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We often think of hearing loss as something that happens gradually over time. However, for some, it happens in an instant. This is the story of a patient at Beacon Audiology who experienced Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), and why she wants everyone to know that sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency.
"Out of the Blue"
In June 2024, a healthy 55-year-old patient with lifelong good hearing experienced a sudden closure of her left ear while at work. Initially, she suspected earwax or even debris from nearby construction.
By that evening, her symptoms escalated rapidly:
Severe Vertigo: She began feeling off-balance and eventually became so dizzy she had to crawl to the bathroom as the room spun.
Physical Illness: The vertigo was accompanied by intense vomiting.
Tinnitus: She developed a constant, "howling" tinnitus, which she describes as feeling like a hair dryer is being blown into her ear.
The Critical Window for Treatment
Because common search results for "blocked ear" often point toward earwax, the patient didn't immediately realise her hearing was compromised. Unfortunately, she missed the critical 24–72 hour window for steroid treatment, the recommended intervention that can potentially save a person's hearing.
By the time she was diagnosed by an ENT consultant six weeks later, her moderate-to-severe hearing loss in the left ear was deemed likely permanent.
Life After SSNHL: The "Invisible" Challenge
Living with sudden hearing loss has been a tough year and a half. The patient now navigates several ongoing challenges:
Hyperacuity: Background noise in cafés or restaurants can become unbearable as it merges with conversation.
Auditory Fatigue: The brain has to work significantly harder to process sound, leading to rapid exhaustion.
Persistent Tinnitus: The sound never stops, which she describes as "living with your head inside a fridge".
Despite these hurdles, she has found support through balance therapy, eye exercises to manage vertigo and specialised counseling. She also wears a CROS hearing aid and credits her audiologist, Jemma, at Beacon Audiology for helping her navigate this journey.
A Vital Message for Others
The patient’s goal in sharing her story is to prevent this from happening to others. Her advice is simple: Trust your instincts and act fast.
"If we can get the message out there that sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, then I think we might be taking a very powerful step towards saving other people’s hearing in the future"
You do not need to wait for a referral to seek help. If you experience a sudden change in your hearing, you can contact Beacon Audiology directly for an urgent assessment.