Most people experience a gradual loss of hearing over several years, however, if you (or a loved one or friend) experience either a rapid drop, or an acute, sudden loss of hearing (within 12 hours or less) in one or both ears, don't leave it, as it could be a condition called Sudden-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL).
This can affect any age group at any time, and is likely to affect up to 160 people in Devon each year (incidence of 5-20 people per100,000 population)
Do not assume that it is either a wax blockage, or an ear infection, or decide to wait and see if it improves!
SSHL is classed as a medical emergency and the individual needs to be seen urgently by an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist at the nearest A+E department, as early treatment with high-dose oral steroids can sometimes partially, or fully, reverse a hearing loss if administered within the first 24-48 hours (and no later than 5 days post-SSHL)
Unfortunately, not all GPs, practice nurses and minor injury units are aware of SSHL (the hearing-equivalent of suddenly going blind). If the ear canal is clear of wax, the eardrum healthy and intact with no signs of fluid behind the eardrum (see photo of a normal eardrum below), then SSHL should be considered and steroid treatment started immediately.
A simple tuning fork test can help to diagnose SSHL (see infographic below). The tuning fork is struck and the footplate is placed in the middle of the forehead, and if the sound lateralises to (is heard by) the 'bad' ear this is likely to be good news (as more likely to be a conductive/middle-ear issue). If, however, the sound is heard by the other (better) ear (away from the 'deaf' ear), this is likely to indicate possible SSHL and immediate steroid treatment should be considered together with an urgent ENT referral.
Normal Hearing (or symmetrical hearing loss) - Sound Heard Equally
Conductive Hearing Loss - Sound Heard Louder in the Poorer ('deaf') Ear
Sensorineural Hearing Loss - Sound Heard Louder in the Better ('good') Ear
So, if you wake up and are suddenly unable to hear properly (which can be incredibly frightening and worrying), or the ear feels numb/blocked, please get it checked out straight away, as early steroid treatment can make a potentially huge difference if given early enough.