Sudden Hearing Loss 

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency.

 

If you suspect you have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, please contact us directly by phone (250) 590-1122 to organize an urgent diagnostic assessment. If our clinic is closed or it's a weekend/holiday, proceed to your nearest urgent care clinic or emergency department for treatment. ​​ 

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)

​

What it is:

• Rapid Onset: SSNHL happens quickly, either immediately or over a few days. 

• Sensorineural: The hearing loss originates in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. 

• Unilateral: It usually affects only one ear, but can sometimes occur in both. 

• Medical Emergency: Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. 

 

Symptoms:

• Hearing Loss: Diminished hearing, sounds are unclear, muffled, garbled, or distorted. 

• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the affected ear. 

• Aural Fullness: A feeling of pressure or blockage in the ear. 

• Dizziness: Some individuals may experience vertigo or balance problems. 

 

Possible Causes:

• Unknown (Idiopathic): The cause is often not identifiable. 

• Viral Infections: Certain viral infections, such as mumps, have been linked to SSNHL. 

• Vascular Issues: Problems with blood flow to the inner ear can also cause SSNHL. 

• Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, the immune system may attack the inner ear. 

• Other Conditions: Head trauma, certain medications, and tumors can also cause SSNHL. 

​

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, can be found here. 

​