What Are the Chances of Ototoxic SSHL Recovery?

[Skydog07]

I've had tinnitus since April for reasons unknown, and I've managed to habituate to it fairly well. However, since December, I've been struggling to adjust to a decline in my hearing, which I believe was caused by taking Sildenafil. As a 21-year-old, I realize how foolish it was to take it, especially since I didn't really need it—I was just being curious and reckless. I don't have profound hearing loss, but I estimate I've lost about 15-20% of my hearing in both ears.

Is there any chance my hearing might recover over time? It feels like the recovery rate for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is even smaller than for tinnitus, which is already unlikely to improve. I'm just looking for some guidance because I honestly don't know what to do, and I'm feeling really depressed. I saw an ENT after going to the ER for my SSHL, but the ENT didn't even believe I had hearing loss, as it wasn't detected by the hearing test. This only added to my confusion. Is this what people refer to as "Hidden Hearing Loss"? Or is it possible that the test didn't check the frequencies affected by my loss?

I'm really just hoping for some encouragement. One last question—does anyone know if any of the current treatments in development could help those suffering from ototoxicity? For example, treatments like FX-322?

 

[rv123]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. A standard audiogram (hearing test) only checks frequencies up to 8 kHz, but most humans can hear up to 20 kHz. You might have hearing loss somewhere between 8-20 kHz.

At this time, there's not much you can do other than prevent further damage from loud noises or ototoxic drugs. You could try supplements, but they're unlikely to help unless you're deficient in something.

Does your hearing seem different in everyday life, or is tinnitus your main issue?

 

[Nick47]

since December, I've been struggling to adjust to a decline in my hearing,

First, get a hearing test. You might not realize a 15-20 decibel drop in hearing has occurred.

Yes, I've heard that Viagra can occasionally cause hearing loss.

What is bothering you more here—the tinnitus or the hearing loss?