Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is defined as greater than 30 dB hearing reduction, over at least three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less. Some patients describe that the hearing loss was noticed instantaneously in the morning and others report that it rapidly developed over a period of hours or days. The severity of the hearing loss however varies from one patient to another and only one ear is usually affected.

Tinnitus is usually reported in patients with SHL loss and vertigo can be present in 40% of cases

The incidence of SHL has been reported to be 5-20 per 100,000 people per year and accounts for 1% of all sensorineural hearing loss cases.  Males are equally affected as females. The average age at onset is reported to be 46 to 49 years with increasing incidence with age.

I thought I would share with you one of my doctoral degree "Qualifying Exam Questions".

Although I was only allowed about 500 words, I believe that there is enough information in the answer to at least get a person started on pursueing assistance with their, or their child's hearing loss.