AboutDina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Expertise Information and advice for Acoustic Neuroma patients who would like honest patient-to-patient interaction about their symptoms or about treatments and related medical procedures. If you are unsure if your experience is "normal", or are wondering whether your information is complete, feel free to ask.
Experience I am an Acoustic Neuroma patient and the founding editor
of the Acoustic Neuroma Patient Archive (http://www.ANarchive.org).
Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Date: 5/16/2007 Subject: Sudden hearing loss in left ear
Question Hello Doctor. I'm a 55 year old female in reasonable good health. 10 days ago I woke up with the sensation that my left ear was "plugged". No pain - just that annoying "white noise" in my left ear. Voices sounded they they were coming from 2 feet under water. I did the usual things (hold my nose/close my mouth and blow; take decongestants; use nasal spray; ear wax removal kit). After 1 wk there was no improvement. I had to fly a few times during that week - no change during or after the flight (and no discomfort). I visited my GP who, after an examination, said I have fluid inside my ear - most likely from allergies (which I don't really have). He prescribed Nasonex twice a day and Cloriden D (also twice a day). He said to do that for 2 weeks. That was 5 days ago. 2 days ago, I lost ALL hearing in my left ear ...not even distorted sound... just that annoying "white noise". I called my Dr. this afternoon to let him know there was no improvement, and that my hearing actually got worse. He was quite surprised, and suggested taking Musinex with plenty of water (and continue with other meds). I'm a little worried, so I'd like to be sure we're on the right path here. Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Answer You are right to question your doctor regarding your sudden hearing loss (SHL). Your SHL might be permanent unless a course of steroids is prescribed RIGHT AWAY. So you need to see a specialist RIGHT AWAY -- treat this as an emergency.
I believe the right specialist is an ENT or a neurologist (even better if someone is both). They should be able to figure out the cause of SHL from an MRI scan. If they need to do an MRI before giving you steroids, insist on getting one right away.
Your case sounds like a classic Acoustic Neuroma or one of its cousin tumors, though other causes of SHL are possible. Should a tumor be found with the MRI, make sure you are referred to both types of specialists who treat such tumors, a surgeon and a radiosurgeon. Also, look for specialists who have a lot of experience with these particular tumors, and treat at least 50 of them every year.
Keep in mind that these tumors are benign and slow growing, and with an experienced AN specialist, you'll be OK. At this point, treating the SHL is priority number one.
