sudden deafness

An unexplained rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear - it should be considered a medical emergency.

Signs & Symptoms:

• happens suddenly - over minutes, hours or days

• may be a complete or partial loss of hearing

• sometimes only high or low tones are lost

• the loss may be constant or fluctuating

• may also have:

  • tinnitus - new humming or ringing

  • imbalance, giddiness, vertigo

  • blocking/pressure in the ear not relieved by popping

  • fullness/numbness on side of head

Some people will experience tinnitus and not realise that they have a hearing loss.  Some people will notice that they cannot hear on the phone or cannot tell which direction sounds are coming from.

Act Fast! Early diagnosis and starting treatment ASAP help improve your chances of recovery.

What to do if you suspect a Sudden Deafness?

See your GP or Ear Nurse as soon as possible:

• the Ear Nurse will examine your ear to rule out any other causes for your change in hearing

• they will perform a screening hearing test, tuning fork test and tympanometry to provide as much as possible information to your doctor to make a full assessment

• the doctor will discuss starting a course of steroid medication (only a doctor can do this)

• the doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, who may want to arrange a scan

• discuss when to have your next hearing test