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Warning-sign checks

Sensorineural deafness: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    If same-day primary or specialist care is unavailable, an urgent care or emergency service may be appropriate.

    Call emergency services if hearing loss occurs with signs of a stroke or serious neurological problem, such as:

    • Facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or numbness
    • New trouble speaking, understanding speech or walking
    • Collapse, confusion or a sudden severe headache
    • Major head injury, especially with blood or clear fluid from the ear
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day urgent medical assessment if hearing suddenly decreases in one or both ears, including if you wake up with hearing loss.

    Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be mistaken for earwax or congestion, but the inner ear needs to be considered quickly.

    Sudden loss with new tinnitus, ear pressure or vertigo also needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine hearing assessment if hearing has gradually declined, conversations are becoming difficult, tinnitus persists or one ear seems consistently worse.

    Children with possible hearing or speech-development concerns should also be assessed rather than waiting for them to “grow out of it.”

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sensorineural deafness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.