What is sudden hearing loss?
Most of the time, hearing loss happens gradually, over many years. But sometimes, hearing loss happens suddenly, within a few hours or overnight.
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Sudden hearing loss usually happens in only one ear
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You may also have other symptoms, such as ringing in your ears, dizziness, or feeling like you’re spinning (vertigo)
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Most often, doctors don't find a reason for sudden hearing loss
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Sometimes, sudden hearing loss is caused by a very loud noise, severe head injury, infection, or use of certain medicines
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In a few weeks, about half of people get all their hearing back and many others get some hearing back
See a doctor right away if you have sudden hearing loss.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Most often, doctors can't find a cause for sudden hearing loss.
When there is a cause, it's usually something obvious like:
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A sudden, very loud noise, such as an explosion or gunshot
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A bad head injury
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A sudden, severe pressure change in the ear (such as from air travel or scuba diving)
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Certain medicines that have the side effect of damaging your hearing
