Sudden hearing loss – especially when it occurs over hours or a couple of days – is widely recognized by clinicians as a medical emergency. Early assessment and treatment improve your chances of recovery and help guide appropriate interventions. Both UK and US audiology and ENT guidelines emphasize urgency and evidence-based care.
What Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
SSNHL is typically defined as:
- A rapid onset of hearing loss occurring within ~72 hours, and
- ≥30 dB hearing reduction in at least three adjacent frequencies on audiometry.
- It usually affects one ear and may occur with tinnitus (ringing), aural fullness, and/or dizziness.
Sudden hearing loss is not simply “getting older” – it can be a serious signal that immediate evaluation is needed.
UK Clinical Guidance – NICE & NHS Standards
In the UK, clinicians follow NICE Guideline NG98 (Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management) and Quality Standard QS185, which set expectations for timely referral and action.
Key Recommendations (UK)
- Sudden loss over ≤3 days → urgent referral to ENT or emergency services within 24 hours.
- Sudden loss >30 days ago → urgent referral within 2 weeks.
- Rapid progression of hearing loss demands urgent action.
These timeframes are vital because earlier specialist assessment increases the chance of meaningful recovery.
Steroids in UK Practice
NICE recommends clinicians consider corticosteroids as a treatment for idiopathic SSNHL but does not mandate specific doses or taper schedules in the guideline text. In practice, oral steroids such as prednisolone are often prescribed early once SSNHL is confirmed.
Diagnosis & Imaging
- Confirm sensorineural vs conductive loss with formal audiometry as soon as possible.
- MRI is usually recommended when asymmetrical loss or neurological red flags are present.
US Clinical Guidance – AAO-HNSF (2019)
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation guideline is more prescriptive regarding treatment.
Diagnosis (US)
- Differentiate sensorineural from conductive loss immediately.
- Perform audiometry
- Avoid routine CT scans or non-targeted lab testing.
Steroid Therapy for SSNHL (US)
Systemic corticosteroids are an option if started within 2 weeks of onset. A commonly referenced regimen is:
- Prednisone ~1 mg/kg/day (max ~60 mg)
- Full dose for 7–14 days
- Gradual taper over another 7–14 days
This schedule is widely used in practice and forms the basis for many treatment protocols.
Salvage Treatment for Sudden Hearing Loss
If recovery is incomplete after 2–6 weeks:
- Intratympanic steroid injections are recommended as salvage therapy.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered in select cases.
UK vs US Guidance for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Topic | UK (NICE) | US (AAO-HNSF) |
|---|---|---|
Urgency | Explicit medical emergency | Strong emphasis on early care |
Referral timeline | 24 h for recent onset | Early specialist evaluation |
Steroid guidance | Consider steroids, flexible | Specific dosing regimens |
Salvage therapy | Used locally | Formal recommendation |
Despite differences in wording, the central message remains the same:
act without delay.
Immediate Actions for Patients With Sudden Hearing Loss
If You Notice Sudden Hearing Loss:
- Do not wait for it to improve on its own
- Contact your GP immediately for urgent assessment
- Ask for or seek urgent audiometry testing
In the South East of England, we provide rapid access assessments and support integrative care.
Patient-Friendly Service at Audiology Planet:
We’re here to help – whether your sudden hearing change or SSNHL just started, or you need reassessment after a GP/ENT referral. At Audiology Planet, we offer:
- Urgent Hearing Assessments & Audiometry – precise evaluation of sudden hearing changes.
(See our hearing assessments here: Hearing assessments at Audiology Planet) - Tinnitus & Balance Support — if ringing, noise sensitivity, or dizziness accompanies your hearing change.
(Tinnitus services: Tinnitus Management at Audiology Planet) - Multi-Disciplinary Audiology Services for follow-up, rehabilitation, and device recommendations.
(Our full services: Audiology Planet Services & Care) - Referral Pack & GP Collaboration — dedicated GP referral forms and guidance for seamless care coordination.
(Get the referral form: Audiology Planet GP Referral Form)
Clinic Locations (Kent & South East England)
If you’re in Kent or nearby, we provide specialist care across multiple clinics:
📍 Sevenoaks, Kent — Springbank House, Pembroke Road.
(Details: Sevenoaks Clinic Location)
📍 Tunbridge Wells, Kent — Royal Tunbridge Wells practice.
(Details: Tunbridge Wells Clinic Location)
📍 Central London — Bermondsey location for wider access.
(Details: Central London Clinic Location)
GP Referral Explainer (Quick Overview)
When to Refer Urgently
- Sudden unilateral or bilateral hearing loss within 72 h
- New tinnitus or vertigo with hearing changes
- Neurological symptoms (facial weakness, imbalance)
What to Include
- Timeline of onset and changes
- Otoscopy findings
- Immediate interventions started (e.g., steroids)
- Audiometry results (if available)
Why Early Referral Matters
Prompt referral to ENT or an audiologist:
- Increases chance of treatment benefit
- Helps identify underlying causes
- Enables timely decisions about steroid therapy
Follow-Up, Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care
Some patients recover fully; others may require follow-up services such as:
- Repeat audiometry
- Tinnitus support
- Hearing device evaluation
- Balance assessment
Audiology Planet offers holistic audiological care across all these needs, empowering better communication and quality of life. (Audiology Planet)
