Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/17/2008

Question
Dr. Jacobster,

Thank you for you willingness to answer my question.  I went on a trip around the world for business after learning I have a terrible form of Cancer. My trip began Tokyo, Seoul the Bejing.  By the time I got to Rome, I was experiencing heavy night sweats and chills but felt fine during the day.  In Rome I attended a piano concerto and it sounded wonderful.

In Paris a week later, still having night sweats I attended another piano concerto and this time, the music was distorted in my right ear!  I could not stand the sound of the piano and had to plug my ear.

I've had 2 audiograms a month apart and both show hearing loss of 50db from 3 to 8k.  My ABR showed delayed absolute latency for wave 5 with subsequent prolongation of 3-5 and 1-5 interpeak intervals bilateraly and essentially symmetrical in both ears.

My MRI shows an enlarged Jugular Foramen & Bulb.

I've read about oxygen treatments for Dysacusis but don't know where to go.

Your thoughts?

Thanks

McKay  

Answer
Hi McKay,
First, I am sorry to hear of your having Cancer.  I wish you the best with treatments.  Next, from your ABR, your damage is to the auditory nerve which, in part, could account for your distorted hearing.  You have not mentioned if you are receiving, or have received, any chemo or radiation therapy because these could have an impact on your hearing.  Hyperbaric treatments have been shown to be beneficial in many areas, including hearing loss and cancer.  I believe it is worth trying with the one caveat that you check with your oncologist to make sure that it will not interfer with any other treatments you may be receiving. Also, make sure you find an accredited facility.  You may try looking here: http://www.uhms.org/AboutUHMS/tabid/90/Default.aspx
or
http://www.hbomedtoday.com/
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology