If you're like most people, you've wondered whether loud music or machines have damaged your hearing. But you would be shocked to wake up one day with no hearing at all in one ear.
It does happen, but often the cause is simple and correctable.
* The most common cause of sudden hearing loss in one ear is the buildup of ear wax. Accumulated ear wax can completely close the ear canal, resulting in a dramatic loss of hearing in that ear. A doctor can clean out the wax. At the Mayo Clinic, doctors say you should be sure to report whether you have had previous ear surgery or a hole in your eardrum. It makes a difference in the technique that will be used.
* Bones in the middle ear may become frozen in place or lose contact with each other as the result of infection, disease, or a blow to the head. In that state, they may not transmit vibrations to your inner ear. Usually the condition can be corrected by a doctor who specializes in that type of procedure.
* A sudden accumulation of fluid in the middle ear is another common cause of sudden hearing loss. Changes in air pressure or having a cold may cause the eustachian tubes to malfunction. These tubes normally let air into the middle ears to keep pressure equalized. If they don't, fluid can collect and dampen vibrations so they aren't passed to the inner ear. See your doctor if this happens.
* Sudden hearing loss with no obvious cause may be the result of a viral infection.
In some cases, steroid medications may be prescribed to aid recovery.