What condition can cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid-onset condition characterized by a significant loss of hearing, often occurring in one ear without an obvious cause. The primary mechanisms leading to SSNHL include various factors, with viral infections and trauma being among the most recognized.

Viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes virus, are known to affect the auditory system directly, potentially leading to inflammation or damage to the structures in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Similarly, trauma, which could pertain to physical injury or sudden changes in pressure (such as that experienced during air travel), can also disrupt the delicate structures responsible for hearing, resulting in SSNHL.

In contrast, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and allergic rhinitis typically affect the upper respiratory tract and nasal passages. While they can impact overall ear health through eustachian tube dysfunction or contribute to middle ear issues, they are not directly associated with the sudden sensorineural type of hearing loss. Thus, when considering conditions specifically linked to SSNHL, viral infections and trauma are the most pertinent factors.