Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears can result from earwax or middle ear problems, but also acute damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. Unexplained sudden sensorineural hearing loss needs medical and ENT assessment the same day; early steroids may be appropriate.

• Clearly reduced hearing within hours to a maximum of three days, usually in one ear.
• Waking with a deaf ear or noticing it during a phone call.
• Do not wait until tomorrow; arrange medical assessment the same day.
• Put nothing into the ear and do not use ear drops before the eardrum and cause have been assessed.
• Call the same day for sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, even if it feels like a blocked ear.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.