Most hearing loss is not an emergency. It’s either gradual, happening slowly over years, or it’s temporary, from an ear infection, or from a build-up of wax in the ear. However, there is one case when hearing loss is a medical emergency: when it’s sudden.

 

Untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline

When your ability to hear declines, your brain receives less stimulation than it typically would because it’s not working to identify different sounds and nuances. Over time, this lack of exercise for your brain can lead to memory loss or even dementia.