they do not lead to improvement in every case. Sometimes an additional (“booster”) dose of steroids is injected directly into the ear.

What would cause sudden hearing loss in both ears?

Top causes of sudden hearing loss include the following: Ongoing exposure to loud music. Illnesses such as mumps, meningitis, multiple sclerosis or measles. Head trauma.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss | What Happens if You Lose Your Hearing Overnight?

Can sudden hearing loss be caused by a brain tumor?

As the tumor grows, symptoms may become more noticeable or may worsen. Common signs and symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include: Hearing loss, usually gradually over months to years. In rare cases, hearing loss can be sudden.

Why do I feel like I've gone deaf in one ear?

Some causes may indicate a medical emergency, such as a traumatic brain injury. It is important that a person contacts a doctor if they experience sudden hearing loss. Other causes of sudden unilateral hearing loss include a buildup of earwax, infection, or exposure to loud noise.

Should you go to the ER if you have sudden hearing loss?

If you believe you may have had a sudden hearing loss, it is strongly recommended to go to your nearest emergency room or call your ear, nose, and throat physician for an immediate, urgent appointment. Be adamant with the scheduler that you must be seen as soon as possible.

What virus causes sudden hearing loss?

Both congenital (occurring in the womb) and acquired hearing loss (occurring from transmitted diseases outside of the womb) may occur as a result of a viral infection such as measles, the mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and HIV.

Can hearing come back after sudden hearing loss?

Will My Hearing Come Back? Approximately half of patients with SSNHL recover at least some hearing without treatment. Patients with mild to moderate to severe hearing loss are considered in the “steroid-effective zone” and have a high chance—over 75 to 80 percent—of recovery with steroid therapy.

What to do if you lose hearing suddenly?

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

1. you have sudden hearing loss in 1 or both ears.
2. your hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks.
3. you have hearing loss along with other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear.

Why is sudden hearing loss an emergency?

SSNHL is an emergency case that can lead to permanent hearing loss if not treated quickly and properly [7]. Many patients with SSNHL have a history of clear and sudden change in hearing or of awakening with new hearing loss, complaining of having a “blocked ear” [1].

Does hearing loss usually occur suddenly and without warning?

For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).

What is the 1 3 6 rule in audiology?

The 1-3-6 rule in audiology refers to the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines: all babies should have a hearing screening by 1 month, a diagnostic evaluation by an audiologist by 3 months if they fail the screening, and start early intervention services by 6 months if hearing loss is confirmed, to ensure crucial language development. Following this timeline, known as the 1-3-6 Benchmarks, helps children with hearing loss achieve better communication, social, and emotional outcomes. 

What is the 60-60 rule in audiology?

The "60/60 rule" for hearing protection means listening to audio devices at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, followed by a break, to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, especially with headphones or earbuds. It's a simple guideline to reduce prolonged exposure to loud sounds, which can damage the inner ear, emphasizing lower volume and regular pauses for safer listening. 

What is the most common cause of sudden hearing loss?

The most common cause of sudden hearing loss (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss or SSHL) is often a viral infection, leading to inflammation or damage in the inner ear or hearing nerve, though in many cases the exact cause (idiopathic) remains unknown. Other potential causes include blood flow issues (ischemia), autoimmune disorders, head trauma, certain medications, Meniere's disease, or acoustic neuromas (benign tumors). Because it's a medical emergency, immediate evaluation by an ENT specialist is crucial, as early treatment offers the best chance for recovery.

Why has my hearing suddenly gone muffled?

Common causes are: colds, flu, viruses or even swimmer's ear, all of which can affect the middle ear and therefore create muffled hearing.

Can a stroke cause hearing loss in one ear?

Stroke can also result in sudden hearing loss. Usually this loss comes with vertigo, a sensation of movement or spinning. It can also cause difficulty with balance, nausea and vomiting. Most patients show partial or complete recovery of hearing loss by 1 year after stroke.

What are the 5 warning signs of a mini stroke?

The 5 key warning signs of a mini-stroke (TIA) are easily remembered with BE-FAST: Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping (uneven smile), Arm weakness (one arm drifts down), and Speech difficulty (slurred words); Time to call 911 immediately, as these symptoms, even if brief, signal a serious medical emergency needing urgent attention.

How to test for an ear stroke?

If the patient's hearing ability on either side shows a hearing loss of 30 decibels (dB) or more in three consecutive frequency tests, he/she will be diagnosed to suffer from sudden hearing loss. The treatment of ear stroke mainly involves prescription of oral steroids which help alleviate inflammation.

Can a blood clot cause hearing loss?

Conclusions Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis may present with unspecific symptoms such as acute unilateral hearing loss. If in conjunction with headache or risk factors for venous thrombosis, the suspicion of ipsilateral lateral CSVT should prompt rapid imaging including venography.

Why would an MRI be ordered for hearing loss?

An MRI scan may reveal a growth on the nerve pathway that connects the ear to the brain, such as an acoustic neuroma.

---