What is the recommended initial management for a patient diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a primary care setting?

For a patient diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a primary care setting, the initial management focuses on timely referral based on the onset of hearing loss ¹.

• If the hearing loss developed suddenly (over a period of 3 days or less) within the past 30 days, refer immediately to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) service or an emergency department, to be seen within 24 hours ¹.
• If the hearing loss developed suddenly more than 30 days ago, refer urgently (to be seen within 2 weeks) to an ENT or audiovestibular medicine service ¹.
• If the hearing loss worsened rapidly (over a period of 4 to 90 days), refer urgently (to be seen within 2 weeks) to an ENT or audiovestibular medicine service ¹.

Additionally, a steroid can be considered to treat idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in adults ¹.