Sudden Hearing Loss Management
in Victoria BC
REQUIRES URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION
​​Sudden hearing loss can be alarming for patients, and time is critical. We partner with physicians to provide prompt, comprehensive hearing evaluations to help guide next steps in care. Our audiologists can often see patients the same day, offering detailed testing and clear communication to support your treatment decisions.
For urgent appointments or to discuss a case, please contact us directly by phone at 250-590-1122.
Information For Physicians Regarding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
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Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency.
If you suspect your patient has sudden sensorineural hearing loss, please instruct your patient to contact us directly by phone (250) 590-1122 to organize an urgent diagnostic assessment. If they cannot hear well enough to manage by telephone, please have someone assist them or instruct them to present in person to our clinic immediately.
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For more information about sudden hearing loss, please see the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery’s Clinical “Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss”.
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Their "Plain Language Summary" contains a table of their Summary of Guideline Key Action Statements.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)
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What it is:
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Rapid Onset: SSNHL happens quickly, either immediately or over a few days.
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Sensorineural: The hearing loss originates in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve.
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Unilateral: It usually affects only one ear, but can sometimes occur in both.
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Medical Emergency: Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial.
Symptoms:
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Hearing Loss: Diminished hearing, sounds are unclear, muffled, garbled, or distorted.
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Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the affected ear.
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Aural Fullness: A feeling of pressure or blockage in the ear.
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Dizziness: Some individuals may experience vertigo or balance problems.
Possible Causes:
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Unknown (Idiopathic): The cause is often not identifiable.
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Viral Infections: Certain viral infections, such as mumps, have been linked to SSNHL.
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Vascular Issues: Problems with blood flow to the inner ear can also cause SSNHL.
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Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, the immune system may attack the inner ear.
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Other Conditions: Head trauma, certain medications, and tumors can also cause SSNHL.