Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

[TheyreStillGoingWithThemPlumsKerr]

First time poster. Hope I’ve posted in the correct bit…

Just over fours weeks ago I had sudden sensorineural hearing loss in my right ear. Basically I woke up deaf in that ear. I’m still undergoing treatment at outpatients (they’ve been great) and they’re currently trying steroid injections into the ear (have had the usual initial course of oral steroids, and had my 2nd injection yesterday) to see if I can regain just enough hearing for an aid. They’ve warned me there’s only a very slim chance they may work - so I’m keeping hope at bay! (It was just too crushing when the last 2 hearing tests showed no improvement - even though I could already tell that there had been none).

I’m really struggling with the mental/emotional side of this. The shock of it, the loud constant tinnitus and (I know this sounds dramatic! …but) my whole world has changed overnight.

Sleep is difficult and I hate leaving the house on my own (will be attempting that later today to go to a counselling appointment I’ve made to help). Feels like I’m trapped inside my head; half of which is like it’s underwater. The shock/suddenness of it has also left me worrying about something awful happening to my lovely mum who has a very debilitating condition.

I’m lucky and grateful nothing worse happened, I have a good support network and I get full sick pay while I’m off with this difficult first phase/treatment. I try to concentrate on all the good, but I don’t feel I’ve moved any further forward at all with it mentally yet.

If you or anyone you know has been through similar - I need success stories please. Not of hearing returning, just as unfortunately that is unlikely. But of:

• adapting to being deaf in one ear (the not hearing in stereo anymore - especially when out)
• zoning out the (bloody cruel!) loud tinnitus
• the ability to concentrate and think straight getting better!
• stop feeling I’m going bonkers half the time

Apologies for the very long post 😊

I have moderate sensorineural loss in one ear and I’m ok until I go to loud places! I rely a lot on lip reading when there’s background noise which I don’t even realise until someone isn’t in front of me. If I’m walking with someone I ask them to stand on my good side and I just cope I suppose.
I also have tinnitus but most of the time I don’t notice it. It can ramp up at times and distort sound which is awful.
A friend of mine had sudden loss too and we often bemoan our deafness - when we’re together it’s fun!!
i have to have a bit of a sense of humour about it all really. It’s how I cope. Tbh I have a worse ailment currently which I’m trying to get on top of w medical tests/input. Hate getting older!!

@JustDanceAddict thank you for your reply. Really appreciate it.

Just hearing others say they’ve learnt to adapt helps - and learnt to ignore the tinnitus. I know it’s possible, but it’s just hard to believe it’s possible, if you know what I mean?!

So sorry to hear you’re suffering with health conditions currently. I really hope you get on top of that 😊

I know it's very early days and you need time and further testing, but you may be eligible for a cochlear implant depending on your levels (and a few other factors). Aside from that, as Just said, you do get used to it, it's all new and scary at the moment. Watch out for electric cars - they sneak up on you if you have reduced directionality.

Thanks@MyBloodyMaryneedsmoreTabasco

It’s severe hearing loss (they refer to it as ‘dead ear’!), so I may be eligible for a cochlear implant if there’s no improvement. But one consultant said they’re not so good for adults as you’d then have to get used to the mechanical sound of them - so undecided at the mo.

I’ll watch out for the quiet cars! Crossing the road in general is a whole new experience now!

@TheyreStillGoingWithThemPlumsKerr mind sort of came on gradually and it’s part of my Menieres. It will probably get worse. I haven’t got a hearing aid yet but I have a yearly ENT appt and will see how my hearing is then.
I have also been told some hearing aids can also help with tinnitus. Def worth asking.

Hi @TheyreStillGoingWithThemPlumsKerr

I had exactly this happen about five years ago. I will message you later about it. It’s not an easy thing to go through (understatement!)..at work right now…

It's been a while OP. Can I ask how you've adjusted to life now, and specifically the tinnitus? I'm going through something similar and it's horrendous! (the multi tonal warbling loud tinnitus).

I started writing a reply to you here …but it turned out so long that I’ve sent it to you as a message instead!