Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns affecting adults, yet it’s frequently dismissed or ignored for years before someone seeks evaluation. Whether the change is subtle and gradual or sudden and alarming, hearing loss deserves a proper diagnosis — not just because hearing matters for communication and quality of life, but because some causes are treatable, and a few require urgent attention.

At Seaside ENT in Brooklyn and Staten Island, Dr. Samarrai evaluates adult hearing loss with a thorough ear examination, in-office testing, and a clear explanation of what’s causing your symptoms and what can be done about it.

Sudden hearing loss — occurring over hours to a few days — is a medical emergency. If you experience sudden hearing changes, especially in one ear, seek evaluation immediately. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery.

Common causes of adult hearing loss

Earwax Impaction

A surprisingly common and easily reversible cause of muffled hearing or fullness

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Gradual high-frequency hearing decline that typically begins in the 50s and 60s

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Cumulative damage from loud environments, concerts, or occupational noise exposure

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Rapid hearing loss requiring urgent evaluation and treatment

Middle Ear Fluid or Infection

Fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold or sinus infection

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Pressure regulation problems causing fullness, popping, or fluctuating hearing

When hearing loss needs urgent attention

Most hearing changes develop gradually and can be evaluated on a routine basis. But certain presentations warrant prompt evaluation:

Sudden hearing loss in one ear — occurring within 72 hours, this is considered a medical emergency. Treatment within the first one to two weeks offers the best chance of hearing recovery
Hearing loss with dizziness or vertigo — may indicate an inner ear problem requiring prompt evaluation
Hearing loss with ear pain or drainage — may indicate infection requiring treatment
Hearing loss following head trauma — should be evaluated regardless of severity

How hearing loss is evaluated

Ear examination

Dr. Samarrai examines the ear canal and eardrum for wax, infection, fluid, or structural abnormalities — many causes of hearing loss are visible on direct examination.

In-office hearing screening

Tympanometry and basic hearing assessment help determine whether the hearing loss is conductive (related to the ear canal or middle ear) or sensorineural (related to the inner ear or hearing nerve).

Formal audiology referral when indicated

For more detailed evaluation, a comprehensive audiogram may be recommended to map the exact pattern and degree of hearing loss across frequencies.

Treatment planning

Based on findings, treatment may include earwax removal, medical management of infection or fluid, urgent treatment for sudden hearing loss, or referral for hearing aid evaluation.

Important to know Not all hearing loss is permanent — and not all of it requires a hearing aid. Conditions like earwax impaction, middle ear fluid, and certain infections cause hearing loss that fully resolves with the right treatment. Identifying the actual cause — rather than assuming hearing aids are the only option — is the first and most important step.

Frequently asked questions

My hearing changed suddenly — is this an emergency?

Sudden hearing loss, particularly affecting one ear, should be treated as an emergency. Call our office immediately or seek urgent care. Treatment with steroids within the first one to two weeks offers the best chance of recovering hearing, and delays in treatment reduce the likelihood of improvement.

Could my hearing loss just be earwax?

It's possible — impacted earwax is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of hearing changes. A simple in-office examination can determine whether wax is contributing, and removal often restores hearing immediately if that is the cause.

Do I need a hearing aid?

Not necessarily. Many causes of hearing loss are treatable without hearing aids. For permanent sensorineural hearing loss that does affect quality of life, hearing aids can be life-changing, and we can refer you to formal audiology testing and hearing aid fitting when appropriate.

Is hearing loss from loud noise reversible?

Temporary threshold shifts after loud noise exposure (like a concert) often recover within 24-48 hours. However, repeated or prolonged loud noise exposure causes cumulative, permanent damage to the inner ear hair cells. Hearing protection in loud environments is the best prevention.

At what age should I start getting my hearing checked?

There's no specific age requirement — anyone noticing changes in their hearing should be evaluated regardless of age. That said, age-related hearing decline often becomes noticeable starting in the 50s and 60s, making this a reasonable time to establish a baseline if you haven't already.

Serving Brooklyn & Staten Island

Seaside ENT sees patients at 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220 in Bay Ridge and 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. Dr. Samarrai speaks both Arabic and English. Most major insurance plans are accepted.

General ENT | Brooklyn & Staten Island

Noticed a change in your hearing?

Call Seaside ENT to schedule a hearing evaluation with Dr. Samarrai. Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated urgently.

Call (917) 992-3873

Brooklyn & Staten Island