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Original poster

I have gone partially deaf!!!!

17 replies

pucca · 14/11/2007 20:36

Just getting over flu, was feeling terrible but now just feel like i have a cold as i am over the worst of it (awful!) but i have now gone partially deaf, it has gone worse over the course of today, and feels really weird, anyone got an idea of how long this will last?

TIA

OP posts:

Original poster

pucca · 14/11/2007 20:41

...

OP posts:

Sidge · 14/11/2007 20:42

It's probably middle ear congestion.

You can try an OTC decongestant or just give it time, it will drain away and you will hear again.

Original poster

pucca · 14/11/2007 20:44

It is awful, never had this before, it started in one ear and is now in both.

OP posts:

kokeshi · 14/11/2007 20:49

Um, I don't want to worry you, but I'd see a doctor as soon as possible. I lost my hearing last year - unknown aetiology over 7 weeks - and it was misdiagnosed as glue ear. Total hearing loss is rare, but I would err on the side of caution. I totally empathise with how you feel though, it was a complete nightmare. I now have a cochlear implant, but could hear absolutely nothing for 8 months or so.

Like I said, this is very rare, and it probably will clear up with some prescribed treatment, but please get it checked out anyway.

Original poster

pucca · 14/11/2007 22:30

Is this normal after having flu though?

Kokeshi that sound scary!

OP posts:

BigGitDad · 14/11/2007 22:31

sounds like your sinuses have become blocked, that can affect your hearing

Original poster

pucca · 14/11/2007 22:35

Thanks BGD...Anything i can do to help it go? it is driving me nuts as i normally having very good hearing.

OP posts:

edam · 14/11/2007 22:38

Second what kokeshi said, do go and see your GP. UQD is probably right so don't panic but it is important to get it checked out.

edam · 14/11/2007 22:38

BGD, even!

BigGitDad · 14/11/2007 22:39

What about one of those steam bowls with a decongestant in? Maybe nip down the chemist tomorrow. It will go over time, if you are worried why not try NHS direct, they are good.

Original poster

pucca · 14/11/2007 22:40

Thanks everyone, will see how it is tomorrow and if it still bad may go to the GP.

OP posts:

BigGitDad · 14/11/2007 22:41

edam, that made me laugh!

kokeshi · 15/11/2007 02:42

Hi again pucca, yes, it was really scary! When the docs thought it was just a simple blockage/ middle ear infection, I was prescribed some nasal sprays and ear drops to help clear it. Hold on and I'll go look in the cupboard...

OK, we have Beconase nasal spray, gentamicin ear drops and Betnesol ear drops. I also tried the trusty steaming bowl of water with Olbas oil in.

Unfortunately for me, it appears that I have sensorineural deafness (destruction of the tiny hair cells in the cochlea) so it was all a bit pointless really.

I feel for you, it's so frustrating not being able to hear, it cuts you off from your whole life. Please let us know how you get on.

Original poster

pucca · 15/11/2007 21:09

Ok me again lol.

I went to the doctor this morning (not just for this had to go anyway) he had a look and said there seemed to be alot of wax (sorry tmi!) deep in my ear, and when i asked about the lack of hearing so good he said that will be down to the infection, but he gave me only otex to loosen the wax.

Used these drops this morning, (its twice a day) but i now can pretty much hear nothing from both ears!!! these drops have made them worse.

Anyone?

OP posts:

belgo · 15/11/2007 21:13

I lost my hearing slightly after an ear infection earlier this year. It returned with several loud 'pops' after two or three weeks. I didn't take any medication (I was bfing at the time) - it just got better on its own.

Original poster

pucca · 15/11/2007 23:14

Ok update, i phoned emergency doctor as getting quite worried with how little i can hear.

They asked me to go and see the doc, so i did, he had a real good look in my ear and said it is a very nasty infection, and because it has been left it has made me lose my hearing with the swelling. Hopefully my hearing should return to normal in 24/48 hrs once the swelling goes down.

So i am now on amoxycillin 500mg and strong painkillers, he said the Otex would just make it worse, so much for MY GP.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

OP posts:

kokeshi · 15/11/2007 23:36

How scary for you pucca. I was seriously pissed off with my GP surgery when I was going through my hearing loss. 5 different GPs all mis-diagnoed "a blockage/infection" and it wasn't until I took myself off to A&A when I was totally deaf did they realise the seriousness of the problem.

The worst things about it is that there's a possibility if they'd been on the ball and prescribed steroids right at the beginning, it may have saved my hearing.

On a positive note for you, if the swelling can be seen, it's likely that it is an infection and should clear up. Keep us posted though. Thinking of you.

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