Even though the name implies it, sudden hearing loss doesn’t always happen all at once. You usually get it in just one ear. You may not lose your hearing completely. If you
think you might have it, don’t ignore it and just hope it gets better. Allergies, earwax buildup, and sinus infections can cause hearing loss. But it may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Sometimes hearing returns on its own. But usually the sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome. You should see your doctor right away. You may lose your hearing
all at once. Or it may take a few days to develop. In general, the condition involves a loss of hearing that happens over 72 hours or less. Nine out of 10 people lose hearing in one ear. You may still hear some sounds out of the affected ear, but they’ll be softer. For example, a normal speaking voice may sound like a whisper. Some people first notice hearing loss when they try to talk on the phone with the affected ear. Others hear a loud “pop” right before their
hearing goes away. More symptoms often happen. Dizziness and ringing in the ears are common. You may also feel pressure in your ear. Doctors often don’t know what causes sudden hearing loss. Common causes include: Hearing loss may also be a symptom of a more serious condition, like a stroke or meningitis. These conditions usually have other symptoms, too. A doctor may give you a hearing test where you listen to different tones. Looking in your ear can reveal problems, like too much wax, or fluid in the ear canal or behind the ear drum. Learn more about the causes of sudden hearing loss in one ear. You may also get balance tests, an MRI, or a blood test. Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for sudden hearing loss. They can reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and help your body heal itself. Your doctor may prescribe
corticosteroid pills. Or you may get a shot directly into your ear. If your doctor finds an underlying cause of your hearing loss, they may be able to treat that condition. Ear infections, for example, are often treated with antibiotics. What to Do if You Lose Your HearingGet medical care ASAP if it happens suddenly or over a few days. There’s no way for you to tell if it’s due to something simple, like allergies, or something more serious. Early treatment improves your chance of regaining more of your hearing.
 WebMD Connect to Care helps you find services to manage your health. When you purchase any of these services, WebMD may receive a fee. WebMD does not endorse any product, service or treatment referred to on this page. X Medically Reviewed by Jordan Glicksman, MD, FRCSC, MPH on January 13, 2021 Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss in one ear and possible treatment options.
Hearing loss in one ear could be sudden or over time. If you have it in only one ear, then your doctor will call it unilateral hearing loss. There may be different reasons for hearing loss in one ear — ranging from ear wax to a burst eardrum, or in more serious cases Ménière's disease. EarwaxThe ear produces wax to clean and protect itself. According to the NHS, the earwax generally falls off by itself but if it doesn’t and blocks your ear, then there are ways in which you can take it out. According to Mayo Clinic, your doctor can remove the excess ear wax by suction or with a curet, a small curved instrument that gently scrapes out the ear wax. If the wax is hard to get out then your doctor might flush it out using warm water, an ear bulb syringe, or prescribe ear drops to soften the wax. Sometimes wax can be severely stuck and an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist might be needed. They have specialized equipment that can get out wax that is more difficult to remove. Ear InfectionsAn infection in the ear due to a bacterial or viral infection may cause loss of hearing, according to Harvard Health Publishing. The infection causes fluid to build up in your ear canal and can result in gradual but (in the vast majority of cases) temporary hearing loss. If you are in severe pain, your doctor may tell you to prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Ruptured EardrumYour eardrum can burst due to an infection, really loud noises like an explosion, pressure from flight take-offs and landings, or even by objects such as cotton buds that you use to clean your ear. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s best to get infections treated promptly and take precautions to protect your ears from loud noises, while flying, and avoid putting any objects in your ear canal. Ménière's DiseaseAccording to Mayo Clinic, Ménière's disease is an ear disorder that can lead to hearing loss, typically in one ear. You will typically also experience symptoms like dizziness, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. You must consult your doctor immediately to minimize the long term symptoms of the disease. Abnormal Bone Growth In the EarIn very rare cases, abnormal bone growth in the ear can cause hearing loss. This condition, called otosclerosis, worsens over time and may affect one or both ears, according to MedlinePlus. Your doctor may recommend that you use a hearing aid or have surgery to remove the excess bone growth. “Most of these conditions require a full workup with an otolaryngologist or specialist for treatment,” Kaitlin Anderson, AuD, CCC-A, a clinical audiologist with Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Illinois tells WebMD Connect to Care. Depending on the severity, unilateral hearing loss can be treated with a hearing aid, ear implants (placed with surgery), or other assistive listening devices, according to Anderson. Hearing Loss Can Be Treated and ManagedIn many cases, hearing loss is a treatable condition. It is worth taking the time out to get the answers and treatment you or your loved one deserves. Don’t wait. Start today. What to do if you suddenly lose hearing in one ear?Sometimes, people with SSHL put off seeing a doctor because they think their hearing loss is due to allergies, a sinus infection, earwax plugging the ear canal, or other common conditions. However, you should consider sudden deafness symptoms a medical emergency and visit a doctor immediately.
What is the most common cause of sudden hearing loss?Viruses are believed to be the most common cause of sudden hearing loss.
Why has my ear suddenly gone deaf?Causes can include: wax infections trauma ototoxic drugs acoustic neuromas Ménière's disease. Wax can build up in your ear canal and cause hearing loss. A normal amount of wax is perfectly healthy and helps keep your ears clean. However, some people produce more wax than others and it can build up in your ear canal.
Why cant I hear out of one ear all of a sudden?Hearing loss in one ear could be sudden or over time. If you have it in only one ear, then your doctor will call it unilateral hearing loss. There may be different reasons for hearing loss in one ear — ranging from ear wax to a burst eardrum, or in more serious cases Ménière's disease.
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What can cause sudden loss of hearing in one ear
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