Ever wonder what to do when you wake up with a plugged ear or suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears? Should you seek medical help or wait it out? When it comes to your ears, it’s better to be safe than sorry—especially if you’re experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), which is time-sensitive and requires immediate medical attention.
In Canada, approximately 2,000 people per year experience SSNHL.
SSNHL is defined as a rapid onset of hearing loss occurring over 72 hours or less. It typically affects only one ear at a time and is most common in adults aged 50–60.
Symptoms may include:
- A sudden drop in hearing following a loud pop or banging sound in the ear
- Difficulty hearing during phone calls
- Muffled or faint sounds in the affected ear
- Normal voices sounding like whispers
- Dizziness, ear pressure, or ringing/buzzing sounds (tinnitus)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a walk-in clinic or emergency room immediately. While the cause may be something simple like earwax buildup, a sinus infection, or congestion, SSNHL can also be a sign of a more serious issue. If there is no obvious blockage, you’ll likely be referred to an otolaryngologist, also known as an Ear, Nose and Through (ENT) specialist, for further evaluation.
Potential Causes of SSNHL:
- Viral infections
- Acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor on the hearing nerve)
- Ototoxic medications (which can damage the inner ear)
- Head trauma
- Autoimmune diseases
- Neurological disorders
- Meniere’s disease
- In rare cases, stroke
When you see an ENT specialist, a hearing test will be required to better understand the cause and extent of your hearing loss. If you prefer not to visit an emergency room right away, contacting a hearing clinic is also a good first step. Hearing professionals can check for wax buildup and perform an audiogram, which can be taken to a medical facility to speed up the diagnostic process.
In serious cases of SSNHL, 85% of patients who receive prompt treatment recover some or most of their hearing within one to two weeks. The most common treatment is steroid therapy, which may be administered orally or through direct injection into the ear. For those who do not recover their hearing, assistive solutions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended, depending on the severity of the loss.
If you suspect you’re experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss, don’t wait—seek medical attention right away. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in your recovery.