Take sudden hearing loss seriously

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss often affects one ear and may first be noticed on waking or while using a telephone.

Key points

• Ear fullness, tinnitus, or dizziness may occur with the hearing change.
• Self-treatment or waiting for presumed wax can delay assessment.
• Sudden hearing loss should be medically assessed the same day.
• An ENT physician and audiologist may perform examination and hearing tests.
• Record the exact onset, recent illnesses, and current medicines.

If hearing has dropped suddenly, do not use this article instead of care; seek urgent medical assessment.

Source: NIH/NIDCD — Sudden Deafness

This educational article does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or an examination by a clinician.