A patient has been admitted after an accident at work. During the assessment, the patient is having trouble hearing and states, "I don't know what the matter is. All of a sudden, I can't hear you out of my left ear!" What should the nurse do next?

A. Make note of this finding: Delaying action by merely reporting the finding later may compromise patient care. B. Prepare to remove cerumen: Sudden hearing loss is unlikely to be caused by cerumen buildup without further assessment. C. Irrigate with rubbing alcohol: This is inappropriate and could harm the ear. D. Notify the health care provider: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be a medical emergency and should be promptly evaluated by the healthcare provider.