Sudden hearing loss, especially when one morning you wake up and can’t hear clearly, can be terrifying. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s often a warning sign that requires urgent attention. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
Sudden hearing loss (often called sudden deafness or SSHL) refers to a rapid loss of hearing over minutes to hours, typically in one ear. According to the NIDCD, it results from issues in the inner ear's sensory cells or auditory nerve
If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
Most cases occur suddenly often when waking up, using a phone, or experiencing a pop before hearing fades
Sudden hearing loss can stem from a range of issues:
Up to 85% of cases have no identified cause .
Viruses such as CMV, rubella, mumps, or COVID-19 can inflame inner ear structures
Reduced blood flow to the inner ear can cause damage .
Acoustic trauma, head injury, or barotrauma (e.g., diving or flying) can disrupt hearing suddenly
Immune attacks on inner ear tissues can cause episodes of sudden hearing loss .
Characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss, sudden dips can occur .
Most common type caused by nerve or inner ear damage. Treated aggressively due to high urgency
Much less common; results from blockages like earwax, fluid, or eardrum issues
Combination of sudden inner-ear damage and middle-ear blockages
Swift diagnosis is critical. Expect:
First-line therapy to reduce inflammation and aid recovery . Route options: oral or intratympanic injection.
Used in specific trauma or severe cases to improve inner ear oxygenation .
Earwax removal, antibiotics for infections, pressure equalization, or surgery for structural issues .
If hearing doesn't fully recover, options include:
Early treatment delivers the best results:
Residents in Leamington Spa, Mount Sorrel, Loughborough, Derby, Matlock, Crick, Rugby, or Daventry: sudden hearing loss signals a medical emergency.
📞 Call Hazelwood Hearcare now for urgent diagnostics and treatment
🗓️ Book appointments at your nearest Midlands clinic via our county hubs:
We offer:
Q: Is sudden hearing loss reversible?
A: Recovery depends on the cause and timing; early treatment improves outcomes but complete recovery isn’t guaranteed
Q: What if I only noticed partial hearing loss?
A: Even mild symptoms should trigger immediate evaluation—early intervention is key.
Q: Can stress cause sudden hearing loss?
A: While stress is not a direct cause, it may worsen underlying conditions leading to SSHL.
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. Know the symptoms—muffled hearing, tinnitus, fullness, dizziness—and act fast. With timely treatment, your chances of recovery are highest. Hazelwood Hearcare is here to support you across the Midlands.
If you experience sudden hearing loss:
