How Can the Flu Cause Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?

[gadsie]

As a result of the cold/flu, my dad permanently lost hearing in one ear. Does anyone perhaps know what exactly is damaged in this case? I assume it's not the hair cell damage that occurs with noise induced hearing loss. I ask because I want to know if there is hope for him considering Decibel Therapeutics, Frequency Therapeutics etc.

 

[Jack Straw]

It may be congestion affecting his ET. Has he discussed ETD with his doctor?

 

[GregCA]

As a result of the cold/flu, my dad permanently lost hearing in one ear. Does anyone perhaps know what exactly is damaged in this case? I assume it's not the hair cell damage that occurs with noise induced hearing loss. I ask because I want to know if there is hope for him considering Decibel Therapeutics, Frequency Therapeutics etc.

There are many things that can destroy hair cells. One of them is loud noise, but drugs, diseases (otosclerosis), viruses... can also damage them.

There are some tests that help determine "what's damaged" but I don't know that they are very accurate. We can't open your dad's cochlea to see what's going on, so a bit of data collection and speculation will be needed, I'm afraid.

At any rate, I'd be hopeful for him.

 

[gadsie]

It may be congestion affecting his ET. Has he discussed ETD with his doctor?

No, she mentioned nerve damage. But there were no extensive tests done.

 

[JuneStar]

if I were him I would get a second opinion. My husband had an ear infection and burst his eardrum and hes better now. He had preexisting hearing damage from Iraq. He could have an issue with his eardrum.. or ETD. It is not necessarily permanent. drs dont know everything, esp without testing.