Audiology/Otolaryngology/Nerve damage of the ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 5/10/2009


Question
I am totally deaf in my right ear and the recent results from my MFI scan were ok.  The specialist said it was probably due to nerve damage (did not say what had caused it) and that i would have to continue living with it, like i have done so for the past 28 years.  I am worried that my left ear could go the same way.  Is there any cure for nerve damage.

Answer
Hi Annette,
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if the same thing will happen to your left ear.  The best thing to do is to protect that ear from loud noises and try to keep healthy.  Your general health can affect your ears.

Have you investigated options for single-sided deafness?  There are several systems that may help.  You may want to check out the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) at http://products.cochlearamericas.com/baha/introduction-to-baha/introduction-to-b... and the Transear at http://www.transear.com/

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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