Waking up one morning and realizing that your hearing has suddenly changed can feel frightening. Maybe one ear feels “blocked,” sounds seem muffled or full, or you notice ringing or dizziness. If this happens, it’s important to know that you may be experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL)—a condition that needs prompt medical attention.
What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing 
that happens in one ear (rarely both) over a period of 72 hours or less. It often feels like the ear is clogged or full, so many people mistake it for allergies, wax buildup, or a sinus issue. But unlike those conditions, SSNHL affects the inner ear and the nerve pathways to the brain.
What Causes It?
In many cases, the exact cause isn’t clear, but possible triggers include:
- Viral infections
- Problems with blood flow to the inner ear
- Autoimmune conditions
- Trauma or sudden pressure changes
- Rarely, tumors like acoustic neuromas
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Treatment for sudden hearing loss is time sensitive. It is ideal to start treatment within the first 2 weeks, although treatment can be offered up to 3 months after hearing loss begins.
Symptoms to Watch For
You might be dealing with sudden hearing loss if you notice:
- A sudden drop in hearing in one ear
- Sounds that seem distorted or far away
- A “full” or “plugged” feeling that doesn’t clear with yawning or swallowing
- Ringing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or imbalance
Managing Hearing Loss
If sudden hearing loss is 
expected, schedule an appointment with Dallas Ear Institute. At your appointment, you will undergo a hearing evaluation. If that hearing evaluation shows an asymmetrical hearing loss, the following steps will be taken:
- Your provider will order a MRI brain with and without contrast to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities, such as an acoustic neuroma.
- Steroids. Steroids help reduce inflammation. There are two methods of steroid delivery- oral and intratympanic (injection into the middle ear).
- Chance of hearing recovery with intervention of steroids within the first 3 months: 30% full recovery, 30% some recovery, 30% no recovery
- Once the steroid course is completed, you will have a follow up appointment to establish hearing outcome.
- Hearing consultation at The Hearing Center. There are a variety of hearing device options available depending on the hearing loss that has occurred. The audiologist at The Hearing Center will help walk you through the options tailored to you.
