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Sudden hearing loss in one ear is an emergency

Illustration of the ear and head
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Karthik Yellapragada, MS, DNBConsultant ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon

Last reviewed · 4 min read

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss — hearing that drops in one ear over hours or a couple of days — is one of the few genuine ENT emergencies, and it is routinely mistaken for earwax.

Dr. Karthik Yellapragada

Consultant ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon

MBBS, MS, DNB (ENT)

12 YrsAOI Member
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Why the timing matters

Steroid treatment started within the first 72 hours gives a substantially better chance of recovery. Every day of delay reduces that chance, and after two to four weeks treatment rarely helps.

Important

If hearing drops suddenly in one ear, seek assessment the same day rather than waiting to see whether it clears.

Speak to the ENT team

Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.

When should I see a doctor about hearing changes?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.

Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?

A short consultation with a Lux ENT specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.

Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted

Sources & references

Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027

This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.

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