ISSHL Help

I just had an episode of total sudden hearing loss in only about 4 hours,It happened on Tues. afternoon about 4pm.I saw my GP the next morn,who diagnosed eustachian tube disorder,and prescribed allegra d. After doing MY OWN research weds night,and not being satsfied, I got in to see an otolarynologist Thurs am.I have >90 db loss in left ear,right is normal.He gave me 60 mg prednisone and ordered a ct scan for next wk,said probablyy a virus and a 50-50 chance of recovery.I am very worried about it even thuogh he said he could "rehabilitate the hear",if all failed.
Any simmular circumstances or news of a good outcome would be appreciated!!!

[Nancy T]

You were very smart to ignore your GP and get in promptly to a specialist. I didn't see an ENT for a month--stupid me, stupid GPs.

High-dose prednisone is undoubtedly the best thing to try, but there might be others (the "shotgun" approach). I suggest you see an inner-ear specialist (neuro-otologist, also spelled neurotologist) if your ENT is not one. Check out the American Neurotology Society site for a list of members by state.

Sometimes they use an antiviral and possibly other treatments, although nothing is proven to work or be standard, I don't think.

If your hearing does not recover with the prednisone, you should be sent for an MRI with contrast to rule out acoustic neuroma, although there's no big rush about the MRI.

Good luck--I hope your hearing recovers. If not, you can try a CROS aid, a TransEar, or a Baha. (I have a Baha and am extremely happy with it.)

Nancy T.

[TimboS]

Thanks for your advice!
I will look into the neurtologist,as you mentioned .My scan is set up for this week and another Drs appt,the day after.No real change yet,4 days of prednisone so far.
Will keep posted,Thanks again!