Cause | Common Features* | Diagnostic Approach† |
---|---|---|
Unknown | ||
— | Deafness in only one ear No other symptoms | MRI using a contrast agent (gadolinium) |
Obvious causes | ||
Acute infection (such as bacterial meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Acute bacterial meningitis is rapidly developing inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid... read more , Lyme disease Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted infection caused by Borrelia species, primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi and sometimes by Borrelia mayonii in the United States. These... read more , mumps Mumps Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful enlargement of the salivary glands. The infection may also affect the testes, brain, and pancreas, especially in adolescents and adults... read more , or herpes simplex Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections Herpes simplex virus infection causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, lips (cold sores), eyes, or genitals. This very contagious viral infection... read more ) | Deafness in one or both ears In people with a serious, acute illness Often headache and confusion With Lyme disease, deafness preceded by a typical rash and flu-like symptoms With mumps, pain in cheeks with swallowing | If not already done, blood tests and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) |
Deafness usually in only one ear Sometimes fluid (bloody, blood-tinged, or clear) coming from the affected ear | CT and/or MRI | |
Deafness in one or both ears Sudden onset during causative activity (for example, scuba diving, rapid descent in airplane) or after a blow to the ear Sometimes accompanied by pain, an explosive sound, dizziness, or ringing in the ear | Tympanometry (placement of a device in the ear to measure how well sound passes through the ear) Balance testing with electronystagmography (a test to record involuntary movements of the eye caused by a condition known as nystagmus) CT or MRI | |
Drugs that can damage the ear (ototoxic drugs), including
| Deafness in both ears Sometimes dizziness and loss of balance In people who recently started taking or have recently taken an ototoxic drug | A doctor's examination Sometimes blood drug levels |
Underlying disorders‡ | ||
Deafness in only one ear Often dizziness or a false sensation of spinning or moving (vertigo) and loss of balance Sometimes drooping facial muscles and/or numbness of the face and taste abnormalities | MRI using a contrast agent (gadolinium) | |
Autoimmune disorders, such as some blood disorders, disorders that cause vasculitis Overview of Vasculitis Vasculitic disorders are caused by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). Vasculitis can be triggered by certain infections or drugs or can occur for unknown reasons. People may have... read more , and Cogan syndrome Cogan Syndrome Cogan syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that can affect the cornea. Eye pain, decreased vision, increased sensitivity to bright light, and redness of the eye are common symptoms. Diagnosis... read more | Deafness in one or both ears Sometimes joint pains or a rash | Blood tests |
Deafness in only one ear in about three fourths of people Sometimes dizziness and/or ringing in the ear | MRI using a contrast agent (gadolinium) | |
Deafness in only one ear Sometimes weakness or numbness that comes and goes and occurs in different parts of the body | MRI using a contrast agent (gadolinium) Sometimes a spinal tap | |
Deafness in only one ear Sometimes difficulty with balance or coordination | MRI using a contrast agent (gadolinium) | |
Deafness in one or both ears Sometimes risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (such as unprotected sex, multiple partners) | Blood tests Sometimes, spinal tap (lumbar puncture) | |
* Features include symptoms and the results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. Features overlap between causes. | ||
† Although a doctor's examination with an audiogram should always be done, it is only mentioned in this column if the diagnosis can sometimes be made only by the doctor's examination with an audiogram, without any additional testing. In other words, additional tests may not be needed. | ||
‡ Rarely, sudden hearing loss is the first symptom of a disorder that usually has other symptoms first. Symptoms typical of these disorders may not be present at all. However, some people disregard mild symptoms that may be discovered by the doctor through careful questioning and examination. | ||
CT = computed tomography; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging. |