Sudden hearing loss can be a very jarring and upsetting issue. It can be remedied if diagnosed and treatment is provided immediately. Read on to explore the causes, distinctions, and treatments for sudden hearing loss, and what you can do to minimize your risk of experiencing it.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) often arises unexpectedly, sometimes due to viral infections. Here’s a list of some of the viruses associated with sudden hearing loss: [1]
Mumps, for example, can cause unilateral or bilateral hearing loss, typically days after symptoms appear. In some patients with COVID-19, sudden hearing loss has also been documented, although the underlying mechanism is still under investigation.
A potential reason for sudden hearing loss is loud sound exposure. Prolonged exposure to sound levels above 70 dB SPL A can begin to damage hearing, and you may feel your ears ringing after an event like a concert. Regular exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB SPL A (comparable to heavy traffic or lawn equipment) may cause temporary hearing loss or tinnitus.
Learn more about how to read decibel charts.
The answer depends on both the decibel level and the amount of time you are exposed to the loud sound. Short bursts of extremely loud noise, such as 120 dB (equivalent to gunshots, concerts, or jet engines), can cause immediate and even permanent damage. [2]
If you’re dealing with hearing loss that you suspect may be temporary, it’s normal to wonder how long it may last. Temporary hearing loss is a temporary hearing threshold shift, where hearing sensitivity is reduced after loud exposure, but hearing gradually recovers. Recovery typically occurs within minutes to hours for brief exposure, but it may take up to 24–48 hours, or even several days, —for full recovery. [3] However, repeated exposure to loud sound without proper recovery time may cause lasting damage.
If the temporary hearing loss is caused by middle ear or eustachian tube dysfunction, then flying should be avoided. If you’ve experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss, it’s best to consult an ENT specialist before flying to determine if it's safe and to discuss measures to protect your ears.
If you experience hearing loss suddenly, it’s natural to wonder if it’s going to be permanent or if it will eventually dissipate. However, unless there is a clear source, such as exposure to a loud sound, [4] it is impossible to tell if hearing loss is temporary or permanent. The best thing to do if you’re experiencing sudden hearing loss is to seek immediate medical treatment.
If you’ve taken an audiometric test, your hearing health care provider will be able to tell you if otologic issues are present. [5] If you are experiencing any sudden hearing loss, it is critical to seek medical attention promptly to avoid permanent hearing loss.
In general, if you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s best to consult with an ENT or audiologist promptly to assess and monitor your condition. The best way to determine whether hearing loss is permanent or temporary is to consult a hearing care provider.
If medical care is sought immediately and the patient with SSHL receives corticosteroid therapy, either orally or intratympanically, to reduce inflammation in the inner ear, recovery is possible.[6] Recovery rates vary, with about 35–39% of patients fully recovering within a couple of weeks, particularly if treatment is initiated early. Spontaneous recovery (without medical treatment) rates range from 32-65 percent depending on the research referenced. Other interventions may include vasodilators, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or antivirals—although evidence for antivirals is limited. [7]
Initial effects may be noticeable within 2 to 3 days after starting treatment, such as reduced ear fullness or slight hearing improvement. Most hearing recovery, if it occurs, happens within 1 to 2 weeks after starting prednisone therapy. Typical treatment duration is 7–14 days, often starting with a high dose (e.g., 60 mg/day) and then tapering down. [8]
Prompt diagnosis and early treatment significantly impact outcomes—you should seek medical help immediately with any sudden hearing loss.
Yes, Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss can recur. In conditions like Meniere’s Disease, sudden episodes of hearing loss may recur with ear fullness, vertigo, and tinnitus. Other cases may relapse if the underlying cause remains unresolved, especially in autoimmune or vascular etiologies. Regular monitoring by an ear specialist is recommended.
There can be many reasons for sudden hearing loss. If caught early, it’s more likely that it can be managed. If you experience sudden hearing loss—even mild or temporary—you should seek medical attention as soon as you can. Quick action yields the best outcomes. If you suspect hearing loss, the experts at Amplifon Hearing Health Care can help. Find a clinic near you today to book an appointment with a hearing healthcare specialist.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. "Sudden Deafness". Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/sudden-deafness
[2] Cleveland Clinic. "Noise-Induced Hearing Loss". Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21776-noise-induced-hearing-loss-nihl
[3] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. "Sudden Deafness". Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/sudden-deafness
[4] Cleveland Clinic. "Noise-Induced Hearing Loss". Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21776-noise-induced-hearing-loss-nihl
[5] Mount Sinai. "Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment". Retrieved from: https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/ear-institute/conditions/sudden-hearing-loss
[6] Cleveland Clinic. “Corticosteroids.” Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/corticosteroids-glucocorticoids
[7] Cleveland Clinic. “Corticosteroids.” Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/corticosteroids-glucocorticoids
[8] Mayo Clinic. “Hearing Loss.” Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
