Sudden hearing loss

The Coffee Shop
1

Anyone here deal with sudden hearing loss? I lost hearing in my left ear on Thursday, aside from a low rush/ringing sound, there’s nothing.

I had the flu over Christmas, and a lingering couch since. Went to the Dr. yesterday and he has me on prednisone and an anti-viral. Thinks my immune system was weakened enough the chickenpox virus stepped up to the plate and is causing inflammation on my cochlear nerve. I don’t have any other symptoms related to labyrinthitis.

The doc ordered an MRI, which I get on Wednesday, and referral to the ENT (1/27).

Less likely I have a tumor pressing against the nerve.

Has anyone dealt with this? I"m reading if it’s a case of the chickenpox virus wreaking havoc on that nerve, since I got on the meds right away, it’ll likely get better but can takes weeks to months.

2

I’m not a doctor. Yes,if you get the antivirals in within 24-48 hours that’s great. BUT, I thought that it’s not recommended to use a steroid in this instance as worsens the virus.

3

I hope they figure out what the causes and that it comes back quickly. I’ve had the low level ringing in my ears before, and it was caused by sinus issues.

4

Enough of that talk!

giphy-17

2 Likes
5

Actually the type of tumor that could cause this, while rare, is benign, and sounds easily removable with very high chance of full hearing recovery.

6

I have chronic tinnitus, and every now & then my hearing will completely drop out on one side or the other

It only lasts a minute or so, then comes back on its own when I’m not even thinking about it

7

glad you get an MRI so quickly. Keep us updated, ok? I mean that.

1 Like
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From what the Dr. said and my own Googling both drugs are given to combat the chickenpox virus in adults. Or as my Eastern European Dr. was fond of repeating over and over, “my herpes”. :grin:

9

how’s your ear today @mck414 ?

10

Same unfortunately but the ENT just called and wants me in today. I have an appointment in 2 hours. Good to see they don’t screw around with sudden loss.

11

Thanks for the update, and for starting this thread. Best of luck today.

1 Like
12

Glad they got you in. Thinking of you.

13

Thank you.

So I am not completely deaf. About as close to it as one can get though. The ENT also believes it’s most likely viral or possibly a tumor. Since I’ve been on anti-viral and steroid medications since Friday with no improvement, we did a steroid shot inside my ear. That’s as unpleasant as it sounds. I have an MRI Wednesday morning, which will rule out or identify a tumor, and a followup with the ENT next Monday.

14

ooogh a shot in one’s ear does in fact sound awful.

15

how do you feel today @mck414 ?

16

Same ol’ same ol’.

the steroid in the ear shot can take 2-3 days, if it works. Brain MRI scheduled for 6 AM tomorrow.

17

Thanks again for the update. From your OP, the hearing loss is only in the left ear?

18

unsolicited advice

if the MRI doesn’t show anything and people are running out of ideas, don’t hesitate to see an osteopath. I’ve heard a lot of stories of “the DO cured my kid’s frequent ear infections” etc. They seem to be good with ears.

19

My primary care doc is a DO actually.

20

Yep left ear is basically useless.