Sudden hearing loss: what to do today
If your hearing has dropped suddenly, in one or both ears, over hours or a few days, contact your GP or NHS 111 today, or go to A&E. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency, and treatment works best when it starts early.
A fast drop that needs fast action.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing caused by a problem in the inner ear or the hearing nerve, rather than a blockage. It usually affects one ear, comes on over minutes to three days, and is often first noticed on waking or when using the phone with that ear.
In most cases no single cause is found. Viral infections, problems with blood flow to the inner ear and inflammation are all thought to play a part. Because the inner ear is so delicate, doctors usually start treatment, typically with steroids, as early as possible, ideally within days rather than weeks.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day, or go to A&E. Say that your hearing has dropped suddenly.
Many people recover some or all of their hearing, and starting treatment early gives the best chance.
Signs of sudden hearing loss.
If several of these came on together, act today.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 today, or go to A&E. If you call us, we will tell you the same. Once you have been seen by a doctor, we can help with a full hearing test and support.
What can cause it.
Often no cause is found. These are the possibilities doctors consider.
Inflammation of the inner ear or hearing nerve after a virus.
A reduced blood supply to the inner ear, which has very small blood vessels.
The immune system attacking the inner ear, sometimes in both ears.
A blow to the head, diving or very loud noise.
Certain drugs can affect the inner ear.
Read about medicines that affect hearingRarely, a non-cancerous growth on the hearing nerve. This is one reason doctors often arrange an MRI scan.
Read about acoustic neuromaIs it sudden hearing loss or a blockage?
Earwax, a cold or an ear infection can also make an ear feel blocked quickly, and they are far more common. The difference is that sudden sensorineural hearing loss usually has no pain, no discharge and no cold, and the blocked feeling does not shift when you swallow or yawn.
A simple check some doctors use is to hum. With a blockage in one ear, the hum usually sounds louder in the blocked ear. With sudden sensorineural loss, it tends to sound louder in the good ear. This is a rough guide only, and it is not a reason to delay. If you are not sure, get checked the same day.
Hearing tests and support for what comes next.
Medical treatment comes first. Once you have been seen, we can help you track your recovery and manage any hearing that does not return.
Repeat tests show how much hearing has recovered and whether it is still changing.
If some hearing loss remains, a hearing aid on that side can make speech clearer and ease the strain of listening.
If the ear has little useful hearing left, a CROS system sends sound from the poorer side to your better ear.
Ringing often comes with sudden loss. We include tinnitus assessment and advice in every hearing test.
Call 999 if
- Hearing loss comes with weakness or numbness on one side of your body
- Your face droops, or your speech is slurred
- You have a sudden, severe headache, or confusion
These can be signs of a stroke. For sudden hearing loss on its own, contact your GP or NHS 111 today, or go to A&E.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes. It should be seen by a doctor the same day if possible. Treatment, usually with steroids, works best when it starts early.
Many people recover some or all of their hearing, particularly with early treatment and a milder loss. Repeat hearing tests show how much has recovered.
No. Contact your GP or NHS 111, or go to A&E, first. A hearing test with us is useful afterwards, to track recovery and plan support.
It could, as wax is much more common. But if you cannot be sure, do not wait to find out. Get medical advice the same day.
Hearing aids, including CROS systems for single-sided hearing loss, can help a great deal. We can talk you through the options after a full assessment.
Seen by a doctor? We can help next.
Follow-up hearing tests, hearing aids and tinnitus support, in clinic or at home.
Hearing loss in one earSensorineural hearing lossTinnitusBlocked earsHearing aids
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.