Sudden hearing loss, sometimes called sudden deafness, is a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing that typically occurs in one or both ears within a 72-hour period. It’s an alarming condition you should treat as an emergency.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Various disorders affecting the ear can cause sudden hearing loss, also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), but only about 10% of people diagnosed with SSHL have an identifiable cause. When diagnosed, the causes include:
Viral infections: Mumps, measles, and herpes are among the most common causes of sudden hearing loss. These conditions cause inner ear inflammation and damage to the auditory nerve. Symptoms that often accompany sudden hearing loss caused by an infection include dizziness or a feeling of fullness or fluid in the ear.
Circulatory issues: Problems with blood circulation to the inner ear can also cause sudden hearing loss. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clotting disorders affect the ear’s blood vessels, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for hearing.
Trauma: Sustaining a head injury or exposure to sudden, loud noises such as explosions can injure the inner ear structures. This type of hearing loss often occurs immediately and may also include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and problems with balance.
Medications: Certain medications can damage the ear. These ototoxic medications include some antibiotics and chemotherapy agents. High doses of aspirin can also potentially lead to sudden hearing loss. It’s important to discuss any medication concerns with your primary care physician, especially if you are experiencing changes in hearing.
Autoimmune diseases: Diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues can also affect the inner ear. Conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis can cause sudden hearing loss by inflaming and damaging the auditory nerve.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing Sudden Hearing Loss
Having an ENT specialist perform a thorough physical exam is often the first step in diagnosing sudden hearing loss. The doctor checks for any visible issues in the ear canal and eardrum, such as blockages or infections, which could be contributing to the hearing loss. They may perform audiometry tests to measure the degree and type of hearing loss. These tests can help determine if the hearing loss is sensorineural (related to the inner ear or auditory nerve) or conductive (related to the outer or middle ear).
A physician may recommend lab work or diagnostic imaging to identify potential underlying conditions that could be contributing to sudden hearing loss.
Can you treat sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss can be treated, but it’s vital to see a specialist as soon as possible after you notice changes in your hearing. Delaying treatment for more than 2 to 4 weeks is less likely to reverse or reduce permanent hearing loss.
Treatments for sudden hearing loss include:
Medications: Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for sudden deafness, especially when the cause is unknown. Steroids reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. They can be administered orally or through injections directly into the ear. Early treatment with steroids can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber, which can increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. This promotes healing and reduces inflammation in the inner ear. It is often used in combination with steroid treatments.
Hearing aids: If treatment doesn’t reverse your hearing loss, hearing aids can be an effective solution. These devices amplify sound, making it easier to hear and communicate. Modern hearing aids come in various styles and can be customized to fit the individual’s specific hearing needs.
Cochlear implants: In severe cases where hearing aids are not effective, you may consider getting cochlear implants. These devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing a sense of sound to individuals with profound hearing loss.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Sudden hearing loss can be distressing, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery. Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists is committed to providing thorough, personalized care to diagnose and treat your condition and improve your quality of life. If you’ve experienced sudden hearing loss, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan at one of our Arizona locations.