Cat deaf after ear flushing

[SamanthaCat]

I took my two-year-old cat to the vet for a simple follow-up exam on an eye issue and my cat came home debilitated and deaf. The vet thought the eye issue (a lacerated cornea) might be related to an ear issue (scratching ears ended up scratching eye), so she flushed my cat's ears.  As soon as we got home, Samantha couldn't walk. Though she did not have a head tilt or rapid eye movement, everything else seemed like vestibular disease. She was off- balance, would fall over, couldn't jump on furniture, and kept flopping over. She seemed to have a body tremor every ten minutes or so. That lasted about three days, then she started to improve.  It's been 9 days and she can now eat, walk, and even play a little, but still can't jump like she used to.  She can't jump on the couch, bed, etc. and she still gets wobbly, but I think she will improve.  

My main concern, though, is that she is completely deaf at two-years-old.  She responds to nothing, not even a vacuum being turned on right behind her. I've done all sorts of sound test and there is 0 response so I am sure she is 100% deaf.  

No one can tell me whether or not this is permanent and if there is anything I can do. We've been to the vet five times and have seen three different vets at the animal hospital and none of them have an answer.  They don't even act like it's a big deal that my poor cat is deaf.  They show no empathy and I am deeply troubled by all of this.  

Has anyone experienced this?  Did the hearing return? Everything I've read said the hearing doesn't return, but I don't really know exactly what happened so it's hard to say. If the ear drum was ruptured then the cleaning solution could have permanently destroyed the nerves, but no one can say what happened.  Any comments from someone who experienced this would be appreciated.
  

[opus88]

I don't blame you for not accepting no answers for what has happened and glad yr considering a specialist, I sure hope they can help!!! Keep us posted plz

[SamanthaCat]

Thank you for the feedback and the resources. Still no improvement in her hearing so I am thinking of seeking a specialist.  I am having trouble accepting what has happened and still hoping there is way to reverse it.

[CML2014]

Hi Sam,

This is unacceptable:

First:
I would seek out a Teaching Veterinary School in your area. They will be an excellent source for any information and treatment your kit may need.
They also will likely be less expensive as they use these cases for their own education and experience. They have helped many a desperate animal parent.

Second:

I would go to --The Animal Legal and Health Center--on the internet.
They have a great deal of information by the University Of Michigan on Liability cases against Veterinary malpractice. You may be able to sue your Vet for an expenses incurred in your search for correcting their incompetence....and I might add, ATTITUDE!!!

Third : I sincerely hope your Vet has not charged you for these follow-up appointments.......and I would find a new vet immediately.

......and Lastly, sometimes these hearing impairments are temporary and will resolve themselves given time---How much time and If this is the case with you baby is something the Veterinary School wets will know better.

So please check into these 2 areas and PLEASE let us know if any of this has helped. Please also keep us posted on your kit. He is now one of Us!

Sincerely ,
CML

[AnnieBrooke]

I'd see a totally different vet and explain the situation and see if the eardrum was ruptured.  Your vets seem to have done something, and to be attempting to stonewall you or are just being extremely indifferent.