What type of hearing loss may start with preserved speech understanding and then rapidly deteriorate?

The type of hearing loss characterized by initially preserved speech understanding that can then rapidly deteriorate is known as sudden hearing loss. This condition typically presents as a noticeable and often alarming change in hearing ability, often occurring in one ear. Initially, individuals may retain the ability to understand speech, especially in quieter environments. However, as the condition progresses, they might experience significant difficulties in speech comprehension, along with an overall decline in hearing sensitivity.

Sudden hearing loss can arise from various causes, including viral infections, vascular issues, or autoimmune disorders. The abrupt nature of this condition sets it apart from other types of hearing loss that generally develop more gradually, such as presbycusis, which is age-related hearing loss, or noise-induced hearing loss, which typically results from prolonged exposure to loud sounds over time. Conductive hearing loss, while it can affect understanding, usually does not have the rapid onset associated with sudden hearing loss. This swift change in hearing status is a critical factor in identifying it as a specific type of hearing loss.