How long does hearing loss last after a sudden hearing loss?

What to do if you have a sudden hearing loss?

Hearing is significantly impaired or completely lost without an obvious trigger - if the cause is a sudden hearing loss or ear infarction, this hearing impairment is usually temporary.

Hearing loss is a sudden, usually one-sided sensorineural hearing loss without an identifiable cause, which can also occur in young people. It is not always the reduction in volume that is perceived, but often a change in the sound image or the fact that the localization of sound sources and understanding background noise suddenly becomes difficult or impossible. Unpleasant accompanying symptoms can include tinnitus in the affected ear, and rarely also dizziness.

Don't wait for sudden hearing loss!

In more than half of cases, these symptoms subside within 14 days, sometimes even faster. Nevertheless, if you experience symptoms of sudden hearing loss, you should not simply wait and see a specialist within the first two days if possible. He or she will be able to assess whether drug therapy is still appropriate.

In general, the chances of recovery are very good and hearing can recover within a few weeks. If this is not completely the case, hearing aids or hearing implants can help. Even if only one side is affected, hearing aids should definitely be considered.

If a sudden hearing loss occurs repeatedly, it may be a relapse in the course of another inner ear disease. More detailed clarification is then definitely advisable.