In the United States alone, an estimated 4,000 people will develop sudden hearing loss each year. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, sudden hearing loss occurs equally between men and women and most often among those 30 - 60 years of age.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss refers to a loss of hearing of 30 db (decibels) or more over three adjacent frequencies, as determined by a hearing test, within a three-day period. Often sudden deafness occurs within a matter of hours. Many people who experience sudden hearing loss notice it when they wake up in the morning or when try to use the telephone. The amount of hearing loss can vary, from mild to severe, and it is often accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus or both.

Sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. There are many possible causes of sudden hearing loss; however, the cause often remains unknown even after an evaluation.

Radio personality Rush Limbaugh reportedly had cochlear implant surgery a few years ago after experiencing sudden hearing loss. Cochlear implants are considered a good alternative if hearing loss does not improve and hearing stabilizes in the severe to profound range. Hearing aids are also an option. Rapper Foxy Brown reported experiencing sudden hearing loss while recording in the studio.

Connie Briscoe is a New York Times best-selling author of five novels. You can read more about sudden hearing loss at Hearing Informer.