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PubMed This is a summary of 52 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Otolaryngology

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) Resource Guide

At a Glance

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency requiring immediate evaluation by an ENT specialist or emergency room. Prompt diagnostic testing with an audiogram is essential to begin time-sensitive treatments like steroids and maximize your chances of hearing recovery.

Welcome to the resource guide for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). If you or a loved one has recently experienced a sudden drop in hearing, you are likely feeling scared, confused, and overwhelmed. This guide is designed to help you understand what is happening, what tests you need, and what treatments are available.

Where to Start

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is an otologic emergency [1]. This means you should seek specialized care immediately. General urgent care centers or walk-in clinics may simply check for earwax and send you home. It is crucial to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or go to an Emergency Room where an audiogram can be ordered and treatment can begin without delay [1][2].

This guide is broken down into four key sections to help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment:

01

What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Learn about Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Understand the 3-3-3 rule, signs like tinnitus, and why it is considered a true medical emergency.

02

Diagnosing Sudden Hearing Loss and Ruling Out Other Causes

Learn how Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is diagnosed. Understand tuning fork tests, audiograms, and why an MRI is crucial to rule out other causes.

03

Standard of Care: Treatments for Sudden Hearing Loss

Learn the standard of care for treating Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Understand the 14-day golden window, oral steroids, and ear injections.

04

Recovery and Life After Sudden Hearing Loss

Learn about recovery after Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Understand prognostic factors, recovery timelines, tinnitus management, and hearing aids.

Take a deep breath. Use this guide to arm yourself with knowledge, prepare questions for your care team, and advocate for the swift, comprehensive care you deserve.

Common questions in this guide

Is sudden hearing loss a medical emergency?
Yes, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is considered an otologic emergency. You should seek specialized care immediately from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or emergency room rather than waiting to see if it improves on its own.
What kind of doctor should I see for a sudden drop in hearing?
You should urgently see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or visit an emergency room. General urgent care or walk-in clinics may only check for earwax and could delay the specialized testing and treatment you need.
What tests do I need to diagnose sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
To properly diagnose sudden hearing loss, you need an urgent comprehensive hearing test called an audiogram, which is performed by an audiologist. Your specialist may also order physical exams and imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other potential causes.
What are the treatments for sudden hearing loss?
Standard treatments for sudden hearing loss include oral steroids and steroid injections directly into the ear. These treatments have critical time windows, making it essential to get an accurate diagnosis and begin therapy as quickly as possible.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Given my symptoms, do you consider this an otologic emergency, and should I see an ENT immediately?
  2. 2.Can you refer me to an audiologist for an urgent hearing test today?
  3. 3.What is the fastest way I can get a comprehensive audiogram to confirm this?

Questions For You

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References

References (2)
  1. 1

    Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) Executive Summary.

    Chandrasekhar SS, Tsai Do BS, Schwartz SR, et al.

    Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2019; (161(2)):195-210 doi:10.1177/0194599819859883.

    PMID: 31369349
  2. 2

    Laboratory assessment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A case-control study.

    Fasano T, Pertinhez TA, Tribi L, et al.

    The Laryngoscope 2017; (127(10)):2375-2381 doi:10.1002/lary.26514.

    PMID: 28224621

This guide provides educational information about sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is not a substitute for immediate, professional medical care from an ENT specialist or emergency department.

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