Sudden Hearing Loss
Personalised urgent assessment and treatment planning for sudden hearing loss.
Exclusive Independent Ear & Hearing Clinic, Providing Exceptional Care to All Ages.
Sudden or Rapid Hearing Loss – Urgent Access Hearing Assessment Service
Audiology Planet | Urgent Community Pathway | Free Provision Available
Urgent Access Hearing Assessment Service
Overview
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. Whether it occurred within 72 hours or developed rapidly over the last six months, immediate assessment is essential. Outcomes may be drastically better when the condition is identified and escalated early.
Audiology Planet provides an urgent access, no-barriers clinical pathway for anyone experiencing sudden changes in their hearing, including sudden hearing loss in one ear — referred or self-referred, insured or uninsured.
NICE Guidance (NG98) – What Healthcare Providers Must Know Below
NICE is very clear about sudden or rapid hearing loss. In fact, it gives some of its most urgent recommendations regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss here:
NICE NG98 (Hearing Loss in Adults) states:
- Sudden hearing loss (developing over ≤72 hours) requires immediate assessment.
- Rapidly progressing hearing loss (over days to 90 days) also requires urgent evaluation and medical input.
- Clinicians should not delay assessment or referral while waiting to see if symptoms improve.
- Early differentiation between conductive vs. sensorineural loss is essential because SSNHL needs prompt medical intervention, often steroids within days.
- Anyone presenting with sudden deafness should be directed to hearing assessment as an emergency, not routine.
In Short: If someone reports sudden hearing loss in one ear or a rapid decline in both, the clock is ticking — they need audiological investigations now, not next week. We’ve built a service that lets you comply with NICE instantly, without the usual delay.
"Experiencing sudden hearing loss? Get immediate help — speak to our specialist now."
Who This Service is For
Our urgent pathway is designed for those requiring immediate sudden hearing loss treatment, specifically:
- Sudden drop in hearing in one or both ears
- Rapid decline over weeks or months
- New tinnitus, distortion, or “blocked ear” without wax
- Anyone unsure whether the change is wax or something more serious
- Those with no GP referral, or who can’t reach their GP quickly
- Individuals who can’t pay — they’re still seen
- Patients with insurance (authorisation can follow later)
If there’s doubt, make sure the patient is contacting the best doctor for sudden hearing loss.
What We Provide
(Same Day/Next Day)
- Full diagnostic audiological assessment
- Tympanometry
- Red-flag screening (NICE-aligned)
- Immediate differentiation of conductive vs. sensorineural loss
- Rapid written report for GP / ENT / A&E
- Help with insurance authorisation for clients insured with health insurance (but we never delay the appointment)
- Complimentary access for patients with financial difficulty — this is a community service first
Patients can contact us directly by call, text, or WhatsApp for instant triage.
Access Routes
- Self-referral
- GP, ENT, pharmacist, physio, optometrist, or urgent care referral
- Care homes and community services
- Private medical insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
As the name suggests, sudden hearing loss refers to the rapid loss of hearing within a few hours or days. It starts by affecting one ear and demands immediate medical attention.
The most common causes include viral infections, inner ear disorders, head trauma, poor blood circulation etc.
Yes, sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency. If you are able to diagnose it early and get good treatment, you would be able to improve the chances of your recovery.
Yes, in many cases, hearing loss can be reversed, either fully or partially. This would depend on the cause of the problem and how early you are getting it treated. It appears that oral steroids are one of the main choices of treatment, if sudden hearing loss is confirmed in first two weeks.
You should see an Audiologist immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, ear fullness, ringing (tinnitus), dizziness, or imbalance.
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