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Original poster

HRT and Otosclerosis

12 replies

CaffeineandCookies · 28/06/2023 19:57

Hi All,

Hoping someone on here can help.

I was diagnosed with otosclerosis 15yrs ago during my first pregnancy. The hearing loss was pretty mild but things were definitely easier when I started using hearing aids. At my most recent hearing test about 3 months ago, the audiologist was surprised to see that there had been no significant worsening of my hearing in the last 9yrs.

When first diagnosed I was told I could no longer take hormonal contraception with oestrogen because this is thought to be the cause of the hearing loss during pregnancy.

Fast forward to my perimenopause and I'm suffering. Knackered, zero sex drive, insanely heavy & irregular periods and brain fog. I spoke with my GP about HRT and he was about to get the ball rolling when I questioned the impact on my hearing. After he ummed and ahhed a bit, he decided it was better to refer me the menopause clinic and I've been told there is approximately an 18 month waiting time.

Does anyone else have experience of this? Is it likely to be a no go with HRT because of this other condition? I'm wondering if I can make the case that no significant changes in my hearing during the last 9yrs means HRT could still be an option for me.

Thanks
C&C

OP posts:
Qat · 28/06/2023 20:05

I had an operation on each ear due to this condition- stapedectomy.
Might this be an option?

Kissedbyfire1 · 28/06/2023 20:06

DM has otosclerosis, 80% hearing loss in one ear, 20% in the other. She’s very elderly now but was on HRT for donkey’s years before it was really a thing. She was diagnosed with otosclerosis in her late 30s so lost a lot of hearing well before the HRT.
Sorry can’t be of more help.

Kissedbyfire1 · 28/06/2023 20:08

DM also had the operation- on one ear. They wouldn’t operate on the other one when hearing on that side started to go as they said it was too dangerous.

Original poster
CaffeineandCookies · 28/06/2023 20:12

Surgery hasn't even been mentioned as an option as I don't think my hearing loss is considered bad enough. I can get by day to day without my hearing aids (hate wearing them outside as the noise of traffic etc is bloody terrifying!) but do need them for work. I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place if they say I can't start HRT. I've gone from getting up at 6am every morning to exercise and being very active to struggling to get my head off the pillow in the morning. Otherwise fit and healthy, not overweight and a good diet so can't think of anything else I should be doing that I'm not.

OP posts:
Qat · 28/06/2023 20:19

My hearing deteriorated after my pregnancy and I was struggling to manage at work and on the phone (noisy open plan office). I had the op as I didn't want to be wearing hearing aids in my early 30s.

If I were you I'd get an opinion from your ENT consultant and give the operation consideration. Or take the HRT and if necessary get the op further down the line if your hearing gets worse?

Original poster
CaffeineandCookies · 28/06/2023 20:52

Qat · 28/06/2023 20:19

My hearing deteriorated after my pregnancy and I was struggling to manage at work and on the phone (noisy open plan office). I had the op as I didn't want to be wearing hearing aids in my early 30s.

If I were you I'd get an opinion from your ENT consultant and give the operation consideration. Or take the HRT and if necessary get the op further down the line if your hearing gets worse?

Thanks, I was waiting 2yrs just for this last hearing test so God knows how long I'll be waiting to speak to a consultant but worth a shot. Did you have any complications with the surgery at all?

OP posts:
Qat · 28/06/2023 21:18

No complications.
I've been on HRT for over 5 years and had the operations over 15 and 21 years ago. I was nervous before the ops but so glad I had it done.

Qat · 28/06/2023 21:19

Waiting lists are an utter nightmare.

Katt11 · 25/09/2023 06:46

Hi. I started having symptoms during my first pregnancy but wasn't really picked up until now after my 3rd baby. Did yours decline quite rapidly after having kids? I'm feeling really sad about the future now. Did you have the op in both ears? Thanks

Princessfluffy · 29/09/2023 07:13

No need to feel sad about the future.
I had the op and my hearing is normal again. Have you been offered an operation by your ENT consultant?

Katt11 · 29/09/2023 19:33

He initially said nobody would operate on the ear as the other one seems ok at the moment. I guess I'm finding out how most people have it in both ears. That's so reassuring to hear, thank you. I can't get back to see him until the end of October. Will start to seek out some Dr's who do the operation as he said he doesn't do them. Appreciate the reply!

Princessfluffy · 30/09/2023 04:13

Be sure to find a surgeon who does this operation a lot and ask for their stats for success rate and complications as your hearing is important.

Good luck, the benefit to quality of life and self esteem was HUGE for me.

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