What should be done when sudden hearing loss appears on an audiogram?

When sudden hearing loss appears on an audiogram, referring the patient immediately is critical because timely treatment can significantly impact outcomes. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is considered a medical emergency, and early intervention may improve the chances of recovery. Swift referral to an otolaryngologist can enable the necessary evaluations and potential treatments, such as corticosteroid therapy, which have been shown to be most effective when initiated promptly.

Other options may seem like reasonable actions in different contexts; however, monitoring the situation for a week or scheduling a follow-up appointment delays necessary action. Given that any delay in diagnosis and treatment might worsen the prognosis, it is essential to prioritize immediate referral. Performing additional testing may also waste valuable time that could be better spent initiating treatment. Therefore, the focus should be on swift intervention when sudden hearing loss is detected.