Hearing loss typically develops gradually over time. Sudden hearing loss is an entirely different situation — one that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding the warning signs and knowing when to act quickly can make a real difference in treatment outcomes.

What Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) refers to a rapid loss of hearing that occurs within 72 hours or less. It affects the inner ear and usually impacts just one ear, though both can be affected. The loss is often significant — patients may lose 30 decibels or more of hearing ability, making moderate-level sounds seem barely audible.

Many people notice the problem when they wake up one morning and cannot hear out of one ear. Others discover it when trying to use the phone, or they hear a distinct "pop" before their hearing disappears. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or dizziness may accompany the hearing loss.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Several symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Sudden hearing loss in one ear — a dramatic decrease or complete loss of hearing in one ear
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear
• Sudden onset tinnitus, particularly when combined with hearing loss
• Dizziness or vertigo, which may indicate inner ear involvement
• A popping sound just before noticing a change in hearing

Why Immediate Care Matters

Time is critical. The window for optimal treatment is typically within the first two weeks, with the best outcomes when treatment begins within 72 hours of symptom onset. Waiting to see whether the problem resolves on its own can significantly reduce the chances of recovery.

Research suggests that approximately one-third of people with SSNHL recover some or all of their hearing spontaneously within three days — but there is no way to predict whether that will happen in your case. Medical intervention substantially improves recovery rates, particularly when started quickly.

Where to Go First

SSNHL is a medical emergency. Your first call should be to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) or, if one is not immediately available, an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the inner ear. These may be prescribed as an oral medication or administered as an injection directly into the middle ear. Only a physician can prescribe and administer these treatments, which is why seeing a medical doctor promptly is the priority.

Do not wait for a scheduled appointment or attempt to manage symptoms at home. Every hour matters with this condition.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

In roughly 90% of cases, the exact cause of SSNHL remains unknown. Contributing factors can include viral infections, circulatory problems that reduce blood flow to the inner ear, autoimmune conditions, head trauma, extremely loud noise exposure, certain medications, or — less commonly — tumors such as acoustic neuromas.

How Audiology Fits Into Your Care

Audiologists play an important role in managing SSNHL, often working alongside ENT physicians. A comprehensive hearing test is a key part of the diagnostic process, measuring the extent and type of hearing loss across different frequencies. This testing helps confirm whether the loss is sensorineural and guides the physician's treatment decisions.

At our practice, we can perform this diagnostic testing and work with your medical team to monitor your recovery. Follow-up hearing evaluations track changes over time and help determine whether additional intervention is needed.

For patients whose hearing does not fully return, we provide ongoing hearing care — including fitting hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing profile. Dr. Norgaard follows evidence-based fitting practices, including Real Ear Measurement, to make sure any hearing aids are programmed precisely to your needs rather than based on averages alone.

Don't Wait to Find Out

Sudden hearing loss is one of the few true emergencies in audiology. If you experience a rapid change in hearing — especially in one ear — contact an ENT or seek urgent medical care immediately.

Once you have received medical attention, we are here to support your recovery and long-term hearing health. If you have questions about your hearing or would like to schedule a hearing evaluation, contact Sioux Falls Audiology Associates at 605-306-3050. We are glad to coordinate care with your physician and provide the diagnostic and rehabilitative support you need.