Gradual Hearing loss - Hearing Disorders Message Board

jseavers · 01-25-2001, 08:01 AM

As a musician, I am alarmed at the loss of hearing I am experiencing in my left ear.
The music I play is not loud so I know that is not the cause. I have had a hearing test confirming my suspions that I have about a 10% loss of hearing in the left ear. This is mostly the higher register. I also had an EMI
done confirming no tumors. The doctors I have dealt with are maddening! They say "Yes you have a hearing loss the is of concern" Yet no one can tell me it's cause, prevention, or cure. I've suffered from ringing in my left ear for a couple of years as well. Somedays it's bad, somedays it's bearable. I found that when I have an attack coming on I can sometimes prevent it's severity by stimulating the ear with a noise that drowns out the ringing. I'm sick of wasting money on specialists' that tell me what I already know and nothing further. Can anyone point me in the direction where I could find out what's going on? I think the situtation is worsening.

mlgable · 01-29-2001, 09:08 AM

Your doctors are right. Since there are no tumors causing your problem there is nothing they can do for you. Your hearing loss can be caused by many things depending on what type of loss you have. You say your music isn't loud but frequent exposure to over a period of time can cause hearing loss. So can aging some times. Remember any exposure to noises should be monitored and ear plugs used. Just mowing your grass provides enough noise to eventually cause hearing loss if you don't use protective devices. Since a hearing aid was not recommended then it is safe to say that one will not help your type of hearing loss. There is nothing you can do for the ringing in your ears except what already works for you of drowning it out with another sound. You need to quit being so bitter and get on with your life. My husband by the way suffers from your same problems but doesn't dwell on it and got on with his life once the doctors we certain there was no medical problems and nothing that would help him. From your post I see exactly the same thing was done for you, the testing, the results and the fact that it shows nothing can be done in your particular situation. You should consider ear plugs when you are exposed to noise over long periods of time to prevent further hearing loss but other than that go out and enjoy life and be glad for what hearing you do have. I for one am severly hearing impaired and would love to trade places with you in a heartbeat.

wildflower · 02-08-2001, 09:46 PM

jseavers

Hi, I can totally understand where you are coming from. I myself am hearing impaired and wear hearing aids in both ears. I as well went through all the hearing tests, surgery etc. and the specialists cannot give me the reason as to why I am hearing impaired. Ask about hearing aids. This may help. As well, the ringing in your ears is called Tinnitus. No one knows exactly the reason for it, but they know it can be very downright frustrating. I have it myself in both ears, except for mine is as though I have a vacuum cleaner on my back which is constantly turned on. I do know that stress makes it works. Try contacting the American Tinnutus Centre or the Canadian Hearing Society if in Canada. They are great for helpful hints. Also, for the ringing in your ears contact Personal Growth Technologies. They have a CD called Tinnitus Relief System. They can be reached at (810)547-4177. They have an introductory CD to help you decide what sounds are best for you. I have a CD and found it has helped me tremendously. Please, please phone today and ask for their tinnitus sampler. About your other reply, relax. It takes time to adjust to your situation. I can understand that mlgable would love to trade places, but mlgable to understand that I'm sure in time you shall accept it all. Please have patience. Take one day at a time. Since I am moderately hearing impaired I have found my vision improving and the rest of my senses sharper. Amazing isn't it! Anyhow, I hope that this has been helpful. Write me back and let me know how you are. Also, talk to your family doctor about Ativan. It helps to cope sometimes. I use it. The only bad thing about it is that it is addictive. Well, ____
that. Sometimes it is much better than carrying a vacuum cleaner turned on, on my back. Good luck, smile, and take good care.
Look forward to hearing from you.