Sudden Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
And how research such as the STARFISH trial is improving treatment
Sudden hearing loss can be alarming. One day your hearing feels normal, and the next it may seem muffled, blocked, or noticeably reduced, often in just one ear. At Tripp Hearing, we regularly support people experiencing this condition, and we want to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and how current research is improving treatment and outcomes.
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss, clinically known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), is a rapid reduction in hearing that develops over a short period, usually within hours or up to three days. It most commonly affects one ear and is considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms may include:
- A sudden drop in hearing
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Ringing, buzzing or other noises in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems
In many cases, no single cause is identified. However, it is thought to involve inflammation or disruption to the delicate structures of the inner ear or the hearing nerve.
Why Early Assessment Is So Important
Prompt assessment and treatment are crucial. Research shows that people who receive treatment, usually steroids, within the first seven days of symptoms have a significantly better chance of hearing recovery. In general, it is understood that the sooner treatment is started, the better.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, it is important to:
- Seek urgent medical advice via your GP, NHS 111, A&E or ENT
- Have a hearing test as soon as possible
- Avoid a ‘wait and see’ approach
How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?
Steroids are the standard treatment for sudden hearing loss, as they help reduce inflammation in the inner ear. These can be delivered in different ways:
- Oral steroids (tablets)
- Intratympanic steroids (small steroid injections through the eardrum)
- A combination of both treatments
Until recently, it has not been clear which method offers the best chance of recovery, which is why ongoing research is so important.
The STARFISH Trial
The STARFISH trial (STeroid Administration Routes For Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) is a large UK-wide clinical study investigating the most effective way to deliver steroid treatment for sudden hearing loss.
The trial is being carried out at NHS hospitals across the country, including the John Radcliffe Hospital (JR) in Oxford. It compares:
- Steroid tablets alone
- Steroid injections into the ear
- A combination of both approaches
Participants are followed closely over several weeks, with regular hearing assessments to monitor recovery.
The aim of the STARFISH trial is to establish the most effective treatment pathway, helping to improve care for future patients with sudden hearing loss across the NHS.
How Tripp Hearing Can Support You
At Tripp Hearing, we understand how unsettling sudden changes in hearing can be. We work alongside NHS services and ENT teams to:
- Provide timely hearing assessments
- Monitor hearing changes and recovery
- Support people experiencing tinnitus
- Offer rehabilitation and ongoing care where needed
If you notice a sudden change in your hearing, even if it feels mild, do not ignore it. Early assessment can make a real difference.
When to Contact Us
You should seek advice urgently if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- New-onset tinnitus with hearing changes
- Unexplained hearing loss following illness