SSHL recovery timeframe

[brendajj9]

at what point does a person with diagnosed SSHL, who has already been treated with oral steroids and tympanic injections of steroids, give up hope of experiencing any further hearing improvement?

[mtnbkr56]

Hi,
I was diagnosed with SSHL this past Tuesday.  I suddenly lost my hearing in my right ear on Saturday night.  I am a healthy 55 year old male, never had any hearing issues. In fact my hearing tests have always shown I have amazing hearing for someone my age, flat frequency response across the spectrum.

I was walking down the street with my wife when I heard a ringing in my right ear, I thought nothing of it, we all get that from time to time. But it did not go away and I soon noticed I was not hearing out of that ear, and the skin around my ear felt numb.

I thought maybe I had a bad case of wax buildup so when I got home I used the drops and flushed.  No change. Next day I went to Urgent Care and the doctor there said I needed to go see an ENT ASAP.  Being a holiday weekend I had to wait until Tuesday.

I saw the ENT and they tested me and my hearing is down by 30db in my right ear. My left ear tested like I was 25 years old.
So they have started me on Prednisone and Valtrex, but so far other than a change in the frequency of the ringing in my ear to a steady tone instead of warbling I have not noticed any improvement in my hearing.

It is very upsetting.  I can't listen to music as it all turns to distortion, and music is a huge part of my life. I also am a mountain biker, but my balance seems off so I am not sure If I can ride anymore.  This has changed everything for me and I am trying to deal with it.  People at work think they are helping if they whisper like they might hurt my ear if they talk loud, but it only makes it harder for me.

The thought of living my life this way is very scary to me, and not being able to enjoy music again just devastating.

I am praying the meds will kick in and my hearing returns, but even then I know I will live in fear it could happen again.

[onlyinmyright]

i just got diagnosed this week.  Monday.  how are you doing?  I'm 38 and have severe loss in my left.  just started steroids.  because my loss is severe doctors aren't optimistic.  I am coming to terms with my hearing loss, but am now more focused on the tinnitus.  From what I've read, it seems to faded for most, but never goes away.  Anyway, after reading your post I figured I would write back as we are in the same boat... seemingly.  Hope you are doing well.  how are you doing?

[GeorgeJosephP]

You are a true hero.

[GeorgeJosephP]

Hi Randy.  I don't really have any valuable input.  I just wanted to say hang in there.  Perhaps a second injection will prove to be the one that makes it all better.  For me, after my first injection, things got better.  Then before the second injection, I was at around 80 % healed.  The second injection got me back to 100%.  Good thoughts your way.

[GeorgeJosephP]

Hi Yuki.  I am very sorry I am just now responding to your message.  I too took Ginkgo Biloba when I was going through SSHL.  I took 240 mg per day.  Since my hearing came back, I have not taken it as regularly.  The ringing left and sometimes I just forget to take it.  Please email me with any other questions!

[YukiYeap]

I just went to see the doctor today. He stated that my hearing improved abit but not significant. I'm seeing the ENT doctor again on next Friday ;) going to start on Ginkgo tomorrow too. I'm starting with 120mg a day to try first. Yeah hope mine will recover soon !! ;)

[lapieper]

Anyone who needs to discuss their experience with SSHL please feel free to email me. I am three years out was a 31 when it occured, hearing has not returned. But everything else will, and you might gain some positives from the experience. As scary as it is, the biggest healer is time. Tinnitus will fade, balance will return, and normal will happen. ***@****

[onlyinmyright]

thank you for your post.  I was just diagnosed with SSHL on Monday.  Mentally dealing with the hearing loss is bad, but the tinnitus that is driving me crazy.  How long did it take for the tinnitus to fade?  

[YukiYeap]

Hey everyone. I'm 21 years old from Singapore. On 14th April 2016, I was at work when I couldn't hear anything from my right ear all of a sudden. At first, I thought it was just a blockage and I went to see the GP  doctor the next day. He gave me antibiotics and refer me to see a ENT specialist in a month time. But after a few days when my ear didn't improve, I went to book a slot to see the specialist on the spot. I was diagnosed with SSHL and I broke down in front of the specialist immediately.
I'm currently on oral steroids for 2 weeks. Went for MRI scan and blood tests. From what I been reading, gingko and zinc seems to help with SSHL. May I know the dosage that you guys take?
You guys gave me a lot of motivation after I found out about it. Thank you so much.

[RandyABC123]

I like you guys have been dealing with a deaf ear since a virus 6 weeks ago. Had the steroid shots and slight improvement but now it is Noisey without understanding the noise. Actually it was better before the injections. That said is there a stein for people who have tried the wireless AIDS vs. the Baha?  I love music festivals and concerts and cannot find any info on which would be better for music or neither would be work?  Any input would be great