Waking up to find that one ear sounds muffled or silent can be frightening. Many people assume it is earwax or a cold and wait for it to clear. But sudden hearing loss in one ear can be a sign of a medical problem that needs attention right away. At Hear SF on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, owner and hearing aid dispenser Michael Martinez, NB-HIS, and our team want every patient to know the warning signs and act quickly.
What Sudden Hearing Loss Can Feel Like
- Hearing in one ear drops over a few hours or up to three days
- A popping sound just before the hearing changes
- A full or plugged feeling in the ear
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance
Why Fast Action Matters
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear or hearing nerve. Doctors often recommend starting treatment as soon as possible, ideally within the first few days, because early treatment gives the best chance of recovering hearing. Waiting to see if it clears on its own can mean missing that window.
Possible Causes
In many cases, no clear cause is found. Known causes can include viral infections, problems with blood flow to the inner ear, head injury, certain medications and, rarely, growths on the hearing nerve. A doctor can look for these and decide on the right treatment.
What to Do Right Away
Contact a physician, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or an urgent care clinic the same day. Do not try to clear the ear with cotton swabs or home remedies. A hearing test can help document the change, so your doctor may also ask you to have one.
Ongoing Support at Hear SF
After you have seen a doctor, our team can test your hearing, track changes over time and talk through options if hearing in that ear does not fully return. Call or text Hear SF at 415-319-7301 to schedule an appointment.