Aa
Losing my hearing
I had an ear infection in my good left ear this last week and since this ear was out of commission, I discovered that I'm practically deaf out of my right ear. Lately, I'm finding that I have to have my students and everyone else repeat things several times. This is not so good since I have trouble following conversations to begin with. Plus, in the last year, the TV is up so loud that no one can stand being in the same room.
I'm not sure if it's neurological or not. I know that infections are neurological, but I've been having other very weird ear symptoms. After getting out of the tub a couple of times, I went completely deaf for a few minutes. Plus today, I went deaf for a few mintues (not even too hot). My ears ring constantly in a high pitched ring. They click in Morse Code on occasion, and I will get a lower-pitched roar in them. They also will ring louder when I move my eyes back and forth. Two-three months ago I was diagnosed with ON.
What do you guys think? What should I do, if anything . . . ????? Is this neurological???? I know I can't blame everything on MS.
Deb
I'm not sure if it's neurological or not. I know that infections are neurological, but I've been having other very weird ear symptoms. After getting out of the tub a couple of times, I went completely deaf for a few minutes. Plus today, I went deaf for a few mintues (not even too hot). My ears ring constantly in a high pitched ring. They click in Morse Code on occasion, and I will get a lower-pitched roar in them. They also will ring louder when I move my eyes back and forth. Two-three months ago I was diagnosed with ON.
What do you guys think? What should I do, if anything . . . ????? Is this neurological???? I know I can't blame everything on MS.
Deb
Quix, This is quite a mess! Sometimes it takes someone to tell me it is before I do anything about it. My attitude has been flat about things that go wrong because it seems to be one thing after the other. It's the "Symptom that Cried Wolf" phenomenom. When I see the neuro, Monday, I'll tell him about what's going on and I'm going through the yellow pages to find an ENT. I have no idea who to see and believe it or not, I've never been to one. My hearing isn't any better today.
Richard, I've deciphered the code. It's actually the words to the songs "Crazy" and the other one "Maniac". You crack me up! I am so glad that you're apart of our forum.
Julia, it is really weird that we share the same symptoms and diagnosis (is that the plural of diagnosis?). We could literally switch medical histories and I'd never know which was which. What are we going to do with your neuro? I guess a whuppin' is a good start! My first MRI was an open weak MRI machine without contrast. They'll never find brainstem lesions like that. It's weird that you mention the stuff with the sided thing. My right ear is the one that's near deaf and the ON is in the right eye. That's also the side where I get the feathered-brushed feeling. Another similiarity is that my father worked in the Navy, too (Richard's father does, too).
Shelley, thanks for your prayers. I wonder if allergies are what's causing some of this. It would be a good thing to get this all sorted out. How are you doing, girl? I've been thinking about you, too! You've had quite the last few weeks! I so enjoy hearing from you. I'm glad that you happened to have popped in.
Thank you and hugs to all of you,
Deb
Richard, I've deciphered the code. It's actually the words to the songs "Crazy" and the other one "Maniac". You crack me up! I am so glad that you're apart of our forum.
Julia, it is really weird that we share the same symptoms and diagnosis (is that the plural of diagnosis?). We could literally switch medical histories and I'd never know which was which. What are we going to do with your neuro? I guess a whuppin' is a good start! My first MRI was an open weak MRI machine without contrast. They'll never find brainstem lesions like that. It's weird that you mention the stuff with the sided thing. My right ear is the one that's near deaf and the ON is in the right eye. That's also the side where I get the feathered-brushed feeling. Another similiarity is that my father worked in the Navy, too (Richard's father does, too).
Shelley, thanks for your prayers. I wonder if allergies are what's causing some of this. It would be a good thing to get this all sorted out. How are you doing, girl? I've been thinking about you, too! You've had quite the last few weeks! I so enjoy hearing from you. I'm glad that you happened to have popped in.
Thank you and hugs to all of you,
Deb
I am only going to address one of you comments this moment. Would you copy the post above to a new thread so we can all talk about what you said? that way we don't hijack Deb's thread.
The neuro at the Mayo okayed the 0.25T MRI?? Was MS in the mix as to possibilities? If so, he should be taken out behind the barn and whupped good! The official accepted MS MRI Guidelines begin by specifying that the MINIMUM strength MRI machine acceptable for the diagnosis of MS is a 1T. I believe it was that low because not all regions have access to even a 1.5T.
If they are looking at bony stuctures (joints, vertebrae, skull, etc) the very low MRI is fine.
Thanks for your comments.
Quix
The neuro at the Mayo okayed the 0.25T MRI?? Was MS in the mix as to possibilities? If so, he should be taken out behind the barn and whupped good! The official accepted MS MRI Guidelines begin by specifying that the MINIMUM strength MRI machine acceptable for the diagnosis of MS is a 1T. I believe it was that low because not all regions have access to even a 1.5T.
If they are looking at bony stuctures (joints, vertebrae, skull, etc) the very low MRI is fine.
Thanks for your comments.
Quix
Hi Quix,
I saw an ENT years ago (when I was a teenager) for chronic headaches and sinus infections and was told that I have polyps in my nose, but that most people do and that they might never pose a serious problem??? . . . I haven't seen an ENT in recent years.
I had my tonsils out when I was 21 due to chronic sore throats . . . and strep?
When I was 25: Johns Hopkins dx. Chronic Ebstein Barr Virus; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; ANA 1:640; Raynaud's; Possible MCTD
I had a CT Scan of my sinuses a couple of summers ago as I suffered from chronic facial pain (about 2 months) that was not asscociated with ANY infection. I think the pain I experienced could fit into the description of TN - but it was not until recently that I knew I about this condition - I'm sure my PCP must not be too familiar w/ it either as he seem "stumped" by the pain and the normal scan. I can think back to my early twenties when at times I would be on antibiotics "month after month" to kick an "infection?" - maybe this was TN all along?
I've read that my "Noise Affiction" is frequently seen in patients w/ FM, which I was diagnosed with 12 years ago at Mayo - who I think you know I give "Two Thums down."
Since the onset of my long list of Neurological symptoms last Fall; Normal MRI of Brain on weak machine; and re-diagnosis of Fibro in Feb. 2008 at Mayo I have been keeping a journal of "new" symptoms. When I see my PCP, I am going to request further testing ---
My first MRI of my brain was done October 2007 on Open .25 Tesla No Contrast - Normal
Do you think I'm due for another on a stronger machine? Can you believe that the Neuro at Mayo even "deemed" this scan reliable???
Also, I have "new" back pain that radiates down into both legs - muscle spasms or spacticity in the back of both legs ... some (parts of ) days I can barely walk or stand ---would this be cause for an MRI of my SPINE?
You've suggested to me earlier this year that based on some of the things I was reporting that it sounds like I may have a problem originating from the Brainstem. What kind of MRI do you need to include the BRAINSTEM?
I think I've been a "good student" and patient and have waited long enough - I have family and friends urging me to have further testing done - so I guess I try to get it in before the end of the year now that my Deductible has been met! : )
Thank you so much for ALL of your help! Glad to see you're feeling better.
Julia (Ok, my real name is Catherine, which I "accidently" signed earlier - I'll answer to either one) : )
I saw an ENT years ago (when I was a teenager) for chronic headaches and sinus infections and was told that I have polyps in my nose, but that most people do and that they might never pose a serious problem??? . . . I haven't seen an ENT in recent years.
I had my tonsils out when I was 21 due to chronic sore throats . . . and strep?
When I was 25: Johns Hopkins dx. Chronic Ebstein Barr Virus; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; ANA 1:640; Raynaud's; Possible MCTD
I had a CT Scan of my sinuses a couple of summers ago as I suffered from chronic facial pain (about 2 months) that was not asscociated with ANY infection. I think the pain I experienced could fit into the description of TN - but it was not until recently that I knew I about this condition - I'm sure my PCP must not be too familiar w/ it either as he seem "stumped" by the pain and the normal scan. I can think back to my early twenties when at times I would be on antibiotics "month after month" to kick an "infection?" - maybe this was TN all along?
I've read that my "Noise Affiction" is frequently seen in patients w/ FM, which I was diagnosed with 12 years ago at Mayo - who I think you know I give "Two Thums down."
Since the onset of my long list of Neurological symptoms last Fall; Normal MRI of Brain on weak machine; and re-diagnosis of Fibro in Feb. 2008 at Mayo I have been keeping a journal of "new" symptoms. When I see my PCP, I am going to request further testing ---
My first MRI of my brain was done October 2007 on Open .25 Tesla No Contrast - Normal
Do you think I'm due for another on a stronger machine? Can you believe that the Neuro at Mayo even "deemed" this scan reliable???
Also, I have "new" back pain that radiates down into both legs - muscle spasms or spacticity in the back of both legs ... some (parts of ) days I can barely walk or stand ---would this be cause for an MRI of my SPINE?
You've suggested to me earlier this year that based on some of the things I was reporting that it sounds like I may have a problem originating from the Brainstem. What kind of MRI do you need to include the BRAINSTEM?
I think I've been a "good student" and patient and have waited long enough - I have family and friends urging me to have further testing done - so I guess I try to get it in before the end of the year now that my Deductible has been met! : )
Thank you so much for ALL of your help! Glad to see you're feeling better.
Julia (Ok, my real name is Catherine, which I "accidently" signed earlier - I'll answer to either one) : )
Hi, Kiddo, now I see why you have been a little shy on the forum. what a mess!
Well, sudden loss of hearing is a medical semi-emergency. Yes, all the things that you describe sound like MS stuff, but regualr things happen to us, too. In the face of the recent ear infection you need to get all the info you gave us in to the ENT or your PCP. I would say you need to be seen this week to have your hearing and that ear evaluated by the ENT. I am serious about this. Don't let anyone be cavalier and say it is just an exacerbation. It would be urgent for a person without MS, thus it is urgent for us.
Catherine - interesting mess of symptoms you are having, too. Have you seen an ENT to make sure it isn't something "regular" and/or treatable?
Richard - I got "Paul is the Walrus!"
Quix
Well, sudden loss of hearing is a medical semi-emergency. Yes, all the things that you describe sound like MS stuff, but regualr things happen to us, too. In the face of the recent ear infection you need to get all the info you gave us in to the ENT or your PCP. I would say you need to be seen this week to have your hearing and that ear evaluated by the ENT. I am serious about this. Don't let anyone be cavalier and say it is just an exacerbation. It would be urgent for a person without MS, thus it is urgent for us.
Catherine - interesting mess of symptoms you are having, too. Have you seen an ENT to make sure it isn't something "regular" and/or treatable?
Richard - I got "Paul is the Walrus!"
Quix
Ok Deb, this is getting eeeeeerie . . . we share yet another symptom!
For several years, hearing in my right ear has been less than par. I don't know if I have ever mentioned it to my Dr., but it's bad enough that when I am in a crowded room or even a small group I'll turn so that my left ear is towards the conversation.
Yes .... I drive my husband crazy with the TV volume .... I like to turn music up too! In fact I am listining to piano music right now. I've found that it helps my thought process while working on the computer. You'd think it would be a distraction, but it's quite the contrary for me!
I'm thinking that the hearing problems I have in my right ear are most likely linked to my right sided facial numbness; right corner of mouth twitch; right eyelid twitch; right sided mouth numbness - all of which I experienced for a period of time earlier this year . . .
I'm sorry about your ear infection - I know they can be very painful!
. . . and, let me know if you need help deciphering the morse code - my 82 year old father was a radio operator in the Navy! : )
I know how you feel about not wanting to "blame" the MS on everything new thing that comes along - since I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia 12 years ago, I have been very leary to attribute anything new to fall under the FM diagnosis as something serious could be overlooked.
This is sort of on the same topic . . . ANYONE else experience these:
I've always had a terrible time making sense of different accents or dialects. I avoided British and Period Films for the longest time as I missed so much I never really understood what was going on . . .
Recently, I've started using the closed captioned . . . what a difference!
Also, for years, different "sounds" and "noises" have driven me crazy - literally! I KNOW there's something wrong and am the first to admit it. I can't sit in a room while someone else is eating, unless I am eating too. Pretzles and Popcorn are the worse! The chewing sounds drive me crazy!
Other culprits are . . . the ceiling exhaust fan in the bathroom . . . the sound of nail clippers (if someone else is doing their own nails.) . . . buzzing of a flourescent light.
Maybe that's why I like music on . . . to drown out all the other nuisances!
Deb, I hope your ear is back to normal soon and that you've "kicked" the infection!
Hugs,
Catherine
For several years, hearing in my right ear has been less than par. I don't know if I have ever mentioned it to my Dr., but it's bad enough that when I am in a crowded room or even a small group I'll turn so that my left ear is towards the conversation.
Yes .... I drive my husband crazy with the TV volume .... I like to turn music up too! In fact I am listining to piano music right now. I've found that it helps my thought process while working on the computer. You'd think it would be a distraction, but it's quite the contrary for me!
I'm thinking that the hearing problems I have in my right ear are most likely linked to my right sided facial numbness; right corner of mouth twitch; right eyelid twitch; right sided mouth numbness - all of which I experienced for a period of time earlier this year . . .
I'm sorry about your ear infection - I know they can be very painful!
. . . and, let me know if you need help deciphering the morse code - my 82 year old father was a radio operator in the Navy! : )
I know how you feel about not wanting to "blame" the MS on everything new thing that comes along - since I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia 12 years ago, I have been very leary to attribute anything new to fall under the FM diagnosis as something serious could be overlooked.
This is sort of on the same topic . . . ANYONE else experience these:
I've always had a terrible time making sense of different accents or dialects. I avoided British and Period Films for the longest time as I missed so much I never really understood what was going on . . .
Recently, I've started using the closed captioned . . . what a difference!
Also, for years, different "sounds" and "noises" have driven me crazy - literally! I KNOW there's something wrong and am the first to admit it. I can't sit in a room while someone else is eating, unless I am eating too. Pretzles and Popcorn are the worse! The chewing sounds drive me crazy!
Other culprits are . . . the ceiling exhaust fan in the bathroom . . . the sound of nail clippers (if someone else is doing their own nails.) . . . buzzing of a flourescent light.
Maybe that's why I like music on . . . to drown out all the other nuisances!
Deb, I hope your ear is back to normal soon and that you've "kicked" the infection!
Hugs,
Catherine
I have had intermittent loss of hearing in my left ear, also, the ear canal will go numb.
As discussed, send me your morse code and I'll have my dad decipher it for us.
I'm guessing it is either saying "Elvis has left the building...." or "Paul is dead...."......
Richard
OperaMBA
As discussed, send me your morse code and I'll have my dad decipher it for us.
I'm guessing it is either saying "Elvis has left the building...." or "Paul is dead...."......
Richard
OperaMBA
Not sure about your ears....but I did want to write and tell you I'm sorry you're going through this with your hearing. I've been thinking about you this week and wondering how you were. I haven't been online much lately, but glad I checked in today. My personal guess about your hearing would be possibly both...nuerological and possible infection....but I'd definitely call your nuero just to make sure..see what he thinks. I know that my ears ring and my hearing is not as good this time of year, due to allergies. And when my allergies act up, all my other symptoms flare up. I don't know why or what it is. But, anyways, I hope you'll find out sooooooooon what's up...and I pray that it gets better~
Hugs!!! And prayers!!!
Shelley
: )
Hugs!!! And prayers!!!
Shelley
: )
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