Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss developing within hours to days — an ENT emergency.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss has an annual incidence of 5 to 20 per 100,000. The majority of cases are idiopathic, although viral infection, vascular events and autoimmune causes are considered.

The cochlea is highly sensitive to disturbances of cochlear blood flow and to viral injury, so delayed therapy raises the risk of permanent hearing loss.

The therapeutic golden window is the first two to four weeks; corticosteroids initiated during this window markedly improve recovery.

Symptoms

Sudden or rapid unilateral hearing loss noticed over hours to days

Aural fullness or blockage

Tinnitus, often simultaneous

Imbalance in some cases

Loss noticed on awakening

Pain is usually absent

Risk Factors

Recent viral upper respiratory infection

Cardiovascular disease and hypertension

Diabetes

Autoimmune disease

Stress and severe fatigue

Acoustic neuroma (must be excluded)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Once hearing loss is noticed — IMMEDIATELY
Reach an ENT specialist within 48 to 72 hours
Aural fullness combined with tinnitus
Facial weakness — emergency department
Acute vertigo accompanying hearing loss

Treatment Methods

High-dose systemic corticosteroids (prednisolone 1 mg/kg)

Intratympanic steroid injection

Hyperbaric oxygen as adjunctive therapy

Antiviral treatment when herpetic aetiology is suspected

Haemorheologic agents (pentoxifylline, low-molecular-weight dextran)

Hearing aid or cochlear implant for permanent loss

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book Appointment Contact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.