@imayo Thank you for sharing your experience. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is not that uncommon. It has been discussed several times on Mayo Clinic Connect. As a long time active member of the Hearing Loss Assn. of America (HLAA), I have met many people who have experienced it. In many instances it started after air travel. In others it just happened. In most cases there had been no prior indication of hearing loss.

In recent years there have been successful turn arounds by steroid treatment. However, that treatment has to happen within a few days of the occurrence of the sudden loss. An unfortunate reality is that far too many ER, PCP, PA professionals are not well informed about hearing loss, especially this kind. They don't realize that this condition needs immediate treatment. To complicate it even further, it is difficult to get in to see an ENT specialist immediately.

Among the people I know who have experienced SSNHL, most have had success with cochlear implants after learning their hearing is not going to come back. There is hope out there.

Hearing loss, especially that of adult onset, is life changing. It means a person has to learn new strategies on how to live well with it. Most adult onset hearing loss comes on gradually rather than suddenly. While that may sound easier to deal with, it is difficult because the person who has it often doesn't realize it even though everyone with whom they associate knows that something isn't right.

Coming to MCC to discuss these issues is the beginning of coping. Learning we are not alone helps. It helps even more when you have the opportunity to meet others like you in person. I highly recommend joining HLAA for information, for peer support and to become an advocate for more education, research and understanding of the invisible disability of hearing loss. http://www.hearingloss.org If there is an HLAA chapter near you, consider attending their meetings. Some chapters hold meetings on Zoom. While that isn't 'in person', you do have the opportunity to identify with people whom you will see and be able to learn from.

If anyone experiences sudden hearing loss it's extremely important to get treatment within a few days of onset. See an ear/nose/throat specialist. Be sure to tell them when trying to schedule an appointment that SSNHL is the reason it's urgent. Good luck to all. And good luck learning to cope with the realities of hearing loss if it becomes a part of who you are.