Imagine you’re sitting with your family, enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace. The crackling flames create a soft, soothing sound to your right. Your son and daughter-in-law are deep in conversation, and your granddaughter, age 8, is quietly playing on her smartphone in the corner of the room. Your grandson, 4, is building a colorful tower out of blocks on the floor.
As the conversation flows, you suddenly notice that the sound of the fire is gone, and your granddaughter’s game seems louder than before. As you turn your head to listen to your daughter-in-law, her voice seems to fade. And when you try to focus on your son’s voice, it sounds off, as if something is wrong. What’s happening? You’ve always had great hearing, so this isn’t normal.
If this scenario were to happen to you, it’s natural to feel concerned, and that concern is absolutely justified. Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and immediate attention is critical.
When hearing loss happens suddenly
Typically, hearing loss occurs gradually. Continuous exposure to loud sounds over time—such as regular use of a lawnmower without ear protection—can cause progressive hearing damage. However, sudden hearing loss is an entirely different situation. It is often the result of a single, triggering event, such as a loud noise or trauma.
One example of this is a sudden exposure to a loud noise, like a rifle shot near your ear. This can cause permanent damage to the inner ear if not treated promptly. While noise is a common cause, other factors can also trigger sudden hearing loss, which we’ll explore below.
Sudden hearing loss on one side
Sudden hearing loss is often isolated to one ear, and this type of unilateral hearing loss should always be treated as a medical emergency. The ear that was more exposed to the triggering event is usually the one affected. If you notice hearing loss in only one ear, seek help immediately.
Accompanying symptoms: dizziness and ringing
In some cases, sudden hearing loss is accompanied by dizziness, balance issues, or strange noises, such as ringing (tinnitus), buzzing, or static. The reason for this is that both hearing and balance are regulated in the inner ear. Even if you don’t experience full deafness, these accompanying symptoms suggest a serious issue.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including:
- Circulation Problems: Unlike other parts of your body, the inner ear relies on a single artery for its blood supply. If this artery becomes blocked or squeezed, the ear’s delicate structures can be damaged beyond repair.
- Ear Infections: Severe ear infections can lead to sudden hearing loss if they spread deep into the ear.
- Tumors: Both benign and malignant growths in the ear or brain can cause sudden hearing loss by applying pressure on the hearing structures or disrupting nerve function.
- Loud Noises: Exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, explosions, or high-volume earbuds, can cause sudden deafness. The louder the noise, the greater the risk.
- High Blood Pressure and Stress: Both high blood pressure and high-stress situations can contribute to sudden hearing loss, as they may affect blood flow to the inner ear.
- Autoimmune Disease: Certain autoimmune diseases can affect the inner ear, leading to sudden hearing loss.
Why immediate treatment is crucial
The sooner you seek medical treatment for sudden hearing loss, the better your chances of a full recovery. If loud noise exposure caused the damage, inflammation triggered by the event can worsen the damage over time. A hearing specialist or emergency doctor may administer steroids to reduce inflammation and stop further damage. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to increase oxygen levels in the blood, aiding the recovery of the inner ear.
While it’s critical to seek immediate medical help, if you’re unable to get an appointment right away, go directly to an urgent care center or the emergency room. Be sure to let the staff know that you are experiencing sudden hearing loss, as this is a time-sensitive situation.
Recovery rates and risk factors
Approximately 60-65% of people who experience sudden hearing loss will recover partially or fully within a month. However, recovery rates can vary based on the cause of the loss. Individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes may have a lower recovery rate. Older adults may also experience a slower recovery, but this is often due to overall health rather than age alone.
Seek treatment for sudden hearing loss
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. Quick intervention is crucial to maximize your chances of recovery. If you experience sudden hearing loss, don’t wait—seek medical help immediately to prevent permanent damage.
With prompt treatment, you can regain your hearing and avoid long-term consequences.
