About sudden-onset hearing loss

Sudden-onset hearing loss

If you experience sudden-onset hearing loss, such as not being able to hear when you wake up in the morning or a sudden change in your hearing during the day, see a doctor immediately. A doctor can determine if the hearing loss is due to a temporary blockage (such as earwax) or if there might be another cause. 

Causes of sudden-onset hearing loss can include: 

  • Accidents and injuries
  • Blood circulation problems
  • Diseases 
  • Drug side-effects 
  • Infections or illnesses 
  • Inner ear disorders, such as Meniere’s Disease 
  • Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis 

Although these are some possible causes, in many cases doctors are not able to find one clear cause. 

Sudden-onset hearing loss, also referred to as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) or sudden deafness, can come with many emotions and some lifestyle changes. Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services can connect you with tools and resources to help you adjust and continue to live independently. 

Learn more on our website

Fact sheets 

Additional resources 

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Sudden Deafness (English) and Sordera súbita (Español) 

Find support for hearing loss

Connect with other people who share your experiences with hearing loss through a support group. Our Resource guide has links to support groups.