Audiology/Otolaryngology/SUDDEN HEARING LOSS

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 5/21/2009


Question
I RECENTLY IRRIGATED MY EAR..FLUSHED IT OUT WITH A BULB TYPE SYRINGE..AFTER THAT I LOST MY HEARING..WENT TO ENT.PUT ME ON PREDISONE..MRI AND BLOOD WORK CAME BACK NORMAL EXCEPT FOR A CYST ON SINUS..SAME SIDE..MORE PREDISORE AND 2ND OPINION LATER.. MY HEARING CAME BACK ONLY A LITTLE..I HAVE A BIT OF TINITIS AND EAR ACHE..AUDIO TESTS HAVE BEEN DONE AND ONLY A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT AFTER STOPPING THE STEROIDS..IT SOUNDS LIKE IM HEARING IN A TUNNEL..DID I DAMAGE A NERVE OR IS IT JUST SUDDEN HEARING LOSS AND IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO RETURN THE LOSS...NEXT HEARING TEST IN JUNE 09

Answer
Hi "Frustraded,"

Most likely, you damaged your middle ear through the pressure of the bulb syringe.  This is precisely the reason we do not recommend "home remedies" for wax removal.  At this point, there is nothing more for you to do other than follow your doctor's orders.

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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