Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Sudden Hearing Loss - Triage

Audience: adult

Sudden hearing loss is a rapid decrease in hearing ability that can happen within hours or days. It may affect one or both ears and can be caused by infections, injuries, or other health issues. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person care quickly. These include sudden severe hearing loss, dizziness with balance problems, or hearing loss with facial weakness. Early evaluation is important to prevent permanent damage. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is suitable and when urgent in-person care is needed for sudden hearing loss.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe or complete hearing loss in one or both ears — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Hearing loss with dizziness or loss of balance — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Hearing loss accompanied by facial weakness, numbness, or drooping — go to emergency services promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up for mild or improving symptoms.
• Answering questions about hearing loss causes and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hearing tests or physical ear examinations.
• Diagnosing the exact cause of sudden hearing loss.
• Administering urgent treatments such as steroids or surgery.
• Evaluating severe symptoms requiring emergency care.

What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss means losing your hearing quickly, usually in one ear. It can happen over a few hours or days. This is different from gradual hearing loss that happens over many years. Sudden hearing loss can affect your ability to hear sounds clearly and may make everyday activities harder.

Common Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss may be caused by infections, ear injuries, blockages, or problems with blood flow to the ear. Sometimes, it is linked to viral infections or autoimmune conditions. Identifying the cause often requires a medical exam and tests.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to speak with a healthcare provider remotely. They can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and help decide if you need urgent care. Telemedicine is useful for initial advice, follow-up, and managing mild symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation:

These signs may indicate serious conditions needing prompt treatment.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. You may be asked to monitor symptoms or schedule an in-person exam. If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek emergency care immediately. Keep track of any changes in your hearing or balance.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed.
• Prepare to describe your hearing loss clearly (which ear, severity, associated symptoms).
• Gather information about your medical history and current medications.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended for hearing tests or further evaluation.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new issues.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop or worsen.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and any treatments given.

FAQs

Can sudden hearing loss get better on its own?

Sometimes sudden hearing loss improves without treatment, but early medical evaluation is important to increase the chance of recovery and to rule out serious causes.

Is sudden hearing loss a medical emergency?

Yes, sudden hearing loss can be a medical emergency, especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or facial weakness. Prompt care can improve outcomes.

Can telemedicine diagnose sudden hearing loss?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot perform hearing tests or provide a definitive diagnosis. In-person evaluation is often needed.

What treatments are available for sudden hearing loss?

Treatment depends on the cause but may include medications like steroids, antiviral drugs, or other therapies. Early treatment is often more effective.

Should I avoid loud noises if I have sudden hearing loss?

Yes, protecting your ears from loud noises can help prevent further damage while your hearing is affected.

Sources

1. Sudden Hearing Loss — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hearing Loss — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sudden Hearing Loss: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience sudden hearing loss or any red flag symptoms, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.