突發性聽力喪失(Sudden Hearing Loss)是耳科急症，全世界每年約有15,000個新案例，其中有10%~15%的病人可找到病因，45~65%的病人可不經治療而自發性復原，但也有很多病人因不自覺或未治療而延誤治療時機。因此若能早期經由聽力學及配合實驗室檢驗，其診斷準確度高達90~ 96%，所以應配合早期治療，爭取最佳復原機會。除此因為聽力會影響溝通能力、限制社交活動及生活規劃導致社交隔離，故病人容易焦慮不安、生氣、挫折、不確定和孤寂的感覺而影響生活品質，因此護理人員應具備相關知識，適時提供病人合宜的護理措施及諮詢，以降低病人焦慮、不安與挫折，盡可能達到病人身、心靈安寧和諧狀態，以恢復最大身體功能。

Sudden Hearing Loss (SHL) is an otolgic emergency. The overall incidence of SHL has been reported to range from 5 to 20 per 100,000 persons per year. In addition, about 15,000 new cases are reported each year in the world. The etiology factor can be established in only 10% to 15% of all patients with SHL. A significant proportion of patients (45%~65%) can recover spontaneously from SHL without any medical treatment. A greater part of patients who do not recognize their disease and do not seek for medical help may result in a delayed and poor recovery. The highest incidence of SHL occurs between 50 to 60 years. SHL appears to be a nearly equal sex distribution. Since hearing is one of our most important senses, its sudden loss can be frightening and frustrating. Nursing staff should be provided with comprehensive knowledge for appropriate nursing measures. The purpose of this article is to introduce the definition, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and nursing care of SHL to help nursing staff take care of these kind of patients efficiently.