What should I do about sudden hearing loss in one ear?
Sudden hearing loss needs same-day urgent assessment, even if it feels like a blocked ear or occurs with tinnitus alone. Do not wait for spontaneous improvement or assume wax. Sensorineural loss is one possibility, and delay can affect treatment prospects.
Details
How to seek help
Contact an ear, nose and throat service or attend emergency care if rapid assessment is unavailable. Adult guidance recommends assessment within 24 hours when loss developed over three days or less and began within the last 30 days. This does not mean waiting three days.
What assessment involves
A clinician examines the canal and eardrum and arranges hearing testing. Additional investigations depend on results. A specialist decides whether corticosteroids are appropriate, including route and timing; do not self-start steroids or ear drops.
Symptoms adding urgency
Hearing loss with facial weakness, speech problems, limb weakness or severe vertigo and difficulty walking requires emergency help for possible neurological disease. Even after days or weeks, seek assessment rather than assuming treatment cannot help.
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