Brief Answer:
Obstructive or Neurological cause

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

The reasons for loss of hearing can be either due to:
1. Obstructive cause/ Conductive Hearing Loss (obstruction in passage of sound waves from the environment to the inner ear)
2. Neurological cause/ Sensorineural Hearing Loss (any pathology of the nerves which carry the sensation from inner ear to the brain)

Kindly let us know about the following things:
1. The loss of hearing was sudden in onset or the loss was gradual in nature?
2. Any recent history of ear infection or respiratory tract infection/ common cold?
3. Any history of systemic illness like Hypertension, Diabetes, Hypo/Hyperthyroidism?
4. Any history of prolonged intake of medications?
5. Any other associated symptoms like giddiness, tinnitus/ringing sounds in the ear?
6. Any history of exposure to loud noise?

A knowledge of the above mentioned facts will be helpful for us to give a better diagnosis & formulate an appropriate management plan.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

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Brief Answer:
Sensorineural (most probably Acoustic neuroma)

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Thanks for your follow up query.

Sudden unilateral hearing loss associated with ringing sensation suggests Sensorineural cause (most probably Acoustic neuroma).

To assess the degree of hearing loss & detect the exact site of pathology in the neural pathway, the following tests need to be conducted:
1. Tuning fork test
2. Pure tone Audiometry
3. Speech intelligibility test
4. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)
5. MRI with Gadolinium contrast will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis

So, kindly consult an ENT specialist & get a proper clinical examination done.
Depending on the degree of hearing loss & the site of pathology in the neural pathway, subsequent management steps will be taken.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

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