Waking up and realizing you can’t hear out of one ear can feel alarming — even disorienting. Whether it comes on suddenly or gradually over time, single-sided hearing loss shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes it’s something minor, like earwax. Other times, it’s your body’s way of waving a red flag.
So what could be behind it? Let’s walk through some of the most common — and less obvious — reasons one ear might suddenly go quiet.
1. Impacted Earwax
Let’s start with the simplest explanation. Earwax buildup is one of the most common causes of sudden hearing issues in one ear. When too much wax blocks the ear canal, it can create a feeling of fullness, pressure, or even a total blockage.
You might also notice:
- A muffled or “plugged” sensation
- Ringing or buzzing in the blocked ear
- It gets worse after showering (when the wax swells from moisture)
The good news? This is easily fixable. But don’t try to remove it with a cotton swab as this can push the wax deeper. Work with an ENT or primary care doctor to safely remove it.
2. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
If your hearing disappeared suddenly and without pain, it could be a more urgent issue called Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss or "sudden deafness." It typically happens in one ear and may feel like someone flipped a switch.
Other possible signs include:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dizziness or balance issues
- A sensation of pressure, but without congestion
SSHL is considered a medical emergency. The earlier it’s treated, the better the chances of recovery. If this sounds like your experience, don’t wait — visit your doctor or the nearest emergency room immediately.
3. Ear Infection or Fluid Buildup
Middle ear infections and fluid behind the eardrum can temporarily muffle hearing in one ear. This is most common in children, but adults can experience it, too.
What it might feel like:
- Pressure or pain in one ear
- Muffled hearing that fluctuates
- Fullness or popping sensations when swallowing or yawning
Even if there’s no pain, trapped fluid or swelling from a cold or allergies can block sound from passing through. These symptoms usually resolve on their own, but if hearing doesn’t return after a week or two, follow up with a provider.
4. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction or Pressure Changes
The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the back of your throat, helping regulate pressure and drain fluid. When it gets blocked (often by allergies, sinus infections, or altitude changes), it can create a sensation of clogged or muted hearing in one ear.
You might experience:
- Hearing that comes and goes
- Popping or clicking when you swallow
- A feeling like your ear needs to “pop” but won’t
This pressure imbalance, also called ear barotrauma, can happen after flying, scuba diving, driving through mountains, or even riding an elevator. In many cases, the sensation resolves on its own, but if it lingers, it may point to chronic inflammation or fluid buildup that needs medical attention.
5. Acoustic Neuroma (Rare, but Important)
In rare cases, one-sided hearing loss may be caused by a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma. These tumors grow slowly on the nerve that connects your ear to your brain and often go unnoticed at first.
Signs may include:
- Gradual hearing loss in one ear
- Persistent ringing in that ear
- Balance issues or dizziness
While acoustic neuromas are noncancerous and treatable, early diagnosis is key. If your hearing loss came on gradually and doesn’t improve, or if it’s accompanied by balance problems, ask about a hearing evaluation and possible imaging.
What to Do If You Can’t Hear Out of One Ear
Even if the cause turns out to be something minor, sudden hearing loss in one ear is never something to ignore. Getting answers quickly can make a major difference, especially if it’s related to sudden sensorineural hearing loss or other treatable conditions.
Here are some tips:
- Note when it started and whether it came on suddenly or gradually.
- Pay attention to other symptoms like ringing, dizziness, or pressure.
- Avoid sticking anything in your ear to try to clear it.
- Don’t wait it out if symptoms last more than a few days.
How BLUEMOTH Can Help
If your hearing in one ear has been gradually fading over time or if it’s starting to affect your daily life, BLUEMOTH is here to help you take the next step.
Our online-first process is designed for people experiencing non-urgent, progressive hearing changes, particularly those tied to age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.
- Start with a free online consultation with one of our audiologists to share what you’re noticing.
- Need a test? We’ll send an at-home hearing test straight to your door.
- Try three premium hearing aids that match your unique hearing profile, so you can experience the benefits at home before making any decisions.
When to Take Immediate Action
If your hearing loss came on suddenly, appeared overnight, or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, facial numbness, or pain, it’s important to reach out to a medical provider as soon as possible. These situations could indicate a more serious issue that requires urgent care.
Take Control of Hearing Loss On Your Terms
If one ear has slowly gotten quieter over time, it doesn’t have to stay that way. When hearing loss is caught early, it’s easier to manage and easier to restore clarity and connection.
Click here to schedule your free audiology appointment today.
