Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear? Here's What to Do

Waking up and realizing you can’t hear well or at all from one ear can be scary. While it might be something minor like earwax, in many cases, sudden hearing loss is more serious and requires urgent care. The good news? With timely treatment, up to 75% of people recover their hearing.

Here’s what you need to know about sudden hearing loss in one ear, including potential causes, symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to head to the ER.

Common Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss can occur all at once or gradually over a few days. For many, it starts with waking up and noticing one ear feels muffled or “off.” Key symptoms include:

• Muffled or reduced hearing in one ear

• Total loss of hearing in the affected ear

• A popping sensation before hearing loss

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Pressure or fullness in the ear

Some people also notice changes in balance or an increase in ear sensitivity.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss is typically classified into two categories:

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)

This form is the most common cause of sudden hearing loss in one ear. It occurs when there is damage or a sudden change in how the inner ear or hearing nerves function. Often, no single cause is found, but when it is, it can be linked to:

• Viral or bacterial infections

• Head trauma or loud noise exposure

• Autoimmune conditions

• Tumors (such as acoustic neuroma)

• Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis

• Ototoxic medications, including some chemotherapy drugs

2. Conductive Hearing Loss

This happens when something blocks sound from passing through the outer or middle ear. While usually gradual, it can be sudden in cases of:

• Impacted earwax

• Fluid from an ear infection

• Eardrum injury

• Foreign object in the ear

Is It an Emergency?

If your hearing loss is sudden and unexplained, yes it is a medical emergency. Time matters. The faster you get evaluated and treated, the more likely you are to recover your hearing.

A quick self-test called the “hum test” may help identify the type:

• If humming sounds louder in your unaffected ear, it may be sensorineural hearing loss (emergency).

• If it’s louder in the affected ear, it could be conductive hearing loss (non-emergency, but still worth checking out).

In either case, see a healthcare provider right away preferably within 24 to 48 hours.

Diagnosis and Testing

Your provider will perform a hearing test (audiometry) to measure sound thresholds. A loss of 30 decibels (about the sound of a whisper) across three tones confirms hearing loss.

Additional diagnostic steps may include:

• Ear exam to check for blockages

• MRI scan to rule out tumors or nerve issues

• Blood tests for autoimmune or infectious causes

Treatment Options

The treatment will depend on the cause of the hearing loss:

• For conductive hearing loss. The provider may remove earwax, drain fluid, or treat an infection.

• For SSHL Corticosteroids (oral or injected) are the go-to treatment. These help reduce inflammation and potentially restore hearing.

• If a specific cause is found, such as an autoimmune condition or tumor, targeted therapies like antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or surgery may be necessary.

If hearing does not return, options like hearing aids or cochlear implants can help restore some hearing function and quality of life.

When to Seek Medical Help

Don’t wait and see. If you experience sudden hearing loss in one ear:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately

• Go to an emergency room if you suspect sensorineural hearing loss

• Act fast delaying treatment lowers the chance of recovery

The Bottom Line

Sudden hearing loss in one ear can be temporary or serious, depending on the underlying cause. Sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency that requires quick action. With prompt treatment, most people recover so if your hearing suddenly changes, don’t wait to get help.

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