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Suggest Treatment For Sensorineural Hearing Loss In Left Ear
Question: I was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear in July 2014. Was put on a short course of steroids, gingko biloba and betahistine. I initially presented with hearing loss, aural pressure and tinnitus, while vertigo or balance disorders were only for a couple of days. An MRI ruled out any serious issues. Unfortunately I never recovered from the hearing loss, and latterly the hearing loss and tinnitus became more profound and a recent audiometry indicates a 65db loss. I have consulted many doctors. The tuning fork tests clearly indicates a conductive loss, while the audiometry test indicates a downward slope representing SSNHL. I don't know whether this is a mixed hearing loss. Is there anything that can still be done to recover the hearing loss?
Brief Answer:
Sensorineural loss- hearing aid/ cochlear implant
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having sensorineural hearing loss.
Based on your clinical details, it appears to be sudden severe sensorineural hearing loss secondary to unknown cause.
Steroids, ginkobiloba do work in initial periods, within 24 hours of hearing loss.
In my opinion, it is difficult to get back hearing after 6 months with 65 db loss.
Coming to tuning fork tests, it could be due to observer variation or equal loss in both ears.
I suggest you to go for hearing implant or hearing aids.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Sensorineural loss- hearing aid/ cochlear implant
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having sensorineural hearing loss.
Based on your clinical details, it appears to be sudden severe sensorineural hearing loss secondary to unknown cause.
Steroids, ginkobiloba do work in initial periods, within 24 hours of hearing loss.
In my opinion, it is difficult to get back hearing after 6 months with 65 db loss.
Coming to tuning fork tests, it could be due to observer variation or equal loss in both ears.
I suggest you to go for hearing implant or hearing aids.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Thanks doctor. Why has the sensorineural hearing loss worsened over the last six months? It was initially about 25 db but over the course of the last six months it has worsened to 65 db. Meanwhile the hearing in my right ear is perfect alhamdulillah. Can the hearing loss affect my unaffected ear in future?
Brief Answer:
idiopathic
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
answers for your queries.
1. Progressive hearing loss over several months, could be due to autoimmune inner ear disease or idiopathic (unknown cause).
2. Normally, aged onset deafness occurs after 50 years. Combination of both factors, may make you profound deafness in future.
Hope, I have answered your query.
Take care.
idiopathic
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
answers for your queries.
1. Progressive hearing loss over several months, could be due to autoimmune inner ear disease or idiopathic (unknown cause).
2. Normally, aged onset deafness occurs after 50 years. Combination of both factors, may make you profound deafness in future.
Hope, I have answered your query.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Brief Answer:
seems to be Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes. sinusitis can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction (tube connecting the middle ear and nose), where tinnitus with ear blockage are the symptoms.
Depending on the symptoms duration, it can be acute (less than 15 days), chronic (more than 6months). complications (Eustachian tube dysfunction)can occur at any stage.
In my opinion, you need to do Ct scan of para nasal sinuses to see anatomical blockages (sinus openings), pathological extensions (sinusitis or polyps). If necessary audiomery (to see ear drum-retracted/congested). Treatment can be started as per the findings.
Meantime, do steam inhalation to clear sinus secretions, stop taking freezer products (curd/ice creams), do valsalva exercises(watch youtube video),chew chewing gum.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
seems to be Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes. sinusitis can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction (tube connecting the middle ear and nose), where tinnitus with ear blockage are the symptoms.
Depending on the symptoms duration, it can be acute (less than 15 days), chronic (more than 6months). complications (Eustachian tube dysfunction)can occur at any stage.
In my opinion, you need to do Ct scan of para nasal sinuses to see anatomical blockages (sinus openings), pathological extensions (sinusitis or polyps). If necessary audiomery (to see ear drum-retracted/congested). Treatment can be started as per the findings.
Meantime, do steam inhalation to clear sinus secretions, stop taking freezer products (curd/ice creams), do valsalva exercises(watch youtube video),chew chewing gum.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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