Sudden Hearing Loss and I’m In Such a Panic — Need Some Urgent Advice!

[Vicki14]

Hi guys,

Just absolutely needing to talk to someone as I'm completely freaking right out so much so I can hardly type this and shaking!!!

Last Thursday I experienced a noise trauma. I work in a school and got caught out directly under the bell as it was being tested and I'm ALWAYS very careful in avoiding it. Since then, my hyperacusis has increased and my tinnitus in my right ear has gone through the roof. I was hoping it would settle as it has done before but since this morning my hearing has felt blocked and I put some ear drops in my ear before bedtime as I sometimes get a bit of wax in my right ear which normally blocks then clears but it hasn't cleared and I'm absolutely freaking out as I do feel a huge change in my hearing. I've done the rubbing finger test and I can't hear my fingers at all - not a problem before!

I've rang NHS 24 and waiting on them ringing back. I'm completely panicking in case my BIGGEST fears are coming true.... deafness with tinnitus locked in. It terrifies me as I could not cope with this.

Has anyone else had this happen? I'm guessing I'll get a hearing test, check of my ears etc but I'm terrified that this will be hearing loss as this would be the final nail on the coffin.... ANY words of comfort right now would be so much appreciated as I'm SO scared right now!!!! . Thank you x

P.S.: I've also had a cold for the past week and been blowing my nose a lot.... not sure if that may have damaged anything?

 

[New Guy]

@Vicki14

I've never experienced that kind of trauma so I can't recommend anything. I want to let you know you've been heard and I'm hoping things improve soon.

John

 

[Vicki14]

Thank you @New Guy I appreciate your reply as I'm so very stressed. This is a whole new level... one I have actually dreaded and I honestly don't know what I'm going to do if this is a permanent thing

 

[coffee_girl]

Please feel better soon, having a cold has always given me an intense spike...perhaps this coupled with anxiety is what's causing some of your problems. Thoughts with you. <3

 

[Tinker Bell]

Having a cold could be impacting your hearing. It's not unusual for people even without chronic tinnitus to experience diminished hearing and tinnitus during a cold, likely due to the Eustachian tubes. I know a few people who failed hearing tests while sick but passed a couple months later when they were healthy.

My hearing loss was sudden and came a couple weeks after what I thought was just a cold. See an ENT and audiologist this week. If your hearing has suddenly decreased in at least three consecutive frequencies, take an oral steroid and look for an ear specialist who does intratympanic steroid injections.

 

[Manny]

Having a cold could be impacting your hearing. It's not unusual for people even without chronic tinnitus to experience diminished hearing and tinnitus during a cold, likely due to the Eustachian tubes. I know a few people who failed hearing tests while sick but passed a couple months later when they were healthy.

My hearing loss was sudden and came a couple weeks after what I thought was just a cold. See an ENT and audiologist this week. If your hearing has suddenly decreased in at least three consecutive frequencies, take an oral steroid and look for an ear specialist who does intratympanic steroid injections.

Yes. You should see a doctor ASAP and you should likely be prescribed (high-dose) steroids
This really does sound so scary. Absolute best of luck, and hugs. @Vicki14

 

[Vicki14]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies. I've just returned from seeing an out of hours doctor and he said there was fluid behind my ear drum plus my right ear was full of wax.

I've been prescribed xylometazoline nasal spray and been assured this can't cause any further damage.

Like you all, I'm on my knees trying to wrestle with this condition day in day out as it shows absolutely no mercy.

Such an evil, unforgiving condition xx

 

[Brooklyn NY]

Hi Vicki, havingvgone through numerous spikes and panics over tinnitus over the past year, I feel for you. For me, I probably have 2 crisis per week, and things have always settled down to baseline level. I have had many spikes from loud noises that have lasted up to a week. I have also found that anxiety and stress increase the volume of tinnitus tremendously.

I hope yours calms down very soon, and try to hang in there until it does. I know it is not easy to do.

 

[Yoshi]

You should get a hearing test if you haven't already. It helped give me a sense of perspective following an acoustic trauma.

 

[Vicki14]

Thank you @Brooklyn NY and @Yoshi. I appreciate your comments. Waiting out a spike is absolutely hell on Earth not knowing what way the dice is going to roll.... the anxiety and fear is truly overwhelming and mentally and physically exhausting. It's like walking around with a bomb strapped to your chest...

 

[Brooklyn NY]

Hi Vicki, how is your situation? Hopefully improving...

 

[Vicki14]

Hey @Brooklyn NY

Thank you for your thoughts. My ear does feel a bit better although my tinnitus is through the roof and freaking me out. I had a noise trauma recently (loud bell) which has messed up my tinnitus and hypercausis and my head is just so full of screeching. I'm trying my best to not totally loose it. My ears are very sensitive and my hearing doesn't feel right. Such an exhausting condition to live with...

How are you?