Sudden Hearing Loss Gangnam Seoul | English-Speaking ENT

What is sudden hearing loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a hearing drop of at least 30 decibels across three consecutive frequencies, developing within 72 hours. It almost always affects one ear. It is a problem of the inner ear or hearing nerve, not a simple blockage, which is why it is easily mistaken for wax or a cold and treatment is delayed.

Symptoms

Sudden muffled or lost hearing in one ear, often noticed on waking or when using the phone
Ear fullness or pressure
New tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or hissing)
Dizziness or vertigo in some patients
Sounds that seem distorted or uncomfortably loud

Causes

In most patients no definite cause is found; this is called idiopathic SSNHL. Suspected mechanisms include viral inflammation of the inner ear, reduced blood flow and immune reactions. Identifiable causes include head trauma, certain medications, autoimmune disease, Meniere's disease and, uncommonly, a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) on the hearing nerve.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Speed matters. Dr. Kim first examines the ear to exclude wax, fluid or infection that could mimic sudden loss. A hearing test confirms sensorineural loss and measures its severity, and tympanometry checks middle ear function. If dizziness is present, a Frenzel goggle dizziness test looks for abnormal eye movements. An MRI is generally recommended later to rule out a nerve tumor, and the clinic can arrange referral.

Treatment options

Steroid therapy

Corticosteroids are the main treatment and aim to reduce inner ear inflammation:

Oral steroids: a short, tapering course
Intratympanic steroid injection: steroid placed directly into the middle ear through the eardrum under local anesthetic, used as initial therapy, combined with oral steroids, or as salvage treatment if recovery is incomplete. It is helpful when oral steroids are unsuitable, such as in some patients with diabetes

Supportive care and follow-up

Repeat hearing tests track recovery. Avoiding loud noise and getting adequate rest are advised. Some patients recover completely, some partially and some not at all; outcomes are generally better when treatment starts early and the initial loss is less severe. Persistent loss can be helped with hearing aids, and tinnitus support may be offered.

When to see an ENT

Do not wait. If you notice sudden hearing loss in one ear, see an ENT the same day or as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours. Go to an emergency department if hearing loss comes with facial weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, limb weakness or inability to walk, which may indicate a stroke.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, board-certified otolaryngologist and former faculty member at Yonsei and Ajou, treats sudden hearing loss as part of comprehensive ENT care alongside his rhinology subspecialty. He explains steroid options and their side effects in English. The clinic is right by Gangnam-gu Office Station; message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-5344-4464 or check hours.

How quickly should I see a doctor for sudden hearing loss?

As soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours and preferably the same day. Steroid treatment is most effective when started early, and the chance of recovery decreases with delay. Do not assume it is just wax or a cold.

What is an intratympanic steroid injection?

It is a procedure in which a steroid is placed through the eardrum into the middle ear after numbing it. The medicine reaches the inner ear directly with fewer whole-body side effects. It may be used alone, with oral steroids, or after incomplete recovery.

Will my hearing come back?

Some patients recover fully, some partially and some not at all. Early treatment, milder initial loss and absence of vertigo are associated with better outcomes. Follow-up hearing tests track progress, and hearing aids can help if loss remains.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul