Can A Virus Cause Sudden Hearing Loss?

Whether you’ve just been to a loud concert or experienced some other event that you can trace directly to sudden tinnitus or hearing loss, it can be disorienting to lose your hearing ability in one or both ears. If you’ve noticed a sudden decrease in hearing ability, you’re not the only one. Our Doctors of Audiology are here to help.

What Sudden Hearing Loss Feels Like

Patients we’ve seen that have sudden hearing loss describe the sensation as having muffled hearing or a full sensation in their ears. Frequently, these symptoms also include tinnitus or even balance problems that indicate issues with the inner ear and vestibular system.

Sometimes it results in pain, which is a leading concern among people who come in to get checked out. Regardless, pain shouldn’t be the only reason to visit our audiologists, as any sudden change in hearing could be the result of something that requires immediate attention.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

Several conditions can lead to partial or total hearing loss suddenly in one or both ears. One of the less well-known causes is a viral infection in the affected ear. This can commonly result in what’s called sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Rather than most types of hearing loss, this occurs overnight or over the course of just a few days, as opposed to years and with advanced age.

Fluid in the ear, exposure to loud or sudden sounds, and physical obstruction can all cause sudden hearing loss, and regardless of the cause, it’s important to get examined and treated quickly, as some causes can lead to permanent damage to your hearing.

How to Treat Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The most common treatment is a simple steroid prescription that can be administered orally in pill form. Antiviral drugs are available for those whose hearing loss is caused by some kind of viral infection.

Schedule an Appointment

At the end of the day, a quick diagnosis through hearing evaluation with our team and early medical intervention through our network of otolaryngologists is key to maintaining your hearing health no matter what the cause of the sudden symptoms you’re experiencing. As your experts in hearing loss and audiology, NYHD is here to help you get the treatment you need to preserve and protect your hearing.