Suddenly deaf in one ear

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

A couple of days ago I woke up and realised that I could barely hear anything from my right ear - I've also developed really loud tinnitus (both a whooshing sort of noise and a high pitched ringing). Any ideas what might be causing this? I've not had an ear infection or anything like that

[Maxwellthecat]

I don't mean to be alarmist but this happened to my DH and it turned out to be a virus and he never recovered his hearing. I would get to the gp straight away!

[PurpleDaisies]

It could be full of wax or infected. You do need to see your gp-sudden unexplained deafness on one side usually earns you a head scan. The most likely causes are innocuous though.

[Chippednailvarnishing]

If it is an infection a very strong course of antibiotics and steroids can save your hearing, get to your GP asap.

[Whatdoesaturkeydo]

Try not to be alarmed
This has happened to me twice - go see your gp
Both occasions mine was caused by wax

[PurpleDaisies]

Wax is the by far most common cause of this sort of thing. You might be lucky and get to have micro auctioning. That's like a mini vacuum cleaner for ears. It's fantastic and solves the hearing loss immediately.

[BakeOffBiscuits]

Yes, ring the GP tomorrow and tell the receptionist exactly what's wrong so you get an urgent appt.

[PurpleDaisies]

Sorry micro suctioning. I'm sure you could auction tickets to the sporners among us.

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

Thanks - it doesn't feel blocked but will definitely get it checked out. I actually feel fine apart from not being able to hear properly and this bloody awful noise in my ear which is making it really hard to sleep...

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

Sadly no wax .... I've been referred to the emergency ENT clinic. Hearing in the right ear has pretty much completely gone now and the tinnitus volume switch has been turned up to 11

[Maxwellthecat]

You did the exact right thing going to see someone and now you're in the best hands.

Tinnitus completely sucks so

[EagleIsland]

I had mumps as a baby, I lost my hearing in one ear.

[PurpleDaisies]

Oh what a nuisance. You're definitely doing to the right place. I hope the appointment comes through quickly.

[Chippednailvarnishing]

I don't eat to scare you but I would be chasing up the appointment until they can see you ASAP. Don't leave this.

[MollyHuaCha]

Hope you feel better soon

[doxiepoxie]

Hello, can I ask what the outcome was here as I have had something very similar happen. Have been given decongestant but hadn't made any difference. I can still hear in that ear but it's very muffled