Sudden Hearing Loss

What is Sudden Hearing Loss?

• A rapid hearing loss, typically in one ear, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less
• A medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment
• Associated symptoms MAY include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and/or dizziness (vertigo)

What causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

• Infectious diseases such as mumps, measles or chickenpox
• Circulatory and inner ear problems such as Meniere’s disease
• Trauma, such as a head injury that disrupts cochlear blood flow
• Acoustic neuroma (non-cancerous tumor) of the acoustic nerve

Symptoms:

• A hearing test that measures a loss of at least 30dB
• Inability to hear when using the “deafened” ear in a telephone call or conversation
• Noticing a loud “pop” or explosive sound just before severe hearing loss occurs

Diagnosis:

• Talk honestly with your Audiologist about sudden changes in your ability to hear
• Allow your Audiologist to professionally evaluate the type and severity of your hearing loss
• Allow your Audiologist to evaluate the function of your inner ear
• Co-ordinate with a Physician to order an MRI to rule out acoustic neuroma