Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear

If you have experienced a sudden loss of hearing in one ear — over the course of minutes, hours, or up to three days — you should seek immediate medical attention. This condition, known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), is a medical emergency.

What does it feel like?

People with sudden hearing loss in one ear often describe:

Waking up with hearing noticeably reduced or absent in one ear
A sudden "pop" followed by hearing loss
The ear feeling blocked, muffled, or "dead"
Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
A feeling of fullness or pressure

Why time matters

The standard treatment for SSHL is high-dose corticosteroids (usually prednisolone). Research shows that treatment started within 24–72 hours of onset gives the best chance of hearing recovery. After this window, the effectiveness of treatment drops significantly. Approximately one-third of patients recover fully, one-third partially, and one-third are left with permanent hearing loss.

What to do right now

Contact your GP immediately for an emergency appointment. Stress that this is sudden hearing loss.
If you cannot reach your GP, go to A&E.
Out of hours, call NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Causes

In many cases, the cause of SSHL is never identified (idiopathic). Known causes include viral infections affecting the inner ear, vascular events, autoimmune conditions, and acoustic neuroma (a benign tumour on the hearing nerve). Your doctor will investigate to rule out treatable causes.

After treatment

Follow-up hearing tests will monitor your recovery. If hearing does not fully return, your audiologist or ENT specialist will discuss options including hearing aids, CROS devices, or other assistive technology.

Frequently asked questions

Is sudden hearing loss in one ear always an emergency?

Yes. Any sudden hearing loss — particularly in one ear — should be treated as a medical emergency. Seek medical attention within 24 hours for the best chance of recovery.

Can sudden hearing loss in one ear recover?

Recovery is possible, especially with early treatment. Approximately one-third of patients recover fully, one-third recover partially, and one-third have permanent hearing loss.

What if it's just ear wax?

Ear wax can cause sudden muffled hearing, but you should still seek prompt medical assessment. A doctor can quickly determine whether the cause is wax or something more serious.