Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Also known as: Sudden deafness, Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, SSNHL, Sudden hearing loss, Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear, developing over hours to three days, often noticed on waking or as a blocked-ear sensation with tinnitus [1][2]. It is an ear emergency: early treatment with corticosteroids, ideally within the first two weeks, gives the best chance of recovery, and about one-third to two-thirds of people recover some or all hearing [1][2][3]. First, wax blockage and middle ear causes are excluded by examination; MRI is often arranged to exclude rare causes such as vestibular schwannoma [1][2]. In Chinese medicine sudden deafness corresponds to Bào Lóng 暴聋 (sudden deafness), classically from Wind-Heat invading the ear channels, Liver-Gallbladder Fire rising, or Qi and Blood failing to reach the ear; chronic hearing loss relates to Kidney deficiency. Acupuncture has been studied as an adjunct to steroids with mixed but sometimes promising results, and any use must never delay urgent medical treatment [3][4].