Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/16/2008

Question
Hi. I had a sudden hearing loss in my right ear. It was so sudden that i dint even notice it. It was when i picked up the fone one day to my right ear and found that nobody was speaking. When i switched the fone to my left ear i could hear everything normally. I dont feel that i have any hearing problem. I can hear everything normally like before. But it's just that i cant hear from my right ear. Can you please tell me what's the problem. Since, i was not experiencing any pains or hearing loss or anything that could frighten me, i dint take it seriously. It has been 7 years since this has happened. But i want to get it right now, since im about to get married soon and i dont want my husband to know about it. My age is 22.
Kindly advise what i should do.

Answer
Hi Sara,
I cannot even begin to tell you what the problem is, especially since it has lasted so long.  You must see an ear specialist and an audiologist and have a complete evaluation immediately.  Sudden hearing loss is not normal and needs to be fully evaluated and treated immediately if there is to be any recovery.  As far as not telling your future husband about it, well, I am not a marriage counselor but common sense should tell you that this is not a good way to start a marriage.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology