To be panicking re hearing loss

[lemonsaretheonlyfruit]

Hi.

AIBU to be really panicking?

I already have 80% hearing loss in one ear due to Labyrinthitis (have a hearing aid on the way after putting up with it for about 5 years ) but normally cope fine with my good ear.

I woke up on Monday morning with hearing loss in my good ear and now I am pretty much deaf. Doctor confirmed yesterday I have an ear infection and I am now on 5 days of antibiotics which I stated yesterday. I am really panicking in case it doesn't get better.

The way I lost hearing in the other ear is completely different to this time around and I have no vertigo - just an ear infection. But it's making things so hard - I am a single parent and can't talk to my DCs, I can just about work as it's mainly on the laptop and phone is ok at full volume. I couldn't talk to a friend yesterday without her shouting and standing right next to me. I am meant to be going into my office tomorrow and I just can't face it as it will be so embarrassing not being able to talk to or hear anyone.

Has anyone had this and had full hearing return ? How long did it take?

I am also taking Sudafed and doing a sinus rinse too. Am I expecting results too quickly?

If someone just told me it would be fine in 3 days time I'd be ok!

I would expect an ear infection to take longer than 3 days to clear (based on my own experience). Sometimes I've had them where it has taken 2 - 3 weeks to get back full hearing.

Can you talk to work about "reasonable adjustments" temporarily, for example can you work from home and use subtitles on calls ? Platforms such as Teams provide this automatically if you select it.

Just keeping this bumped for you OP, I can understand why you're feeling panicked. Fingers crossed everything clears up for you very soon.

Hi @BookWorm45

That's actually reassured me thankyou. I'm not normally anxious health wise - and this happening in one ear wouldn't bother me so much if the other one worked.

I think I can wfh tomorrow and yes I think subtitles and headphones are the way forward.

I am meant to be taking the DC away to friends for the weekend but now not sure if I should drive.. or even If there is any point as I can really communicate with anybody.

@TokyoSushi Thank you I appreciate it!

My Eldest daughter has total hearing loss in one ear from contracting measles before she was fully vaccinated. Whenever she has a cold or a sinus infection the hearing in her good ear goes down. She’s only ever had one ear infection so far, again her hearing went right down but after a weeks course of antibiotics it did come back, it took about three weeks to get back to how it was previously.

@Daffodilsandtuplips

Thankyou and that's also reassuring. Sorry for your daughter's one bad ear. I can relate to that. But I am reassured by her experience with her other ear. Thankyou