Nice to Know I'm Not Alone

[John42]

I've been suffering from this roughly 8 or so years. I had the odd ringing previously, but it would go away quickly. And then I started feeling like I had a plugged eustachion tube. Progessive hearing loss, increased ringing in right ear. Was diagnosed with otosclerosis and after a wait of 3 and a half years had a stapendotomy. The ringing was less for awhile which was good as I was feeling at the end of my rope. I did have some hearing recovery although when I have loud ringing it is difficult to hear out of right ear. The ringing is back as loud as ever and I am spiralling into a depression again. It is hard to focus. Don't look forward to this lifestyle any more. I've been visiting this site on and off especially when the ringing is bad. Helps get me through the rough nights. Hope a cure can be found sooner than later. I'm only 56 and the fear of living with this and it getting worse is disheartening. The ringing is so loud it makes me nauseous at times.

 

[GregCA]

Was diagnosed with otosclerosis and after a wait of 3 and a half years had a stapendotomy.

Hello, fellow otosclerotic T sufferer!
Do you have a recent audiogram you'd be willing to share?
I did a stapedotomy last year too, and regained some hearing in the low frequencies, but lost some more in the high frequencies.
I am sympathetic as I also suffer from a pretty severe form of Tinnitus.
Are you taking Fluoride?

 

[John42]

I don't have a copy of my audiogram handy, but had lost a significant amount of hearing in my right ear before the surgery. I was told I would get some back but it would never be normal. I do have a fair amount of hearing restored and usually can understand people talking, although with the latest bout with T it seems like I am losing hearing or conversation is being masked by the noise. As for flouride, unless there is some in my environment that I am unknowingly ingesting, no I am not taking any. Why is there a possible link?

 

[GregCA]

Why is there a possible link?

Because Fluoride is the treatment of choice to try and arrest the progression of the disease (otosclerosis), in particular if it attacks your cochlea and causes sensorineural losses.

 

[John42]

Never heard of this before. I've seen a few specialists and none have mentioned it. Although it somehow wouldn't surprise me as these days if you are sick you almost have to know as much about your condition as your doctor.