Sudden Hearing Loss: What It Means and Why You Should Act Quickly

Waking up one morning and realising that one ear sounds muffled or completely silent can be alarming.

This experience is known as sudden hearing loss, and it should never be ignored.

While some cases come from temporary issues like wax or sinus congestion, others may indicate serious nerve or inner ear problems.

Early treatment can make all the difference.

This guide explains what sudden hearing loss means, the possible causes, safe home remedies when it’s due to a cold, and why seeking urgent care from professionals is crucial.

What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss, medically called sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), is a rapid loss of hearing that occurs over a few hours or days.

It usually affects one ear, though it can occur in both, a condition known as bilateral hearing loss.

Most cases involve damage or inflammation in the inner ear or auditory nerve.

However, sometimes the cause is conductive, related to wax blockage, fluid, or infection in the outer or middle ear.

Types of Hearing Loss Explained

Key Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss often happens without warning, and the signs can be easy to overlook.

Paying attention to small changes in your hearing can make all the difference.

You might be experiencing sudden hearing loss if:

• Sounds in one ear suddenly feel muffled or distorted.
  
• Everyday noises seem quieter or “farther away” than usual.
  
• You hear a constant ringing, buzzing, or roaring (tinnitus).
  
• Your own voice sounds different or echoey when speaking.
  
• There’s no wax, water, or visible blockage in the ear.
  

If these symptoms appear within 72 hours, don’t wait, seek a professional hearing test immediately.

Quick action can often restore hearing and prevent long-term damage, especially when treated by specialists like those at Dewaxify.

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Possible Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss can happen for many reasons, some minor, others more serious. Understanding what’s behind it helps you act quickly and get the right treatment.

Here are some of the most common causes explained in simple terms:

1. Ear Wax Blockage or Conductive Causes

Sometimes, hearing fades simply because sound can’t pass through properly.

A build-up of ear wax or trapped fluid can block the ear canal, causing temporary hearing loss.

The good news?

Professional ear cleaning, like microsuction, can usually restore hearing almost instantly and safely.

2. Ear Infections

An ear infection, whether in the middle or outer ear, can cause swelling, fluid build-up, and a “blocked ear” feeling.

This often leads to muffled hearing or mild pain.

Once the infection is treated and the fluid clears, hearing usually returns to normal.

3. Viral Infections

Common viruses like a cold, flu, or COVID-19 can inflame the inner ear.

This can damage tiny sensory cells that help convert sound into signals your brain understands.

Sometimes, the change in hearing happens suddenly and without pain.

Prompt treatment increases the chances of full recovery.

4. Circulatory or Autoimmune Issues

Your inner ear needs a constant blood supply to function properly.

When circulation drops or the immune system mistakenly attacks ear tissue, hearing can decline suddenly.

These conditions may also cause dizziness or ringing in the ears.

Because nerve damage can occur quickly, urgent medical care is essential.

5. Loud Noise Exposure

A single loud blast like from concerts, fireworks, or headphones can damage delicate inner ear hair cells.

These cells don’t regenerate, so the hearing loss may be permanent.

Ongoing exposure to loud environments increases the risk over time.

Using ear protection is the best defense against noise-related hearing loss.

6. Medication Side Effects

Some prescription drugs are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can harm the inner ear or hearing nerve.

These include certain antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy medicines.

Symptoms can start as ringing, fullness, or sudden hearing loss in one ear.

If you notice these changes, contact your doctor before stopping or changing your medication.

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Home Remedies for Hearing Loss Due to a Cold

If your hearing feels muffled during a cold or sinus infection, don’t panic, it’s often temporary.

Congestion and fluid buildup can block the middle ear, affecting sound transmission.

The good news?

A few simple home remedies can ease pressure and help restore hearing naturally.

1. Steam Inhalation

Breathe in warm steam for about 10 minutes twice a day.

The moisture helps open nasal passages and loosen trapped mucus.

This allows fluid to drain from the middle ear more easily.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can make it even more soothing.

2. Nasal Decongestants or Saline Rinses

A saline rinse or mild decongestant can reduce swelling in the Eustachian tubes.

This restores airflow between your nose and middle ear.

Choose gentle, over-the-counter options and avoid overuse of nasal sprays.

Consistent use for a few days can bring noticeable relief.

3. Warm Compress

Place a warm towel or heating pad over the affected ear for 5–10 minutes.

The warmth boosts blood flow and relieves built-up pressure.

It also provides comfort if your ear feels heavy or sore.

Always test the temperature before applying to avoid burns.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, or clear soup throughout the day.

Hydration keeps mucus thin, helping it drain naturally.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you.

Proper hydration supports faster recovery from colds and sinus infections.

5. Avoid Cotton Buds & Ear Candling

Never insert cotton buds into your ear.

It can push wax deeper and cause injury.

Ear candling is also unsafe and ineffective.

These methods can worsen blockages instead of clearing them.

Stick to safe, clinically approved cleaning options like professional microsuction if needed.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours or seem to worsen, it’s best to see a hearing specialist.

At Dewaxify, experts can check whether the issue is congestion-related or something more serious, ensuring you get the right treatment quickly.

Relief Tips for Cold-Related Hearing Loss

When to Seek Urgent Professional Help

Sudden hearing loss should never be ignored, it can be a true medical emergency.

If you notice any of the following signs, seek expert help right away:

• Hearing drops suddenly or drastically within 72 hours.
  
• You experience persistent ringing, buzzing, or roaring in one or both ears.
  
• Dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo accompanies your hearing loss.
  
• There’s no sign of wax, cold, or congestion causing the blockage.
  

The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.

Starting treatment within the first 7 days gives the best results.

Depending on the cause, your clinician may recommend steroid medication, antiviral therapy, or professional microsuction if wax is involved.

At Dewaxify, early intervention often helps patients regain full or partial hearing safely and quickly.

Dewaxify’s Approach to Sudden Hearing Loss

Dewaxify is a specialist ear clinic in Ilford, East London, founded in April 2017 by Sita Parmar, an experienced Audiological Scientist.

The clinic combines advanced technology with a calm, patient-first approach.

Every appointment includes a full assessment to find the cause of your hearing change and immediate relief options.

Our Services

• HD Otoscopy: View inside your ear canal in high definition.
  
• Microsuction Ear Wax Removal: Dry, safe, and instant relief from conductive blockages.
  
• Hearing Tests: Free online or in-clinic hearing evaluation.
  
• ENT Referrals: For nerve-related or complex hearing loss cases.
  

Appointment Details

• Duration: 25–30 minutes
  
• Price: From £60, including consultation and hearing check
  
• Suitable for adults and children aged six and up
  
• Accessible clinic in Ilford, East London
  

Why Acting Fast Matters

Delaying treatment for sudden hearing loss reduces the chance of recovery.

Infections and viral inflammation can permanently damage inner ear hair cells.

Quick evaluation can distinguish between reversible conductive hearing loss and sensorineural causes that need medication.

Even if symptoms seem mild, professional testing ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment.

7-Day Plan for Managing Sudden Hearing Loss

Hearing loss should never wait.

If one or both ears suddenly sound muffled or silent, book a same-day evaluation at Dewaxify Ilford.

Our team provides quick diagnosis, safe microsuction, and guidance to restore your hearing health.

Book Your Appointment Now

Sudden Hearing Loss: FAQs