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Sudden Hearing loss Page 65 of 105
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sshl1234:
I think there're many causes that lead to dizziness. My SHL started with vertigo. My balance problems are minimal. It's inconvenient in a way that I get dizzy when overworked or stressed or I may slip a step or two when not paying attention. It might have been a viral attack at the 3-loop balance organ. Think of it as the x-y-z coordinates. In the beginning when I got used to driving again, turning my head in the x-axis got better first. Looking up and down then got better and now when I tilt my head sideways, I still feel a bit dizzy. There's also the possibility of imbalanced fluids in the inner ear that would make one dizzy. So, you have to figure out with the doctors.
I do bird photography a lot, thus require heavy telephoto lenses and holding still. I tend to stress my neck muscles quite a bit easier now that my vestibular ability is weaker after the incident. Although doctors always recommend doing exercises will help improve our balance. Just don't expect it to be as good as before.
Since you mentioned waking up feeling dizzy, you might want to check your pillow and sleeping position. Just a guess...I got a Sealy memory foam pillow recently and it saved my life.
I think there're many causes that lead to dizziness. My SHL started with vertigo. My balance problems are minimal. It's inconvenient in a way that I get dizzy when overworked or stressed or I may slip a step or two when not paying attention. It might have been a viral attack at the 3-loop balance organ. Think of it as the x-y-z coordinates. In the beginning when I got used to driving again, turning my head in the x-axis got better first. Looking up and down then got better and now when I tilt my head sideways, I still feel a bit dizzy. There's also the possibility of imbalanced fluids in the inner ear that would make one dizzy. So, you have to figure out with the doctors.
I do bird photography a lot, thus require heavy telephoto lenses and holding still. I tend to stress my neck muscles quite a bit easier now that my vestibular ability is weaker after the incident. Although doctors always recommend doing exercises will help improve our balance. Just don't expect it to be as good as before.
Since you mentioned waking up feeling dizzy, you might want to check your pillow and sleeping position. Just a guess...I got a Sealy memory foam pillow recently and it saved my life.
glad227 last decade
I think our brains do adjust.
Yao Ming, the Chinese NBA player for Houston Rockets lost the hearing in his left ear when he was around 7 or 9 years old, he seems to adjust well.
Yao Ming, the Chinese NBA player for Houston Rockets lost the hearing in his left ear when he was around 7 or 9 years old, he seems to adjust well.
n2sd2 last decade
It's bemm exactly 2 months today. Today was a bad day for tinnitus,very loud and blocked. Yesterday very low and 'normal' Went to the ENT my hearing is at 50%. Dr. said no hearing aid yet. He said it will get on my nerves and I won't use it. He expects my hearing to come back stronger.Doesn't want to see me until Jan 09. Going back to work on the 23rd. Have been on disability for 2 months and gained 8 lbs. Started ginko 2 weeks ago. Can't say that it is helping because each day with this thing is differn't. Hang Tough!
luv2ridegal last decade
Next Sunday, 11/23 it will be five months since I lost my left ear to SSHL. The only change I've noticed is the sense of fullness has subsided. I can't say if this is just my brain adapting to the feeling or if there has been a physical change. Because my profound hearing loss has not changed one bit, I think it is my brain adapting in the same way that after about 30 years of tinnitus I don't 'hear' it unless I am concentrating on hearing a very small noise.
brokenear last decade
has anyone read anything about meineres disease and the possible connection with shl ? its been over a month since i lost the hearing in my right ear. i still have dizzieness and balance issues
everyday. i did get a little hearing back. not much..
thr ringing is driving me crazy
everyday. i did get a little hearing back. not much..
thr ringing is driving me crazy
randylan2 last decade
Hello Randylan2,
I don't really know what Meineres disease is, but I certainly know that it is connected to SHL. I have read quite a few references to about the connection and my audiologist has meineres & SHL. I unfortunately don't know the cure - if I did there'd be a lot of people on this forum, including myself, that would be pretty darn happy.
It's been 3 months since my SHL and I am definitely getting more used to it, though it's still a roller coaster. I also agree with brokenear that the fullness seems to be diminishing, however after the first month, the hearing hasn't changed much. I head back to on in a week a final check up and audiogram.
Mark
I don't really know what Meineres disease is, but I certainly know that it is connected to SHL. I have read quite a few references to about the connection and my audiologist has meineres & SHL. I unfortunately don't know the cure - if I did there'd be a lot of people on this forum, including myself, that would be pretty darn happy.
It's been 3 months since my SHL and I am definitely getting more used to it, though it's still a roller coaster. I also agree with brokenear that the fullness seems to be diminishing, however after the first month, the hearing hasn't changed much. I head back to on in a week a final check up and audiogram.
Mark
MarkLM last decade
It has been a while since I included a post, however, I read every entry. I have SSHL since August 2007. In my case, the fullness has subsided completed. There has been no improvement in my hearing at all, and the tinnitis is dreadful. However, we all need to remain positive and lead as normal a life as possible. Regarding Menieres, my understanding is that it is repeat episodes of SSHL - dizziness, vomiting etc.
edisoar last decade
Hi everyone,
I've been reading back to where I left off when last on this forum. One thing I'm learning having participated here is that new people are going to keep appearing. I'm glad for the people who answer desperate questions on this forum. I'm kind of flaky in my contribution. I have had too many things to deal with just trying to survive lately.
Anyway, one person who was very reassuring to me was MarkLM. Although my sshl happened a month before yours, Mark, you were way ahead in treatment and probably still are. I had to wait 3 months for my 2nd audiogram. I was much reassured when you told me that your good ear was exactly the same each audiogram. My ENT has not been particularly proactive and, worse, has been completely wrong in some of her statements with regard to SSHL. I finally got in with a good neuro-otologist yesterday..four months since my sshl!
He said that I was past the window for the transtympanic steroids. He also said that my ENT was completely wrong..that this treatment is not just for diabetics. Some people have really good response to the transtympanic steroids while others don't. But, it would have been nice to have tried for the sake of my hearing! The main advice that he gave was to skip all the family doctors and ENTs. He said that in the unlikely event that my left ear ever goes sshl I should go straight to him. He will then hospitalize me and give IV steroids, the carbogen, antivirals and everything while monitering my hearing closely.
So, for anyone who has just gotten an sshl, time is of the essence! Seek out a good neurologist-otologist (sp?) immediately. Don't wait for a know-it-all ENT to decide for you. SSHL demands a specialist and you have to insist upon a quick referral. I think Sandmanranch (a few posts back)said something about how he got the best attention for his sshl while he was in the hospital for something else.
Anyway, I really have appreciated everyone's posts and the support I get from reading them. I thought ElaineG gave a fascinating (but sad) rundown of the chain of events around her profound hearing loss. Mine was much more sudden. Although, in retrospect I was having symptoms over the months (and, I think, even years) leading up to my sshl. For me sound hypersensitivity and nystagmus (eyes move rapidly back and forth..side to side)were big clues that something was going to happen. I also had other symptoms, such as mild intermittant dizziness, especially when taking Clindimycin.
I also totally relate to the fear ElaineG and others express. I have a dental appt. coming up and I am completely terrified that something will happen to my perfectly good left ear due to the local anesthesia and just general going into my mouth to replace 3 fillings. I will tell the dentist about how I feel but in the end it is just something I have to deal with, FEAR that is.
I wish everyone the best. May God look out for our remaining hearing! By the way my neuro-otologist said the chances of my losing my left ear were the same as being hit by lightening twice. BUT, he has seen people who suffered 2 SSHLs! So, he was only somewhat comforting to me. Those of you who have someone to hold your hands when you are afraid are really lucky! Thank them.
MarkLM, if you are still on the forum, report your audiogram results to me please. Mine have changed upon seeing the specialist. But, my left ear is still excellent. I guess my hearing threshhold is about 5 dBs all across, so that can throw off the deaf ear's results. I still worry about my good ear because it clicks when I talk and is so sensitive. I hope you are coping fine, Mark.
Frogs.
I've been reading back to where I left off when last on this forum. One thing I'm learning having participated here is that new people are going to keep appearing. I'm glad for the people who answer desperate questions on this forum. I'm kind of flaky in my contribution. I have had too many things to deal with just trying to survive lately.
Anyway, one person who was very reassuring to me was MarkLM. Although my sshl happened a month before yours, Mark, you were way ahead in treatment and probably still are. I had to wait 3 months for my 2nd audiogram. I was much reassured when you told me that your good ear was exactly the same each audiogram. My ENT has not been particularly proactive and, worse, has been completely wrong in some of her statements with regard to SSHL. I finally got in with a good neuro-otologist yesterday..four months since my sshl!
He said that I was past the window for the transtympanic steroids. He also said that my ENT was completely wrong..that this treatment is not just for diabetics. Some people have really good response to the transtympanic steroids while others don't. But, it would have been nice to have tried for the sake of my hearing! The main advice that he gave was to skip all the family doctors and ENTs. He said that in the unlikely event that my left ear ever goes sshl I should go straight to him. He will then hospitalize me and give IV steroids, the carbogen, antivirals and everything while monitering my hearing closely.
So, for anyone who has just gotten an sshl, time is of the essence! Seek out a good neurologist-otologist (sp?) immediately. Don't wait for a know-it-all ENT to decide for you. SSHL demands a specialist and you have to insist upon a quick referral. I think Sandmanranch (a few posts back)said something about how he got the best attention for his sshl while he was in the hospital for something else.
Anyway, I really have appreciated everyone's posts and the support I get from reading them. I thought ElaineG gave a fascinating (but sad) rundown of the chain of events around her profound hearing loss. Mine was much more sudden. Although, in retrospect I was having symptoms over the months (and, I think, even years) leading up to my sshl. For me sound hypersensitivity and nystagmus (eyes move rapidly back and forth..side to side)were big clues that something was going to happen. I also had other symptoms, such as mild intermittant dizziness, especially when taking Clindimycin.
I also totally relate to the fear ElaineG and others express. I have a dental appt. coming up and I am completely terrified that something will happen to my perfectly good left ear due to the local anesthesia and just general going into my mouth to replace 3 fillings. I will tell the dentist about how I feel but in the end it is just something I have to deal with, FEAR that is.
I wish everyone the best. May God look out for our remaining hearing! By the way my neuro-otologist said the chances of my losing my left ear were the same as being hit by lightening twice. BUT, he has seen people who suffered 2 SSHLs! So, he was only somewhat comforting to me. Those of you who have someone to hold your hands when you are afraid are really lucky! Thank them.
MarkLM, if you are still on the forum, report your audiogram results to me please. Mine have changed upon seeing the specialist. But, my left ear is still excellent. I guess my hearing threshhold is about 5 dBs all across, so that can throw off the deaf ear's results. I still worry about my good ear because it clicks when I talk and is so sensitive. I hope you are coping fine, Mark.
Frogs.
sweetsoundoffrogs last decade
Hi again, this is for Randylan2 and everyone,
I'm checking back to see if anyone has posted and how MarkLM's audiology appt. has gone. Randylan2, I went to see the neuro-otologist over in Portland, OR. (I live across the river in Vancouver, WA.)the 19th and grabbed some pamphlets before leaving. It was a reassuring (someone smart is finally on my side)yet sad appt. because he said it's unlikely that I'll get much more hearing back in my affected ear now that it's 4 months out. He said I should consider trying a BAHA. But, I might be like MarkLM and have just enough hearing left for a Baha to get in the way..plus, what about the tinnitis etc.? Still, I will try it next appt.
Anyhow, one of the pamphlets talks about Meniere's, 'The symptoms of Meniere's disease are episodic rotational (spinning) vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitis (roaring, buzzing, ringing etc.)and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.' It went on to say that usually one ear is affected but in 15% of cases both ears are. The pamphlet gave more information but I don't want to take up any more posting space unless Randylan2 is still out there and has more questions. One thing, apparently vertigo is one of the most troubling symptoms of Meniere's.
I had severe vertigo for a few days and, to a lesser extent, weeks after my SSHL but now mostly am over that so I don't think I have Meniere's. My neuro-otologist didn't bring it up to me. He gave the 'idiopathic' scenerio with an undetectable viral attack as the most likely cause. But, now I'm supposed to act as if anything might have caused my SSHL and avoid antibiotics in the aminoglycoside family (includes neosporin!) etc. Good luck Randylan2!
FRogs
I'm checking back to see if anyone has posted and how MarkLM's audiology appt. has gone. Randylan2, I went to see the neuro-otologist over in Portland, OR. (I live across the river in Vancouver, WA.)the 19th and grabbed some pamphlets before leaving. It was a reassuring (someone smart is finally on my side)yet sad appt. because he said it's unlikely that I'll get much more hearing back in my affected ear now that it's 4 months out. He said I should consider trying a BAHA. But, I might be like MarkLM and have just enough hearing left for a Baha to get in the way..plus, what about the tinnitis etc.? Still, I will try it next appt.
Anyhow, one of the pamphlets talks about Meniere's, 'The symptoms of Meniere's disease are episodic rotational (spinning) vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitis (roaring, buzzing, ringing etc.)and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.' It went on to say that usually one ear is affected but in 15% of cases both ears are. The pamphlet gave more information but I don't want to take up any more posting space unless Randylan2 is still out there and has more questions. One thing, apparently vertigo is one of the most troubling symptoms of Meniere's.
I had severe vertigo for a few days and, to a lesser extent, weeks after my SSHL but now mostly am over that so I don't think I have Meniere's. My neuro-otologist didn't bring it up to me. He gave the 'idiopathic' scenerio with an undetectable viral attack as the most likely cause. But, now I'm supposed to act as if anything might have caused my SSHL and avoid antibiotics in the aminoglycoside family (includes neosporin!) etc. Good luck Randylan2!
FRogs
sweetsoundoffrogs last decade
Hello All and especially Frogs,
Yep - I'm still here. Just been really busy lately. I get around to reading most of the posts, though haven't responded for a while. I have my 3-month anniversary apointment tomorrow - actually it's been about 3.5 months. I'll have another audiogram and then - according to my doctor - that's pretty much it. Perhaps a annual hearing test just to make sure all is OK with the good ear.
A month or so ago I posted that I had tried both a hearing aid and baha device - and neither really helped that much. I had already decided not to do anything. However, my doctor said at the time to go ahead and get the insurance approvals moving forward for the baha - just in case. Well, last week my insurance - United Health Care - gave me the big 'denial of service' letter. The letter said that hearing aids and baha's were specifically not covered. I wasn't planning on getting one but it still has me pretty upset. I really think that the baha will be great for some of us - and to have insurance deny it is a crime.
Overall, I guess I'm doing pretty well and slowly adapting, even though it's still the first thing I think about every day when I wake up and hear the tinnitis. I know I am luckier than many as I have a little hearing back in the bad ear. Hope everyone else is adapting reasonably well.
Frogs - my wifes ear 'clicks' when she swallows. She asked my doctor about this and he said this is totally fine - absolutely nothing to worry about.
I still don't understand why we are all hypersenitive to sound after we lose our hearing. It makes no sense. Loud sounds NEVER bothered me before and now I just cringe. I think that it's not really our ears, but for some reason our brains can't handle loud unbalanced sounds. Who knows.....
I'll update again after seeing my doctor tomorrow.
Mark
Yep - I'm still here. Just been really busy lately. I get around to reading most of the posts, though haven't responded for a while. I have my 3-month anniversary apointment tomorrow - actually it's been about 3.5 months. I'll have another audiogram and then - according to my doctor - that's pretty much it. Perhaps a annual hearing test just to make sure all is OK with the good ear.
A month or so ago I posted that I had tried both a hearing aid and baha device - and neither really helped that much. I had already decided not to do anything. However, my doctor said at the time to go ahead and get the insurance approvals moving forward for the baha - just in case. Well, last week my insurance - United Health Care - gave me the big 'denial of service' letter. The letter said that hearing aids and baha's were specifically not covered. I wasn't planning on getting one but it still has me pretty upset. I really think that the baha will be great for some of us - and to have insurance deny it is a crime.
Overall, I guess I'm doing pretty well and slowly adapting, even though it's still the first thing I think about every day when I wake up and hear the tinnitis. I know I am luckier than many as I have a little hearing back in the bad ear. Hope everyone else is adapting reasonably well.
Frogs - my wifes ear 'clicks' when she swallows. She asked my doctor about this and he said this is totally fine - absolutely nothing to worry about.
I still don't understand why we are all hypersenitive to sound after we lose our hearing. It makes no sense. Loud sounds NEVER bothered me before and now I just cringe. I think that it's not really our ears, but for some reason our brains can't handle loud unbalanced sounds. Who knows.....
I'll update again after seeing my doctor tomorrow.
Mark
MarkLM last decade
Happy turkey day its coming soon!!! :)
ok some of you know me as nitrams, others have spokem with me know me as Jim martin. and one awesome lady here I call my second mom knows me very well.
my update here is the same. full recovery in left hear with ringing at night. actually im sure it rings all day but i only hear it in silence of night.
STAY HEALTHY!!! I did get a really bad flu last week and my tinnitus was killing me plus i had that same jettery feeling i had the first time i lost my hearing plus i even had that swaying dizzy feeling but thank god once i got well it was all gone.
now for the good news. studies are always going on around the world and as they study the learn new treatments. this new article im going to post talk about three or four different treatments. If you still have SSNHL. grab this article, print it out and run with it.
http://www.pinpointmedical.com/uploads/pdfs/1191A.pdf
stick to the golden rule of thumb.
1. 60mg a day prednisone for atleast 12 days.
2. lipoflavanoid vitamins.
3. one shot om the ear a week for three weeks. decadron.
4. also valium halps for the swaying or dizziness you may feel.
5. pray for a miracle
6. get on a cycle of antibiotics to make sure to get any viruses out of your system.
7. check cholestral and exercise. they are really starting to find links between certain levels of bad and good cholestral and SSNHL.
8. red yeast rice, niacin, omega fish oils, flaxseed oil. all are herbs to help choelstral. so get to work and help your self.
hang in there and happy turkey day. may god speed till they find the cure. and they will!!!
i got my hearing back and thank god for everyday i have.
ok some of you know me as nitrams, others have spokem with me know me as Jim martin. and one awesome lady here I call my second mom knows me very well.
my update here is the same. full recovery in left hear with ringing at night. actually im sure it rings all day but i only hear it in silence of night.
STAY HEALTHY!!! I did get a really bad flu last week and my tinnitus was killing me plus i had that same jettery feeling i had the first time i lost my hearing plus i even had that swaying dizzy feeling but thank god once i got well it was all gone.
now for the good news. studies are always going on around the world and as they study the learn new treatments. this new article im going to post talk about three or four different treatments. If you still have SSNHL. grab this article, print it out and run with it.
http://www.pinpointmedical.com/uploads/pdfs/1191A.pdf
stick to the golden rule of thumb.
1. 60mg a day prednisone for atleast 12 days.
2. lipoflavanoid vitamins.
3. one shot om the ear a week for three weeks. decadron.
4. also valium halps for the swaying or dizziness you may feel.
5. pray for a miracle
6. get on a cycle of antibiotics to make sure to get any viruses out of your system.
7. check cholestral and exercise. they are really starting to find links between certain levels of bad and good cholestral and SSNHL.
8. red yeast rice, niacin, omega fish oils, flaxseed oil. all are herbs to help choelstral. so get to work and help your self.
hang in there and happy turkey day. may god speed till they find the cure. and they will!!!
i got my hearing back and thank god for everyday i have.
nitrams2000 last decade
very good article
http://www.pinpointmedical.com/uploads/pdfs/1191A.pdf
there are some new treatments mentioned in here guys. we are getting closer.
http://www.pinpointmedical.com/uploads/pdfs/1191A.pdf
there are some new treatments mentioned in here guys. we are getting closer.
nitrams2000 last decade
Here i go again.
I am in my 6th week with shl
in the right ear. The first ENT put me on predisone oral
for two weeks. Went to another ent had total of 2 ear injections and aniviral meds. I have about 10% hearing,, The Tinnitus is bad. And the doc just said wait and see... some more hearing might come back,,,
so he wants to do another hearing test in two months..
With all this tecnology
and they cant figure out if its a ear stroke, viral??
They dont know......
anyone have any tips ??
I am very frustrated...
Randy
I am in my 6th week with shl
in the right ear. The first ENT put me on predisone oral
for two weeks. Went to another ent had total of 2 ear injections and aniviral meds. I have about 10% hearing,, The Tinnitus is bad. And the doc just said wait and see... some more hearing might come back,,,
so he wants to do another hearing test in two months..
With all this tecnology
and they cant figure out if its a ear stroke, viral??
They dont know......
anyone have any tips ??
I am very frustrated...
Randy
randylan2 last decade
randylan2 theres is a 99% chance you will never know what caused it and there is a 100% chance that it wouldnt help you even if you did. ,,, finding the cause does not help the cure.
stick to the golden rule of thumb.
1. 60mg a day prednisone for atleast 12 days.
2. lipoflavanoid vitamins.
3. one shot in the ear a week for three weeks. decadron.
4. also valium halps for the swaying or dizziness you may feel.
5. pray for a miracle
6. get on a cycle of antibiotics to make sure to get any viruses out of your system.
7. check cholestral and exercise. they are really starting to find links between certain levels of bad and good cholestral and SSNHL.
8. red yeast rice, niacin, omega fish oils, flaxseed oil. all are herbs to help choelstral. so get to work and help your self.
hang in there . god bless
stick to the golden rule of thumb.
1. 60mg a day prednisone for atleast 12 days.
2. lipoflavanoid vitamins.
3. one shot in the ear a week for three weeks. decadron.
4. also valium halps for the swaying or dizziness you may feel.
5. pray for a miracle
6. get on a cycle of antibiotics to make sure to get any viruses out of your system.
7. check cholestral and exercise. they are really starting to find links between certain levels of bad and good cholestral and SSNHL.
8. red yeast rice, niacin, omega fish oils, flaxseed oil. all are herbs to help choelstral. so get to work and help your self.
hang in there . god bless
nitrams2000 last decade
Hello all,
Just a note to let you know I've joined the SSNHL club.
Woke up around 10/27 with the sound of a hair dryer running in my left ear. I figured it was an ear infection and let it slide for a few days. When I finally called the doctor, I complained of tinnitus, so they put me on the slow track for an appointment. Finally saw a doc on 11/13, who prescribed oral prednisone (60mg for 7 days, tapering over the following week). I'm nearing the end of that course of treatment with no discernible change. (I have some high-frequency hearing in my left ear, but not much below around 2kHz. Also lots of weird distortions and resonances.) I hope to get intratympanic shots in early to mid December.
(Nitrams2000, why do you insist on 12 days of 60mg prednisone? I didn't ask for a longer course, as the side effects scare me. The chance of the hips disintegrating, even over a short-term course at high dosage, is small but higher than the chance of getting SSNHL.)
I'm also taking niacin (two 500mg doses daily) and gingko extract, plus hawthorne and exercise for circulation).
This is all very disturbing as I'm a musician and most of my pleasure in life comes through my ears. Still I'm grateful for the hearing I have left. Also glad to have found this forum. I wish everyone well. I'll let you know what happens.
Best,
Ted
Just a note to let you know I've joined the SSNHL club.
Woke up around 10/27 with the sound of a hair dryer running in my left ear. I figured it was an ear infection and let it slide for a few days. When I finally called the doctor, I complained of tinnitus, so they put me on the slow track for an appointment. Finally saw a doc on 11/13, who prescribed oral prednisone (60mg for 7 days, tapering over the following week). I'm nearing the end of that course of treatment with no discernible change. (I have some high-frequency hearing in my left ear, but not much below around 2kHz. Also lots of weird distortions and resonances.) I hope to get intratympanic shots in early to mid December.
(Nitrams2000, why do you insist on 12 days of 60mg prednisone? I didn't ask for a longer course, as the side effects scare me. The chance of the hips disintegrating, even over a short-term course at high dosage, is small but higher than the chance of getting SSNHL.)
I'm also taking niacin (two 500mg doses daily) and gingko extract, plus hawthorne and exercise for circulation).
This is all very disturbing as I'm a musician and most of my pleasure in life comes through my ears. Still I'm grateful for the hearing I have left. Also glad to have found this forum. I wish everyone well. I'll let you know what happens.
Best,
Ted
tdgrnwld last decade
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and Hey MarkLm,
I am invited to have dinner with the ex-in-laws. While my sons are going, I'm passing. I think I'll skip the Turkey Day excuse for drama, which is how it has turned out in the past going there for Thanksgiving. So, I have some time to get on this forum and see how people are doing.
Mark, I can hardly believe that your insurance co. denied your getting a BAHA! It seems to me that, as you said, you ought to have that choice. I wonder if the same thing will happen to me? Most of the world cannot imagine what it is like to have the sense of imbalance that being deaf in one ear causes. I don't want to be depressing but it is like part of me is missing..like an amputation. Before my sshl I never gave going deaf much thought and when I did I thought of it very simply. Being partly or completely deaf isn't simple and straightforward at all. There are so many things about me impacted by the sshl. I feel like a different person. As you said Mark, it's the first thing you think of when waking..very unreal for me still. Anyway that an insurance company would minimize being deaf on one side is a crime! If a BAHA isn't for people like us, who then?
The whole sensitivity issue and the way most doctor are at least a little dismissive of it gets to me too. I have read articles that say, depending on the cause of your sshl, you probably should protect your remaining hearing by avoiding loud sounds for at least a year..especially if you've had aminoglycoside (a viciously ototoxic class of antibiotics) exposure. But, many doctors say that the sensitivity is a perception of the brain. In any case I'm erring on the side of protecting my good ear. I'm something to watch, standing in line for a mocha, when they steam the milk at Starbuck's! I don't even hide how much it hurts if it takes me by surprise. I just cover my left ear and make a terrible face..can't help it.
When my sshl first happened I was so profoundly deaf that I couldn't feel myself/or hear myself swallow on my right side. I remember what it was like when I first felt a cold sensation from swallowing cereal and milk. You feel this inside your ear somehow. I still cannot hear myself make the higher sounds of breathing on my right side. It is almost totally my (thank you God for my left ear!)very good left ear hearing my own breathing. If one is totally deaf you no longer hear those sounds that make you feel alive. The insurance co. that denies any reasonable hearing aid claim ought to be ashamed. Going partly or completely deaf is a terrible thing.
I can so relate to the most recent post from a new person whose name is (I think) tdgrnwald. Both my mom and sister are professors of music. My mom is a retired music dept. head (University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) We all 3 have perfect pitch and, of course, love music. I am the one of us who has a good voice. Now singing is a new experience..I only hear my own voice, at higher pitches, with half my head. For someone like me a BAHA might be very important. When I listen to good music now I am keenly aware that I can lose that experience from my life..makes it hard to enjoy. Music affects you at intellectual and emotional levels simultaneously. It's more immediate than sight in many ways. I can relate to anyone here who is very afraid of losing not just the function of hearing but also the beauty of it.
Well, I'm a holiday bummer! I'm glad to hear from you Mark. You have reassured me many times on this forum. I hope that even as things become more stable for you you still check in now and then and tell me how you are. I can relate to you, we have had similar sshls I think and also think similarly about it. Thank you for asking your wife and your doctor about the clicking. I too think it is probably okay and just part of the sensitivity reaction we mostly all have here.
Last thing Mark, can you contest your BAHA claim being denied? If so, do it. You don't want a precedent set that leads to further denial for other claims down the line. Can your doctor word your diagnosis in a way that makes it more likely for you to get a BAHA? I would ask him/her what diagnosis it would take not to be denied! Would a 2nd opinion help?
Well, I wrote too much again. I wish everyone the best Thanksgiving! Thankyou to everyone who takes part in this forum. I count on it.
Sincerely, Frogs.
I am invited to have dinner with the ex-in-laws. While my sons are going, I'm passing. I think I'll skip the Turkey Day excuse for drama, which is how it has turned out in the past going there for Thanksgiving. So, I have some time to get on this forum and see how people are doing.
Mark, I can hardly believe that your insurance co. denied your getting a BAHA! It seems to me that, as you said, you ought to have that choice. I wonder if the same thing will happen to me? Most of the world cannot imagine what it is like to have the sense of imbalance that being deaf in one ear causes. I don't want to be depressing but it is like part of me is missing..like an amputation. Before my sshl I never gave going deaf much thought and when I did I thought of it very simply. Being partly or completely deaf isn't simple and straightforward at all. There are so many things about me impacted by the sshl. I feel like a different person. As you said Mark, it's the first thing you think of when waking..very unreal for me still. Anyway that an insurance company would minimize being deaf on one side is a crime! If a BAHA isn't for people like us, who then?
The whole sensitivity issue and the way most doctor are at least a little dismissive of it gets to me too. I have read articles that say, depending on the cause of your sshl, you probably should protect your remaining hearing by avoiding loud sounds for at least a year..especially if you've had aminoglycoside (a viciously ototoxic class of antibiotics) exposure. But, many doctors say that the sensitivity is a perception of the brain. In any case I'm erring on the side of protecting my good ear. I'm something to watch, standing in line for a mocha, when they steam the milk at Starbuck's! I don't even hide how much it hurts if it takes me by surprise. I just cover my left ear and make a terrible face..can't help it.
When my sshl first happened I was so profoundly deaf that I couldn't feel myself/or hear myself swallow on my right side. I remember what it was like when I first felt a cold sensation from swallowing cereal and milk. You feel this inside your ear somehow. I still cannot hear myself make the higher sounds of breathing on my right side. It is almost totally my (thank you God for my left ear!)very good left ear hearing my own breathing. If one is totally deaf you no longer hear those sounds that make you feel alive. The insurance co. that denies any reasonable hearing aid claim ought to be ashamed. Going partly or completely deaf is a terrible thing.
I can so relate to the most recent post from a new person whose name is (I think) tdgrnwald. Both my mom and sister are professors of music. My mom is a retired music dept. head (University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) We all 3 have perfect pitch and, of course, love music. I am the one of us who has a good voice. Now singing is a new experience..I only hear my own voice, at higher pitches, with half my head. For someone like me a BAHA might be very important. When I listen to good music now I am keenly aware that I can lose that experience from my life..makes it hard to enjoy. Music affects you at intellectual and emotional levels simultaneously. It's more immediate than sight in many ways. I can relate to anyone here who is very afraid of losing not just the function of hearing but also the beauty of it.
Well, I'm a holiday bummer! I'm glad to hear from you Mark. You have reassured me many times on this forum. I hope that even as things become more stable for you you still check in now and then and tell me how you are. I can relate to you, we have had similar sshls I think and also think similarly about it. Thank you for asking your wife and your doctor about the clicking. I too think it is probably okay and just part of the sensitivity reaction we mostly all have here.
Last thing Mark, can you contest your BAHA claim being denied? If so, do it. You don't want a precedent set that leads to further denial for other claims down the line. Can your doctor word your diagnosis in a way that makes it more likely for you to get a BAHA? I would ask him/her what diagnosis it would take not to be denied! Would a 2nd opinion help?
Well, I wrote too much again. I wish everyone the best Thanksgiving! Thankyou to everyone who takes part in this forum. I count on it.
Sincerely, Frogs.
sweetsoundoffrogs last decade
Well after a year long battle with what was diagnosed as Vestibular Neritis and going through physio and months of hell. I finally get to around 95%. Then, SSHL, hits me like a ton of bricks. I've lost majority hearing in my right. Started on predisone and anti-viral medications. It's been 10 days, hopefully meds can help me regain some of my hearing..once again. I have a question, do some people regain hearing after long periods of time and not just spontaneously?
Jazzdore last decade
Hi Jazzdore,
don't know what Vestibular Neritis is. Having lost most of my hearing in my right ear while my left ear remains good (last July) the best advice I can give for recovery is don't delay treatment. I spent too long with an overly self assured ENT. I should have been much pushier about being referred to a neuro-otologist. By the time I finally got to my neuro-otologist I was beyond the window of treatment for salvaging my right ear. I did the whole prednisone thing..started within 24 hours of waking up with my hearing gone (R. ear) and terrible tinnitis. But, I listened to my ENT who isn't a specialist. She discouraged me from seeking further help and getting the transtympanic steroids, saying that treatment was only for diabetics (Not True!)
When I FINALLY got referred to my neuro-otologist (I really had to be pushy to get that referral) he said it was too late to try any other therapies such as carbogen and the direct steroids. Losing part or all of your hearing deserves a specialist! My ENT should have referred me on immediately. I was in real shock when my SSHL hit, like most people.
So, that would be your best chance, Jazzdore, getting to a specialist and not putting off treatment. YOu are still within that window of time. I also feel that the progress my affected ear made ended with the course of prednisone. I've heard that some people have gotten good results by continuing prednisone at a lower dose for some months. I know that my neuro-otologist would have explored this option with me if I hadn't taken so long to get to him. Good Luck, Jazzdore.
If you hear any RELIABLE accounts of people recovering after a period of months or longer please share that. What is Vestibular Neritis?
Frogs
don't know what Vestibular Neritis is. Having lost most of my hearing in my right ear while my left ear remains good (last July) the best advice I can give for recovery is don't delay treatment. I spent too long with an overly self assured ENT. I should have been much pushier about being referred to a neuro-otologist. By the time I finally got to my neuro-otologist I was beyond the window of treatment for salvaging my right ear. I did the whole prednisone thing..started within 24 hours of waking up with my hearing gone (R. ear) and terrible tinnitis. But, I listened to my ENT who isn't a specialist. She discouraged me from seeking further help and getting the transtympanic steroids, saying that treatment was only for diabetics (Not True!)
When I FINALLY got referred to my neuro-otologist (I really had to be pushy to get that referral) he said it was too late to try any other therapies such as carbogen and the direct steroids. Losing part or all of your hearing deserves a specialist! My ENT should have referred me on immediately. I was in real shock when my SSHL hit, like most people.
So, that would be your best chance, Jazzdore, getting to a specialist and not putting off treatment. YOu are still within that window of time. I also feel that the progress my affected ear made ended with the course of prednisone. I've heard that some people have gotten good results by continuing prednisone at a lower dose for some months. I know that my neuro-otologist would have explored this option with me if I hadn't taken so long to get to him. Good Luck, Jazzdore.
If you hear any RELIABLE accounts of people recovering after a period of months or longer please share that. What is Vestibular Neritis?
Frogs
sweetsoundoffrogs last decade
Hello all - including the recent newcomers Ted and Jazzdore.
Jazzdore, most people with SSHL regain hearing in the first month or so. It's important to do all you can as early as possible. A small study by Kaiser that was just released showed that those treated with both oral prednisone AND transtypanic (shot in the ear) treatment did the best. Don't wait, be obnoxious and insist on the shots. The downside risks are small the upside is big and the window is quickly closing. I had 1 shot after 14 days which either didn't help or just barely helped. However, I have read plenty of papers showing that it often does improve the hearing. Every little bit of improvement really helps your long term quality of life!
Ted - I can't imagine being a musician and getting wacked with SSHL. It's bad enough for me who just likes to listen to music. I don't blame you for not wanting to suck down the prednisone - I feel the same way about almost all medications. However, I've read enough to convince me that right now the steroids (oral and directly in the ear) are the only things that have been shown to work. And after a few weeks of treatment, it will be behind you. For me the worst part was not sleeping and wanting to punch anyone in the nose.
I saw my doctor last week who was also furious about the insurance denying the baha for me. Although I really don't want the baha now, he wants to fight it - and I totally agree. Also, if I ever want the baha, he thinks it's best to set a precedent. I'll make sure I get copies of the letters that the doctor sends - assuming he can get the denial changed - it may help out others. Also, as my doctor told me, the electronics in the both hearing aids and baha are changing as fast as computers. So what may be just OK today, may be incredible in a few years.
Finally Happy Thanksgiving Frogs and good job passing on the T-day with ex in laws ! Don't blame you one bit there. Thanks for the long post - it's never too much. You mentioned something about protecting your good ear for the first year. I haven't heard that, though my doctor lectures me about protecting my good ear simply because its so valuable now. I don't listen very well and still do a lot of skin diving, though he has convinced me to stop SCUBA divng for a while.
Gotta go now - good luck to all.
Mark
Jazzdore, most people with SSHL regain hearing in the first month or so. It's important to do all you can as early as possible. A small study by Kaiser that was just released showed that those treated with both oral prednisone AND transtypanic (shot in the ear) treatment did the best. Don't wait, be obnoxious and insist on the shots. The downside risks are small the upside is big and the window is quickly closing. I had 1 shot after 14 days which either didn't help or just barely helped. However, I have read plenty of papers showing that it often does improve the hearing. Every little bit of improvement really helps your long term quality of life!
Ted - I can't imagine being a musician and getting wacked with SSHL. It's bad enough for me who just likes to listen to music. I don't blame you for not wanting to suck down the prednisone - I feel the same way about almost all medications. However, I've read enough to convince me that right now the steroids (oral and directly in the ear) are the only things that have been shown to work. And after a few weeks of treatment, it will be behind you. For me the worst part was not sleeping and wanting to punch anyone in the nose.
I saw my doctor last week who was also furious about the insurance denying the baha for me. Although I really don't want the baha now, he wants to fight it - and I totally agree. Also, if I ever want the baha, he thinks it's best to set a precedent. I'll make sure I get copies of the letters that the doctor sends - assuming he can get the denial changed - it may help out others. Also, as my doctor told me, the electronics in the both hearing aids and baha are changing as fast as computers. So what may be just OK today, may be incredible in a few years.
Finally Happy Thanksgiving Frogs and good job passing on the T-day with ex in laws ! Don't blame you one bit there. Thanks for the long post - it's never too much. You mentioned something about protecting your good ear for the first year. I haven't heard that, though my doctor lectures me about protecting my good ear simply because its so valuable now. I don't listen very well and still do a lot of skin diving, though he has convinced me to stop SCUBA divng for a while.
Gotta go now - good luck to all.
Mark
MarkLM last decade
As I mentioned I've 'Started on predisone and anti-viral medications.' 60mg tapered off in 2 weeks and one week of Famciclovir. But as per your advice I am going to ask a second ENT about the transtympanic steroids this week. I've lost 40db in the high frequency end of my hearing and 20db on the low end. Plus I've had tinnitus ever since my vestibular Neuritis, but now...it's so brutally loud, I can deal with the loss of hearing but will the Tinnitus scale back?
Vestibular Neuritis can be mild or severe, ranging from subtle dizziness to a violent spinning sensation (vertigo). They can also include nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness and imbalance, difficulty with vision, and impaired concentration. Sometimes the symptoms can be so severe that they affect the ability to sit up, stand, or walk. Labyrinthitis may produce the same symptoms, along with tinnitus (ringing or noises in the ear) and/or hearing loss.
The onset is usually very sudden, with severe dizziness developing abruptly during routine daily activities. In other cases, the symptoms are present upon awakening in the morning. After a period of gradual recovery that may last several weeks, some people are completely free of symptoms. Others have chronic dizziness, if the virus has damaged the vestibular nerve.
Vestibular Neuritis can be mild or severe, ranging from subtle dizziness to a violent spinning sensation (vertigo). They can also include nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness and imbalance, difficulty with vision, and impaired concentration. Sometimes the symptoms can be so severe that they affect the ability to sit up, stand, or walk. Labyrinthitis may produce the same symptoms, along with tinnitus (ringing or noises in the ear) and/or hearing loss.
The onset is usually very sudden, with severe dizziness developing abruptly during routine daily activities. In other cases, the symptoms are present upon awakening in the morning. After a period of gradual recovery that may last several weeks, some people are completely free of symptoms. Others have chronic dizziness, if the virus has damaged the vestibular nerve.
Jazzdore last decade
Hello Jazzdore,
I was hit by sshl in february. I regained hearing but tinnitus still there... I'm musician as well so imagine the shock !
Just want to say that in your case it looks like Meniere's disease... Have you checked this possibility ?
I was hit by sshl in february. I regained hearing but tinnitus still there... I'm musician as well so imagine the shock !
Just want to say that in your case it looks like Meniere's disease... Have you checked this possibility ?
saucix last decade
Menieres symptoms are periodic, meaning I would be goin through episodes of rotary vertigo and dizziness lasting 20 minutes to 24 hours with fluctuating progressive hearing loss. I have neither. I had vertigo which was sustained and lasted for months but went away. The hearing loss was sudden and happened overnight. But is still may be a slight probability. I was diagnosed with Vestibular Neuritis and now SSHL.
Jazzdore last decade
Hello all,
Google 'BBC,' 'hearing loss,' and 'Vitamin E' to find the following news:
'Vitamin E can help restore hearing in people who become deaf suddenly for no known reason, research suggests.
'This natural antioxidant has already been hailed as a potential cancer therapy by preventing or slowing damage caused by certain oxygen compounds.
'A study of 66 patients with sudden hearing loss, by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, found those given vitamin E made the best recovery.'
Google 'BBC,' 'hearing loss,' and 'Vitamin E' to find the following news:
'Vitamin E can help restore hearing in people who become deaf suddenly for no known reason, research suggests.
'This natural antioxidant has already been hailed as a potential cancer therapy by preventing or slowing damage caused by certain oxygen compounds.
'A study of 66 patients with sudden hearing loss, by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, found those given vitamin E made the best recovery.'
tdgrnwld last decade
Thank you for the info tdgrnwld. This news gives me hope. To everyone, stay strong and have a happy and joyous holiday!
fadeone914 last decade
A question for all:
I just got my first intratympanic dexamethasone shot, roughly 5.5 weeks after onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The doctor said, come back next week and if we see an improvement, I'll give you another shot.
My question: Should I stop at one shot if there's no improvement after one week? Has anyone seen improvements after a longer time interval?
Thanks,
Ted
I just got my first intratympanic dexamethasone shot, roughly 5.5 weeks after onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The doctor said, come back next week and if we see an improvement, I'll give you another shot.
My question: Should I stop at one shot if there's no improvement after one week? Has anyone seen improvements after a longer time interval?
Thanks,
Ted
tdgrnwld last decade
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Information given in this forum is given by way of exchange of views only, and those views are not necessarily those of ABC Homeopathy. It is not to be treated as a medical diagnosis or prescription, and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified homeopath or physician. It is possible that advice given here may be dangerous, and you should make your own checks that it is safe. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention. Bear in mind that even minor symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a timely diagnosis by your doctor could save your life.