sudden sensorineural hearing loss


sud·den sen·sor·i·neu·ral hear·ing loss

(SSNHL) (sud'ĕn sen-sōr'rē-nū-răl hēr'ing laws) Hearing loss that affects at least three contiguous pure tone frequencies and occurs within a time span of 72 hours. Because of its rapid onset, this type of hearing loss is frightening and may cause extreme anxiety. Causes of SSNHL include autoimmune disorders, vascular disorders, neurologic lesions, trauma, infectious diseases, and idiopathic sources.