Sudden hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear, that occurs over hours or a few days. People may notice it immediately when they wake up or while using the phone. Symptoms can include muffled or reduced hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), dizziness, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Causes can include viral infections, circulatory issues, inner ear conditions, or sometimes unknown factors. Because it develops quickly, it is considered a medical concern and should be addressed as soon as possible. Prompt care can improve the chances of recovery.
At Melody Hearing Clinic, our registered hearing aid practitioners provide hearing assessments to help identify sudden hearing loss and guide next steps. We can recommend protective strategies, provide support for tinnitus or balance issues, and offer referrals for medical evaluation when necessary.
Schedule an appointment today with Melody Hearing Clinic for support with sudden hearing loss.
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FAQ
Yes, loud noise can cause ringing in the ears. This ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound is called tinnitus. Tinnitus often begins after exposure to loud noise, such as concerts, power tools, machinery, or sudden explosive sounds.
Loud noise overstimulates the inner ear and damages the hair cells that help process sound. When these hair cells are injured, the brain may create phantom sounds to compensate for missing signals. This is why tinnitus can continue even when the environment is quiet.
In many cases, tinnitus after loud noise is temporary. It may last for a few minutes, hours, or days. However, repeated noise exposure increases the risk that tinnitus will become long-lasting or permanent. Once tinnitus becomes chronic, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, and daily activities.
Tinnitus can affect one ear or both ears. Some people notice it more at night or in quiet spaces. Stress and fatigue can make ringing in the ears feel worse. For people with ongoing noise exposure, tinnitus may worsen over time.
Ringing in the ears should not be ignored, especially if it appears suddenly after loud noise. It is often an early sign of hearing damage. Getting a hearing check can help determine if noise exposure has affected hearing.
Protecting hearing from loud noise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of tinnitus. Using hearing protection and limiting exposure can help prevent ringing from becoming permanent.
Ringing in the ears often signals inner ear damage and should be taken seriously.
Yes, noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is known as noise-induced hearing loss. It happens when loud sounds damage the inner ear. Inside the ear are tiny hair cells that help send sound signals to the brain. Loud noise can damage or destroy these hair cells. Once they are damaged, they do not grow back.
Permanent hearing loss can happen after one very loud noise or from repeated exposure to loud sounds over time. Sudden noises like explosions, gunshots, or fireworks can cause immediate and lasting damage. Ongoing exposure to moderately loud sounds, such as machinery, traffic, or loud music, can slowly wear down hearing without noticeable warning signs.
Many people do not realize they are losing hearing because the changes happen gradually. Early hearing loss often affects high-pitched sounds and speech clarity. People may hear voices but struggle to understand words, especially in noisy environments. This can lead to frustration and listening fatigue.
Permanent hearing loss from noise exposure can affect work, relationships, and quality of life. It may also increase the risk of tinnitus, which is ringing or buzzing in the ears that does not go away. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to social isolation and increased stress.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Using hearing protection, limiting exposure time, and lowering volume levels can greatly reduce risk. Early hearing checks help identify damage before it worsens.
Hearing damage often builds over years. By the time symptoms are noticed, hearing loss may already be permanent.
Noise exposure is when your ears are exposed to loud sounds that can harm hearing. This can happen suddenly, such as from a very loud noise, or over time from repeated exposure to moderately loud sounds. Noise exposure can occur at work, at concerts, during hobbies, or through everyday activities like using power tools or listening to loud music.
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is about 60 dB and is considered safe. Sounds at or above 85 dB can damage hearing if exposure lasts long enough. Common examples include lawn mowers, busy traffic, factory equipment, and loud headphones. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause hearing damage.
Noise exposure affects the inner ear, where tiny hair cells help send sound signals to the brain. Loud noise can damage these hair cells. Once damaged, they do not repair themselves. This is why noise-related hearing loss is permanent.
Many people do not realize how often they are exposed to unsafe noise levels. Short, repeated exposures can add up over time. Even if hearing seems normal now, damage may already be happening. Noise exposure can also lead to ringing in the ears, trouble hearing speech, and increased listening effort.
Understanding noise exposure is the first step in protecting hearing. Limiting time around loud sounds and using hearing protection can help reduce long-term hearing damage.
No, plugging your ears does not stop tinnitus. It may make the perception of tinnitus more noticeable. Tinnitus is often more apparent in quieter environments, so when earplugs block external sounds, the absence of background noise can make the tinnitus seem louder or more pronounced.
Tinnitus involves the perception of sound in the absence of any external noise. This condition can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other types of noise in the ears and often results from various factors, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions.
While using earplugs to alleviate tinnitus might seem intuitive, this approach can make the condition more noticeable. By blocking out ambient sounds, earplugs can intensify the internal perception of tinnitus, making it stand out even more.
Tinnitus often becomes more apparent in quieter settings. This is because the lack of background noise makes the internal sounds more prominent, which can be particularly noticeable when using earplugs or in otherwise silent environments.
Many people believe that physically blocking sound to the ears, such as with earplugs, will help stop tinnitus. However, since tinnitus originates from within, this method does not effectively treat the underlying issues causing the condition.
Managing tinnitus typically involves a combination of treatments depending on its cause and severity. This may include sound therapy, counselling to help manage the stress associated with tinnitus, and, in some cases, medication.
If you experience persistent tinnitus or if it affects your quality of life, it’s essential to consult healthcare professionals. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
At Melody Audiology, we understand the challenges of living with tinnitus and are equipped to provide comprehensive support and management strategies tailored to your needs. We recommend scheduling a hearing test tinnitus with our specialists if you are experiencing tinnitus or related hearing issues. A professional evaluation can help determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and guide the development of an effective treatment plan.
Effective management of tinnitus requires a multifaceted approach. If tinnitus affects your daily life, consider contacting Melody Audiology for a professional assessment and tailored treatment options.
Tinnitus is a complex condition that can arise from various underlying factors, such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, age-related changes, or certain medical conditions. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, there are management approaches aimed at reducing the impact of tinnitus and improving overall well-being. These approaches may include sound therapy, counselling, lifestyle adjustments, stress reduction techniques, and sometimes the use of hearing aids or other devices to manage related hearing loss. It’s important for individuals experiencing tinnitus to consult with healthcare professionals, such as audiologists or ear, nose, and throat specialists, who can provide personalized guidance and recommend strategies to help manage and cope with tinnitus symptoms.
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