Sudden Sensorial Hearing Loss (anybody had it?)

[Music to my Ears]

I’m hoping to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through this. Apparently I had an inner ear virus 3 weeks ago that took out much of the hearing in my left ear. After a couple days of intense vertigo I’m still left with balance issues and limited hearing. My PCP put me on 10 days of steroids and I’ve seen an ENT specialist. It sounds like it could take up to 4 months to potentially heal but with about 50% chance of complete return of my hearing. I’m conducting a concert this Saturday which is a bit concerning.

So, has anyone been through this and what was your outcome? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[FreeBird236]

I’m hoping to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through this. Apparently I had an inner ear virus 3 weeks ago that took out much of the hearing in my left ear. After a couple days of intense vertigo I’m still left with balance issues and limited hearing. My PCP put me on 10 days of steroids and I’ve seen an ENT specialist. It sounds like it could take up to 4 months to potentially heal but with about 50% chance of complete return of my hearing. I’m conducting a concert this Saturday which is a bit concerning.

So, has anyone been through this and what was your outcome? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I really no nothing about it, but sure hope you can get back to normal. Sounds like you're doing all the right things.

 

[4Waters]

I think @SoCalDave had something similar earlier this year. I apologize if it wasn't him but I know someone did

 

[rivergames]

Hmmm If it's in your left ear, I'd smoke a fat doobie and then lean to the right! That way it equals out your balance!

 

[jetboatperformance]

Mine is progressive (gun shots and Headers) and not going to get better I cant hear shit , I however would be quite concerned over "sudden"

 

[poncho]

My Wifes voice triggers mine J/K, hope you find a solution.

 

[RiverDave]

I can’t even imagine especially in your line of work.. why no antibiotics?

 

[SoCalDave]

I’m hoping to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through this. Apparently I had an inner ear virus 3 weeks ago that took out much of the hearing in my left ear. After a couple days of intense vertigo I’m still left with balance issues and limited hearing. My PCP put me on 10 days of steroids and I’ve seen an ENT specialist. It sounds like it could take up to 4 months to potentially heal but with about 50% chance of complete return of my hearing. I’m conducting a concert this Saturday which is a bit concerning.

So, has anyone been through this and what was your outcome? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I think @SoCalDave had something similar earlier this year. I apologize if it wasn't him but I know someone did

Yeah I've been dealing with my left ear going on 5 months now. Started out as an earache that was caused by an inner ear infection. It then turned into otomycosis (fungus) which took weeks to clear out with several trips to the ent to vacuum it out. I was also told I have a hole in my eardrum that will not heal on its own so going to a specialist on Oct 17 to see what my options are. I've been told that it can be repaired and my hearing will improve significantly. My delima is that was my good ear as my right is almost gone even with hearing aids. It's driving me and my family nuts and hope I can get some satisfactory results on my next visit as it took me 3 months to see this specialist at Kaiser.
It also feels like I'm underwater and it needs to pop. I was told that it may pop but that can take weeks if not months...it really sucks.

Good luck on your situation.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Very sorry to hear this. Hope your hearing bounces right back and soon.

 

[OCMerrill]

I’m hoping to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through this. Apparently I had an inner ear virus 3 weeks ago that took out much of the hearing in my left ear. After a couple days of intense vertigo I’m still left with balance issues and limited hearing. My PCP put me on 10 days of steroids and I’ve seen an ENT specialist. It sounds like it could take up to 4 months to potentially heal but with about 50% chance of complete return of my hearing. I’m conducting a concert this Saturday which is a bit concerning.

So, has anyone been through this and what was your outcome? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Sucks to deal with and especially for yourself and your profession.

Going on 8 months now and my hearing has not returned. Set at about 45% total loss. The ringing is the part that really sucks. The Dizzy and Vertigo issues are getting better though. My next check is in 5 weeks. Likely they will look at ruling out a virus then however I am living on that hope It's just taking a while to get my hearing and my inner ear back to normal.

I did the steroid run, no change. Likely I will be officially diagnosed with Meniere's Disease at the next appointment. If you don't experience dizziness or hear buzzing you likely don't have to worry about this being your issue.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I’m hoping to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through this. Apparently I had an inner ear virus 3 weeks ago that took out much of the hearing in my left ear. After a couple days of intense vertigo I’m still left with balance issues and limited hearing. My PCP put me on 10 days of steroids and I’ve seen an ENT specialist. It sounds like it could take up to 4 months to potentially heal but with about 50% chance of complete return of my hearing. I’m conducting a concert this Saturday which is a bit concerning.

So, has anyone been through this and what was your outcome? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Wow.. I was driving to @was thatguy house in several months ago. We were going to shoot for a couple days at his range. When I got there, I had terrible tinnitus in my left ear and couldn't hear shit.

It felt kinda like when your ears don't clear after flying. Tommy made fun of my deaf ass, as my left ear was completely gone.

When I got home, I waited a few days to see if it would clear up. Well, it did not. I first went to the urgent care, thinking it was something like an ear infection or ear wax. They gave me some steroids and sudafed. He said it looked like fluid behind my ear drum. Told me to come back in a week if it doesn't clear up.

Went back, gave me an antibiotic and said there was nothing more he could do and go see my primary.

Tried to get in, couldn't. Did a tel-a-med call and asked for a referral.

Went to an ENT place here in Phoenix. They did many, many tests including a very detailed hearing test. The surgeon gave me a steroid shot directly into my eardrum. She told me the protocol is a series of three of those, ~10 days part. I did them all. But in the meantime, I saw their audiologist about hearing aids.

My last appointment I pick dup loaner hearing aids (phonak) called CROS. The left aid is essentially a microphone that sends left sound over to my right hearing aid. It kinda works and I'm getting used to these things. Still can't hear very good.

My ENT Dr., who I really like said it is likely permanent but it may come back after time. My specific hearing loss is nerve damage. I asked her about guns and a lifetime of loud boats. She said, probably not. More likely it from a virus. My car detail guy lost his from Covid and mine may be as well. I've had Covid twice, so who knows. She wants to wait 6 months to a year and we will discuss Cochlear implant.

My attitude is great. It's part of life and I'm not letting it change one single thing in my life.

I still want to blame Tommy.

 

[shockwave714]

This happened to my wife her right ear all of the sudden she couldn’t hear out of it. she went to all kinds of specialist and had all kinds of test. They can’t figure out what’s wrong. She has no hearing in her right ear at all.

 

[was thatguy]

Wow.. I was driving to @was thatguy house in several months ago. We were going to shoot for a couple days at his range. When I got there, I had terrible tinnitus in my left ear and couldn't hear shit.

It felt kinda like when your ears don't clear after flying. Tommy made fun of my deaf ass, as my left ear was completely gone.

When I got home, I waited a few days to see if it would clear up. Well, it did not. I first went to the urgent care, thinking it was something like an ear infection or ear wax. They gave me some steroids and sudafed. He said it looked like fluid behind my ear drum. Told me to come back in a week if it doesn't clear up.

Went back, gave me an antibiotic and said there was nothing more he could do and go see my primary.

Tried to get in, couldn't. Did a tel-a-med call and asked for a referral.

Went to an ENT place here in Phoenix. They did many, many tests including a very detailed hearing test. The surgeon gave me a steroid shot directly into my eardrum. She told me the protocol is a series of three of those, ~10 days part. I did them all. But in the meantime, I saw their audiologist about hearing aids.

My last appointment I pick dup loaner hearing aids (phonak) called CROS. The left aid is essentially a microphone that sends left sound over to my right hearing aid. It kinda works and I'm getting used to these things. Still can't hear very good.

My ENT Dr., who I really like said it is likely permanent but it may come back after time. My specific hearing loss is nerve damage. I asked her about guns and a lifetime of loud boats. She said, probably not. More likely it from a virus. My car detail guy lost his from Covid and mine may be as well. I've had Covid twice, so who knows. She wants to wait 6 months to a year and we will discuss Cochlear implant.

My attitude is great. It's part of life and I'm not letting it change one single thing in my life.

I still want to blame Tommy.

Might as well, I am to blame for most things!

 

[Music to my Ears]

I can’t even imagine especially in your line of work.. why no antibiotics?

It’s a bit challenging. Both my primary and ENT said that steroids are the best answer to keep swelling down after the initial hearing loss and that antibiotics don’t help. It seems like that would be a strong option but apparently not.

 

[Music to my Ears]

Yeah I've been dealing with my left ear going on 5 months now. Started out as an earache that was caused by an inner ear infection. It then turned into otomycosis (fungus) which took weeks to clear out with several trips to the ent to vacuum it out. I was also told I have a hole in my eardrum that will not heal on its own so going to a specialist on Oct 17 to see what my options are. I've been told that it can be repaired and my hearing will improve significantly. My delima is that was my good ear as my right is almost gone even with hearing aids. It's driving me and my family nuts and hope I can get some satisfactory results on my next visit as it took me 3 months to see this specialist at Kaiser.
It also feels like I'm underwater and it needs to pop. I was told that it may pop but that can take weeks if not months...it really sucks.

Good luck on your situation.

Man, I’m really sorry to hear (no pun intended) what you are going through. The pressure on the ear drum and the feeling that you need to release it really gets old. Wishing you a positive outcome!

 

[Music to my Ears]

Sucks to deal with and especially for yourself and your profession.

Going on 8 months now and my hearing has not returned. Set at about 45% total loss. The ringing is the part that really sucks. The Dizzy and Vertigo issues are getting better though. My next check is in 5 weeks. Likely they will look at ruling out a virus then however I am living on that hope It's just taking a while to get my hearing and my inner ear back to normal.

I did the steroid run, no change. Likely I will be officially diagnosed with Meniere's Disease at the next appointment. If you don't experience dizziness or hear buzzing you likely don't have to worry about this being your issue.

I have a good friend that has Meniere‘s Disease. He’s had it for quite a few years now and with a change of diet, it rarely affects him anymore. At this point, I almost would rather the dizziness go away than the hearing return. Good luck moving in a positive direction with your situation!

 

[Music to my Ears]

Wow.. I was driving to @was thatguy house in several months ago. We were going to shoot for a couple days at his range. When I got there, I had terrible tinnitus in my left ear and couldn't hear shit.

It felt kinda like when your ears don't clear after flying. Tommy made fun of my deaf ass, as my left ear was completely gone.

When I got home, I waited a few days to see if it would clear up. Well, it did not. I first went to the urgent care, thinking it was something like an ear infection or ear wax. They gave me some steroids and sudafed. He said it looked like fluid behind my ear drum. Told me to come back in a week if it doesn't clear up.

Went back, gave me an antibiotic and said there was nothing more he could do and go see my primary.

Tried to get in, couldn't. Did a tel-a-med call and asked for a referral.

Went to an ENT place here in Phoenix. They did many, many tests including a very detailed hearing test. The surgeon gave me a steroid shot directly into my eardrum. She told me the protocol is a series of three of those, ~10 days part. I did them all. But in the meantime, I saw their audiologist about hearing aids.

My last appointment I pick dup loaner hearing aids (phonak) called CROS. The left aid is essentially a microphone that sends left sound over to my right hearing aid. It kinda works and I'm getting used to these things. Still can't hear very good.

My ENT Dr., who I really like said it is likely permanent but it may come back after time. My specific hearing loss is nerve damage. I asked her about guns and a lifetime of loud boats. She said, probably not. More likely it from a virus. My car detail guy lost his from Covid and mine may be as well. I've had Covid twice, so who knows. She wants to wait 6 months to a year and we will discuss Cochlear implant.

My attitude is great. It's part of life and I'm not letting it change one single thing in my life.

I still want to blame Tommy.

You’ve been through a lot! And of course navigating through the medical system is frustratingly slow! Hopefully you can get some more answers and clarity soon. But in the meantime, love your positive attitude!

 

[stephenkatsea]

Our daughter and grandson, who you met at the Park, are pulling for you. Age can come with particular challenges. About a year ago the vision in my right eye was suddenly extremely blurred, almost useless. Visited the doctor. He diagnosed PVD. I’d never heard of it, Posterior Vitrious Detachment. Dr said it was very likely to heal on its own. And it did. He said the cause was too many birthdays.

 

[Music to my Ears]

Our daughter and grandson, who you met at the Park, are pulling for you. Age can come with particular challenges. About a year ago the vision in my right eye was suddenly extremely blurred, almost useless. Visited the doctor. He diagnosed PVD. I’d never heard of it, Posterior Vitrious Detachment. Dr said it was very likely to heal on its own. And it did. He said the cause was too many birthdays.

If remember them well. We took a nice photo together. I’ve had my fair share of ailments the past year. Yep, getting older is a bitch. Oh well, you just keep moving and pushing through. Glad to hear that your eye issue healed up on its own!

 

[stephenkatsea]

If remember them well. We took a nice photo together. I’ve had my fair share of ailments the past year. Yep, getting older is a bitch. Oh well, you just keep moving and pushing through. Glad to hear that your eye issue healed up on its own!

Thanks. You were beyond gracious with our daughter and grandson. He thinks he’d like to play the trumpet. Still talks about meeting you.

 

[SoCalDave]

I have a good friend that has Meniere‘s Disease. He’s had it for quite a few years now and with a change of diet, it rarely affects him anymore. At this point, I almost would rather the dizziness go away than the hearing return. Good luck moving in a positive direction with your situation!

I never had the dizziness/vertigo but the sharp shooting pain was the worst, almost unbearable at times to where I went to urgent care 4 times and the ER once in the first 4 weeks. I've learned to try and live with the hearing lose and constant ringing for now. At least the pain is gone.

 

[OCMerrill]

I have a good friend that has Meniere‘s Disease. He’s had it for quite a few years now and with a change of diet, it rarely affects him anymore. At this point, I almost would rather the dizziness go away than the hearing return. Good luck moving in a positive direction with your situation!

I have had at least 10 rounds of PT and the Dizziness and spinning is down to about once a month now.

Why? According to my PT my eyes are taking over my inner ear duties. So I have a daily exercise standing on a 2" thick foam pad With eyes open one min. then eyes closed, repeated several times. Super difficult to stand with my eyes closed but this exercise will eventually balance the two per my instructions.

My ears owe me nothing. I have not treated them nicely at all. I am trying to be better.

 

[RVR SWPR]

Regarding “Balance” situation. Do all you can to avoid serious fall. Results of fall in shower,stairs,etc. will create additional problems separate from what causing balance problem.

 

[Javajoe]

My concrete guy got bad Vertigo a few months ago and had to take time off. Now he lost the hearing in his left ear and has some ringing. Had MRI and CS and they can’t find anything wrong. Still going thru it. Just talked to him about it today. Sad to hear you going thru this. Bad deal for sure

 

[Music to my Ears]

The severe vertigo I had for the first 2 days went away after my niece, who is a physical therapist did the Ebley Manuever on me. But the general sense of dizziness has continued on. I have an MRI scheduled this Monday too rule out some sort of inner ear growth. We shall see…..
Thanks again for all of the responses!

 

[steamin rice]

I can't add anything to this in terms of experience with this type of issue, but I hope the best for you.

 

[gqchris]

There had to be some correlation between Covid and this stuff.

I had the same thing after meeting @Jefftowz a few years ago. Was driving and damn near had to pull over from the Vertigo. Got home and could barley walk without running into the walls. Same with the hearing also. Felt like i had water in ear.

Few days and it cleared up. But man I feel for you guys dealing with it. It was so nasty feeling! Get better soon fellas.

 

[PlanB]

There had to be some correlation between Covid and this stuff.

I had the same thing after meeting @Jefftowz a few years ago. Was driving and damn near had to pull over from the Vertigo. Got home and could barley walk without running into the walls. Same with the hearing also. Felt like i had water in ear.

Few days and it cleared up. But man I feel for you guys dealing with it. It was so nasty feeling! Get better soon fellas.

Definitely a connection. I have had ear issues, tinnitus and dizziness since being injured by the Covid Vax. I am in social media groups of people with both vax injuries and long Covid, and these are very common symptoms across the board. The dizziness in the worst. I did not drive a car for more than a year and still won't get back on a motorcycle. It sucks...

 

[rrrr]

The severe vertigo I had for the first 2 days went away after my niece, who is a physical therapist did the Ebley Manuever on me. But the general sense of dizziness has continued on. I have an MRI scheduled this Monday too rule out some sort of inner ear growth. We shall see…..
Thanks again for all of the responses!

I hope it is diagnosed and corrected quickly. Best wishes!

 

[stephenkatsea]

Thinking about you and your conducting gig today. Hope it goes well. Our grandson has now been to D’world, and the D parks in Paris and Tokyo. He says your Anaheim band was the best. For those who may not realize, Kurt’s D’land band could play more than Mickey Mouse and Small World, here’s a link that proves it.

 

[Singleton]

My mom’s husband had it.
Took about 6 months for him to get back to 75%. Hearing aids ended up being purchased.

 

[Music to my Ears]

Thinking about you and your conducting gig today. Hope it goes well. Our grandson has now been to D’world, and the D parks in Paris and Tokyo. He says your Anaheim band was the best. For those who may not realize, Kurt’s D’land band could play more than Mickey Mouse and Small World, here’s a link that proves it.

Thanks for the kind shout out! I retired from playing in the park a little over 2 years ago now, but seeing this video brings back memories. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised my old ass could play and move at the same time!

 

[Music to my Ears]

My mom’s husband had it.
Took about 6 months for him to get back to 75%. Hearing aids ended up being purchased.

Thanks for sharing. It’s only been about 4 weeks for me at this point. Sounds like I’m going to need to be patient with the healing process.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Thanks for the kind shout out! I retired from playing in the park a little over 2 years ago now, but seeing this video brings back memories. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised my old ass could play and move at the same time!

You’re very welcome. Your D’land group was more like a big jazz band which could also move and march. For those who’ve never heard a Big Band live, there’s nothing like it.

 

[HotRod82]

Thanks for sharing. It’s only been about 4 weeks for me at this point. Sounds like I’m going to need to be patient with the healing process.

Has your ENT Dr. eliminated your sinuses being the culprit? I'm going through intermittent headache / dizziness issues and was told by my ENT most doctors focus on the ears and the actual culprit is the sinuses. Unfortunately it looks like I need sinus surgery to completely heal up.....best of luck to you.

 

[Hoodoo]

Ask you ENT about injecting steroids into the eardrum.

 

[Music to my Ears]

Has your ENT Dr. eliminated your sinuses being the culprit? I'm going through intermittent headache / dizziness issues and was told by my ENT most doctors focus on the ears and the actual culprit is the sinuses. Unfortunately it looks like I need sinus surgery to completely heal up.....best of luck to you.

Not as of yet. Thanks for the tip! I’m doing an MRI tomorrow, hopefully that will give us some answers.

 

[TPC]

Hearing and Balance Care

OverviewPatient InformationOverviewOur ProgramThe Hearing and Balance Center at Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles offers every aspect of care from

www.keckmedicine.org

 

[SoCalDave]

How's things going @Music to my Ears ?
On Oct 17 I went to another specialist at Kaiser and he said I still had the fungus in my left ear which he evacuated for several minutes then used a small swab to "scrub" the effected are with a solution to kill any remaining fungus. I have a follow-up appointment Dec 17 with him.
I asked him about my hearing lose in that ear and he didn't have much comment until my follow-up in Dec.
To me it is getting worse as far as hearing loss. Really struggling with it and so is my family as it is frustrating for all around me.
There has been slight pain in my upper jaw on that side the resignats back into my ear which is frustrating as well.

 

[Music to my Ears]

How's things going @Music to my Ears ?
On Oct 17 I went to another specialist at Kaiser and he said I still had the fungus in my left ear which he evacuated for several minutes then used a small swab to "scrub" the effected are with a solution to kill any remaining fungus. I have a follow-up appointment Dec 17 with him.
I asked him about my hearing lose in that ear and he didn't have much comment until my follow-up in Dec.
To me it is getting worse as far as hearing loss. Really struggling with it and so is my family as it is frustrating for all around me.
There has been slight pain in my upper jaw on that side the resignats back into my ear which is frustrating as well.

Thanks for asking. I’m about the same as when I posted this thread. I just had a follow up appointment with my ENT doctor a week ago. He wants to wait for 4 months before retesting and then figuring out a game plan, probably a hearing aid in the affected ear. I should know more after my early January appointment. On the positive side, my balance issues have improved quite a bit.

Sorry to hear that you’re still struggling with hearing loss, especially if it’s getting worse. Wishing you all the best moving forward! I hear (no pun intended) that the new hearing aids can work incredibly well.

 

[bilz]

Similar symptoms as most of you. ENT wanted to do the steroid shot in the eardrum. I was ready for it until I asked if the results were anymore successful than oral steroids. He said they were about the same.
I did the oral treatment. Hearing came back slowly, but very diminished. Ultimately diagnosed with Mineres(?) Disease.
Low sodium diet has helped keep the vertigo at bay. The hearing loss sucks.
Best wishes for all suffering from this. It's frustrating as hell.

 

[SoCalDave]

Thanks for asking. I’m about the same as when I posted this thread. I just had a follow up appointment with my ENT doctor a week ago. He wants to wait for 4 months before retesting and then figuring out a game plan, probably a hearing aid in the affected ear. I should know more after my early January appointment. On the positive side, my balance issues have improved quite a bit.

Sorry to hear that you’re still struggling with hearing loss, especially if it’s getting worse. Wishing you all the best moving forward! I hear (no pun intended) that the new hearing aids can work incredibly well.

Good to hear where your at and hopes that your future goals go in your favor.
Yeah my current HA were from Costco some 4 years ago...let's see where this takes us...