Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss And Ringing In My Left Ear?
Question: I went to bed last night feeling fine. Woke up this morning with little to no hearing in my left ear. Havent used heavy equipment or around loud machinery. By this afternoon I have ringing, tenitise, in the same ear. What is going on and do I need urgent care or a specialist?
Brief Answer:
need assessment as soon as possible
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would be best to see someone as soon as you can to determine the exact cause.
Hearing loss can be conductive (there is something blocking some aspect of the ear , preventing hearing) or sensorineural ( related to the nerves that are involved in hearing).
Unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss on one side ) may be related to :
(1) fracture of the temporal bone which is an area of the skull, with no history of trauma this is not likely.
(2)perilymph fistula which can occur with trauma or straining, lifting, coughing, sneezing
This refers to an irregular connection between areas in the middle ear and inner ear
(3)menieres disease
(4)viral infection- a history of previous infection such as cough and cold in the previous 3 to 4 weeks is normally present
(5) vascular problem- blockage or damage to a blood vessel that is involved in hearing
It would be best to see a neurologist or ENT doctor. You would need a formal hearing test and imaging to determine the cause of the loss.
The treatment would depend on the cause found.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
need assessment as soon as possible
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would be best to see someone as soon as you can to determine the exact cause.
Hearing loss can be conductive (there is something blocking some aspect of the ear , preventing hearing) or sensorineural ( related to the nerves that are involved in hearing).
Unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss on one side ) may be related to :
(1) fracture of the temporal bone which is an area of the skull, with no history of trauma this is not likely.
(2)perilymph fistula which can occur with trauma or straining, lifting, coughing, sneezing
This refers to an irregular connection between areas in the middle ear and inner ear
(3)menieres disease
(4)viral infection- a history of previous infection such as cough and cold in the previous 3 to 4 weeks is normally present
(5) vascular problem- blockage or damage to a blood vessel that is involved in hearing
It would be best to see a neurologist or ENT doctor. You would need a formal hearing test and imaging to determine the cause of the loss.
The treatment would depend on the cause found.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
