Failed Stapedectomy & Loud Noise Exposure — Profoundly Deaf & Unbearable Tinnitus

[ingy24]

I have brittle bone disease, which affects the bones in my ears. My mum is deaf. In July, I had a stapedectomy intended to improve my right ear's hearing loss from severe to moderate, matching the level in my left ear.

Unfortunately, the night before surgery, I went to a local pub where I had been many times without issue. That night, a band was playing, and the music was very loud. I took out my hearing aids and moved as far from the speakers as possible, but it wasn't enough. I should have left—that was the biggest mistake of my life.

Not only did the surgery on my right ear fail, but I also developed sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) in both ears. Now, I am severely to profoundly deaf in my right ear and severely deaf in my left. I also have unbearable tinnitus that seems to worsen with noise exposure, and I may have either hyperacusis or loudness recruitment. Sounds from speakers feel like explosions to me, which is terrifying.

I've read on many forums that I need to protect my ears, but as someone with significant hearing impairment, even a simple earplug means I can't hear anything at all. I'm currently undergoing assessments at the hospital, hoping for cochlear implants.

Right now, I feel like my life is over.

 

[billie48]

I'm sorry to hear about your hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. I have also lost hearing in my left ear, and I've experienced hyperacusis twice, along with loud tinnitus. I have deep empathy for what you're going through.

If there's anything I can say to offer comfort, it's that hyperacusis from acoustic trauma often fades over time, though patience is definitely needed. In my case, both episodes of hyperacusis faded within 8 to 12 months.

You might consider looking up my two success stories to see if any of the strategies I shared could be helpful. Keep holding on to the hope that things will improve as the body gradually heals from acoustic trauma.

Take care, and may God bless your recovery.

 

[object16]

You might need some Seroquel and Clonazepam for a while until you get into a new equilibrium.