What is Called for a Temporary Hearing Loss? Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

You wake up one morning and discover your right ear feels muffled. Phone calls sound distant on that side. At first, you blame a cold or wax buildup. Then you realise the change happened overnight. This scenario describes sudden hearing loss, a condition that affects one ear in most cases. Many people search for answers about what is called a temporary hearing loss. The term often points to sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), a medical issue in the inner ear. This blog explains SSHL symptoms, sudden hearing loss causes, and sudden deafness treatment. At 3 Senses ENT & Dental Clinic, we use precise tests to identify the type and guide your care.

Also Read: Cochlear Implant vs Hearing Aid: Which One Fits Your Hearing Test Results?

What is called temporary hearing loss?

People use the phrase “temporary hearing loss” to describe sudden changes in hearing.

• Conductive loss: Earwax, fluid, or infection blocks sound from reaching the inner ear. This type often clears up with treatment or time.
• Sensorineural loss: The inner ear’s hair cells or auditory nerve fail to process sound. SSHL falls here.
• SSHL definition: Doctors define SSHL as a rapid drop in hearing that happens all at once or over a few days.
• One ear focus: SSHL affects one ear in most cases. You might notice it when you hold the phone to that side.
• Accompanying signs: Ear fullness, ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness often appear alongside SSHL.

Testing separates these types. Conductive loss shows normal inner ear function. SSHL shows more serious damage in the hearing pathway.

Sudden Hearing Loss vs SSHL

Sudden changes in hearing demand quick evaluation.

• First step: Doctors check for obvious blocks like wax or fluid.
• SSHL marker: A drop of at least 30 dB across three connected frequencies within 72 hours confirms sensorineural involvement.
• Audiogram role: This test maps the loss pattern and rules out conductive causes.
• Why act fast: Half of SSHL cases recover some hearing within one to two weeks, but early care improves outcomes.
• No delay: NIDCD calls SSHL a medical emergency because treatment timing affects results.

Our clinic schedules same-day assessments for sudden changes.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Causes

SSHL stems from inner ear disruption.

• Unknown origin: Only 10% of cases have a clear cause.
• Infection: Viruses attack the inner ear hair cells.
• Trauma: Head injury damages the auditory nerve or cochlea.
• Autoimmune: The body attacks its own inner ear structures.
• Drugs: Cancer treatments or severe infection antibiotics harm hair cells.
• Circulation: Blood flow problems starve the inner ear of oxygen.
• Other: Multiple sclerosis or Ménière’s disease affects hearing pathways.

One-ear SSHL prompts tumour checks on the auditory nerve.

Also Read: Who Benefits Most from Cochlear Implants? Candidacy and Next Steps

Sudden Hearing Loss Causes

Sudden hearing loss causes overlap with SSHL triggers.

• Viral: Common colds or herpes viruses inflame the cochlea.
• Vascular: Brief blood flow interruption mimicsa stroke in the ear.
• Stress link: Some studies note stress before onset, though the proof is lacking.
• Medications: Ototoxic drugs cause rapid changes.
• Trauma: Concussions trigger SSHL days later.

Testing identifies treatable causes like infection or drugs.

Symptoms That Signal SSHL

SSHL brings distinct signs.

• Rapid onset: Hearing fades in hours or days.
• One-sided: The affected ear loses volume suddenly.
• Fullness: Pressure builds inside the ear.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing starts.
• Vertigo: Balance issues accompany some cases.

These symptoms mimic allergies or sinus problems. Testing differentiates them.

How SSHL Gets Diagnosed

Audiology tests confirm SSHL.

• Pure tone audiometry: Measures tone detection across frequencies.
• Speech discrimination: Tests word understanding at comfortable volumes.
• Impedance audiometry: Checks middle ear pressure and function.
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Assess hair cell health.
• SISI and tone decay: Detects nerve fatigue or recruitment.

We use these at 3 Senses to map your loss accurately.

Also Read: Black Cataract Symptoms: When Vision Changes Signal Urgent Eye Care

Sudden Deafness Treatment

Sudden deafness treatment targets inflammation.

• Steroids: Corticosteroids reduce inner ear swelling.
• Delivery options: Oral pills or injections through the eardrum.
• Timing: Treatment within days works best.
• Cause-specific: Antibiotics treat infection. Drug changes stop toxicity.
• Supportive: Rest and hydration aid recovery.

Clinical trials show injections match oral steroids in effectiveness.​

If Hearing Stays Reduced

Persistent SSHL needs follow-up.

• Hearing aids: Amplify residual hearing for moderate loss.
• Cochlear implants: Stimulate the nerve directly for profound loss.
• Rehabilitation: Speech therapy builds listening skills.
• Monitoring: Regular tests track changes.

We offer digital hearing aids and rehab at 3 Senses.

How 3 Senses Audiology Helps

Our department supports SSHL care.

• Rapid testing: Audiograms and impedance on the same day.
• Custom plans: Treatment matches your test results.
• Rehab focus: Speech and hearing exercises improve outcomes.
• Device fitting: Modern aids reduce noise and boost clarity.

We coordinate with ENT for full management.

Book Your Hearing Assessment Today

If you notice sudden hearing loss, don’t rely on guesswork about “wax” or “temporary hearing loss.” At 3 Senses ENT & Dental Clinic, our Audiology Department runs the right tests—audiograms, impedance testing, SISI, and tone decay—and we explain your results in plain language so you know what to do next. Book your audiology assessment today with our team led by Dr. Shikha Mishra. Call +91 88262 62607 or visit 3sensesclinics.com to request an appointment at our Gurgaon clinic.

FAQs

1. Why do I suddenly lose hearing in one ear?

Sudden one-ear hearing loss can happen if something blocks sound (like earwax or fluid), or it can be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), where the inner ear gets affected.​
The NIDCD notes SSHL often affects one ear and can occur all at once or over a few days, sometimes with ear fullness, tinnitus, or dizziness.​

2. Does sudden hearing loss come back?

It can. The NIDCD states that about half of people with SSHL recover some or all hearing spontaneously, usually within one to two weeks from onset.​
Recovery chances improve when you get timely evaluation and treatment when warranted.​

3. Why can’t I hear out of my ear all of a sudden?

Many people assume allergies, sinus infection, or earwax cause the change, but the NIDCD advises you to treat sudden deafness symptoms as a medical emergency and see a doctor immediately.​
A clinician typically rules out conductive causes first and then confirms inner-ear loss with hearing tests such as pure-tone audiometry.​

4. Can sudden hearing loss be serious?Yes—SSHL is treated as a medical emergency because delaying diagnosis and treatment can reduce treatment effectiveness.​
The NIDCD also notes clinicians may run tests to look for underlying causes, which is another reason prompt evaluation matters.