If your hearing suddenly drops in one or both ears, seek medical assessment today. Tell the clinic that the change was sudden and ask how to get urgent ear, nose and throat (ENT) assessment. If you cannot get prompt assessment, go to an emergency department. SGH adult hearing loss guidance · NICE urgent referral guidance on sudden hearing loss
Call 995 if sudden hearing change occurs with facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech or another sign of a possible stroke. Severe dizziness with new neurological symptoms also needs emergency help. SGH emergency warning signs with dizziness · HealthHub stroke signs · SCDF emergency medical services
- Get assessed today for a sudden drop in hearing.
- Say when it started and which ear seems affected.
- Call 995 for accompanying stroke signs.
On this page · Explain What Changed · Why the Timing Matters · Frequently Asked Questions
Explain What Changed
Tell the clinician whether you woke up with reduced hearing or noticed it happen while awake. Mention ringing, ear fullness or dizziness. A blocked sensation does not establish that wax is the cause. Examination and hearing testing help the team decide whether the problem involves the outer, middle or inner ear. SGH adult hearing loss guidance · NICE urgent referral guidance on sudden hearing loss
Why the Timing Matters
NICE advises immediate referral, with assessment within 24 hours, for adults whose unexplained hearing loss developed over three days or less within the past 30 days. The three days describe how quickly the loss developed. Seek assessment as soon as you notice a sudden change. NICE urgent referral guidance on sudden hearing loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try ear drops first?
Have the sudden change assessed promptly. The clinician can check whether wax or another problem explains it. SGH adult hearing loss guidance · NICE urgent referral guidance on sudden hearing loss
What if I also feel too dizzy to walk normally?
Seek emergency help if dizziness is severe or accompanied by stroke signs. Tell the dispatcher about both the hearing change and the trouble walking. SGH emergency warning signs with dizziness · HealthHub stroke signs · SCDF emergency medical services