Acute Sensorineural Hearing Loss Claims

Our medical negligence solicitors specialise in claims involving delayed diagnosis and treatment of acute sensorineural hearing loss.

When treatment is not provided promptly, patients may suffer permanent hearing damage, balance issues, or even irreversible neurological complications. In some cases, the delay can significantly impact quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

With extensive experience in handling complex hearing loss claims, our specialist team will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, while offering clear guidance and support throughout the legal process.
 

What is acute sensorineural hearing loss?

Acute sensorineural hearing loss, often called sudden sensorineural hearing loss, is a type of hearing loss that develops rapidly, usually within a 72-hour period.

It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals from the ear to the brain. This sudden loss typically affects one ear and can range from mild to profound.

The causes of acute sensorineural hearing loss are varied and can include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, blood circulation problems in the inner ear, head trauma, or, in many cases, remain unknown (idiopathic). Because the underlying damage may be irreversible if not treated promptly, this condition is considered a medical emergency.

Immediate medical evaluation and intervention are crucial to improve the chances of restoring hearing.
 

What are the symptoms of acute sensorineural hearing loss?

The most common sign is a sudden drop in hearing in one ear, often noticed upon waking. Other symptoms may include:

• Muffled or distorted sounds
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• A feeling of fullness in the affected ear
• Dizziness or balance problems in some cases
   

Why is urgent diagnosis and treatment important for acute sensorineural hearing loss?

Whatever the cause, there is potential for the auditory nerve to be permanently damaged and, consequently, the patient will suffer permanent hearing loss and tinnitus on the affected side without appropriate treatment.

Some patients also suffer from balance disturbance or hyperacusis (an increased sensitivity to sound, where every day noises are perceived as uncomfortably loud or even painful).  Urgent treatment is therefore vital to maximise the chance of a full recovery.

NICE guidelines for adult patients suffering from hearing loss recommend that if a patient experiences sudden (over a period of 3 days or less) hearing loss in the past 30 days, an immediate referral should be made to the local ear, nose and throat service or an emergency department, and the patient seen within 24 hours.

The first line of treatment, according to the guidelines, is a course of steroids to be administered orally, by way of injections into the inner ear, or a combination of both. The principle is that steroids will reduce the acute swelling and therefore reduce any damage to the auditory nerve, thereby preserving a person's hearing.

The quicker the administration of steroids, the earlier the swelling will go down.

The use of steroids to treat acute sensorineural hearing loss is supported by a 2024 study by researchers at University College London Hospital, which found that patients who received steroids within seven days of their hearing loss starting were five times more likely to fully recover their hearing compared to those who were not given steroids.
 

How do you make an acute hearing loss claim?

Making a claim for delayed diagnosis or treatment of acute sensorineural hearing loss may seem daunting, but our team is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s how it works:

1. We start by discussing your experience and assessing whether you have a case. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand your options.
    
2. Our solicitors will collect your medical records, hearing test results, and expert opinions to build a clear picture of what happened and how it affected you.
    
3. We then work with leading medical experts to confirm whether the delay in treatment fell below an acceptable standard of care.
    
4. We formally notify the responsible party of your claim.
    
5. We will negotiate with the defendants to secure a fair settlement without the stress of court proceedings, wherever possible.
    
6. If your case goes to court, we represent you and keep you fully informed every step of the way.

Instructing a solicitor to pursue your case allows you to completely focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
 

Contact us

For a free, no obligation call with one of our medical negligence experts, please contact Jamie Green on 0330 460 6771, or email jamie.green@fieldfisher.com