Sudden Deafness – Sudden Hearing Loss

Sep 1

2 min read

Are you experiencing sudden hearing loss? Have you or someone you know experienced a sudden and significant reduction in hearing – in one ear – without warning? This may be what is known as Sudden Deafness, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Sudden Deafness develops rapidly, often over the course of a few hours or from one day to the next. Many people describe a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, ringing (tinnitus), or that sounds suddenly become muffled or distorted. Some also experience dizziness. This is a condition that should be taken seriously.

Common causes and factors associated with Sudden Deafness:

Idiopathic (unknown cause): In many cases (approximately 90%), no definite cause is identified.
Viral infections: Infections that affect the inner ear (e.g. herpes, cytomegalovirus).
Circulatory problems: Reduced blood flow to the cochlea or auditory nerve.
Acoustic trauma: Exposure to extremely loud sounds (explosions, gunfire).
Earwax blockage/mechanical causes: A simple and relatively common cause of sudden hearing reduction.
Inner ear disorders: Such as Ménière’s disease.
Other factors: Head injuries, medication side effects, or autoimmune disorders.

Time is critical: If Sudden Deafness is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The condition may require urgent medical assessment and treatment. Treatment, often involving corticosteroids, is most effective when started as soon as possible – preferably within the first few days. The earlier you receive medical attention, the greater the chance of preserving or recovering your hearing.

Other treatment options: Research is currently underway to determine whether additional treatment in a hyperbaric chamber (hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBO) can provide better hearing outcomes than standard treatment alone. Haukeland University Hospital is leading the study in collaboration with several other hospitals in Norway. Read more about the study here: SuDHO: Sudden Unexplained Hearing Loss and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

If you are between 18 and 80 years old and have experienced sudden unexplained hearing loss within the past 7 days, you may be eligible for the study.

Unfortunately, we find that many people wait too long, hoping that the hearing loss will “go away on its own.” This can reduce the likelihood of achieving a good response to treatment.

We are here for you

At AudioPlus, you will meet hearing professionals with expertise in hearing and hearing health.

We can quickly:

Perform a hearing test and ear examination
Provide advice on further follow-up
Guide you on what to do next
Assist you with solutions if your hearing does not return to how it was before.

We also offer ear examinations in collaboration with an authorised ENT specialist through DigENT and Helseboka. Video otoscopy of the ear canal can be performed at the same time as your hearing assessment.

Read more about hearing assessments and the DigENT examination here: Hearing Assessment