Waking up one morning and realizing you can’t clearly hear is a frightening experience for anyone. Sudden hearing loss feels abrupt and disorienting, especially when it happens without prior pain or warning. While some causes are temporary and easily treated, others require immediate medical attention.
Understanding the most common causes of sudden hearing loss and knowing when to act can make a huge difference in the outcome. Below, we’re looking at sudden hearing loss, possible causes, and when to seek professional care.
What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss typically refers to a rapid decline in hearing that occurs over a few hours or up to three days. It may affect one ear or, less commonly, both. Some people notice muffled sound, while others experience a ringing sensation (tinnitus), fullness in the ear, or difficulty understanding speech.
Any sudden change in hearing should be taken seriously.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most urgent causes to evaluate.
This type of hearing loss occurs when there’s a problem with the inner ear, auditory nerve, or brain pathways involved in hearing. It often develops without a clear cause, but possible contributors include:
- Reduced blood flow to the inner ear
- Inflammation or immune response
- Viral infections
- Neurological factors
SSHL is considered a medical emergency because early treatment, often within the first few days, can significantly improve recovery.
Viral Infections
Certain viral infections can temporarily or permanently affect hearing by inflaming the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Viruses associated with sudden hearing changes include:
- Common upper respiratory viruses
- Influenza
- Herpes viruses
- COVID-19–related viral effects (in some cases)
Hearing changes may appear during or shortly after an illness and can be accompanied by dizziness or ear fullness.
Head or Ear Trauma
A blow to the head, sudden pressure changes, or loud noise exposure can damage delicate structures inside the ear.
Trauma-related causes include:
- Head injuries or concussions
- Exposure to extremely loud sounds
- Sudden pressure changes (such as barotrauma)
- Inner ear fluid disruption
Even minor injuries can affect hearing, especially if symptoms appear quickly afterward.
Earwax Buildup or Blockage
While less serious than inner ear causes, impacted earwax can still cause sudden hearing changes.
Earwax-related hearing loss may:
- Develop quickly
- Feel like fullness or pressure
- Affect one ear more than the other
- Improve once the blockage is safely removed
Importantly, it’s not always possible to tell at home whether hearing loss is due to wax or something more serious. That’s why professional evaluation is critical.
Other Possible Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss
Additional contributors to sudden hearing loss may include:
- Medication side effects
- Circulatory or vascular conditions
- Autoimmune inner ear disorders
- Tumors affecting the auditory nerve (rare)
A comprehensive hearing evaluation helps rule out these possibilities.
Sudden Hearing Loss: Why Early Treatment is Key
One of the most important messages around sudden hearing loss is don’t wait and see.
Prompt evaluation can:
- Identify reversible causes
- Improve the effectiveness of treatment
- Prevent further hearing damage
- Reduce long-term communication challenges
Audiology testing plays a key role in determining the type and severity of hearing loss and guiding next steps.
When to Seek Immediate Help for Sudden Hearing Loss
You should seek prompt medical or audiology care if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Hearing changes with dizziness or imbalance
- Ringing or pressure that appears suddenly
- Hearing loss after illness or injury
Even if hearing returns partially, evaluation is still important to find out what’s going on.
Hearing Testing For Quick Answers
Hearing tests can quickly clarify whether hearing loss is:
- Conductive (related to blockage or middle ear issues)
- Temporary or potentially permanent
- Sensorineural (inner ear or nerve-related)
Early testing supports faster treatment decisions and better outcomes.
Take Sudden Hearing Changes Seriously
Sudden hearing loss is bound to feel alarming, but the sooner you seek care, the more options you may have to address it.
If you notice an unexpected change in your hearing, getting a professional evaluation can protect your hearing health and your peace of mind. We’re here for you if you experience sudden hearing loss: Call our care team as soon as possible at Broadwater Hearing Care, Inc. for the help you need.