Audiology/Otolaryngology/Middle ear damage

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/7/2009


Question
I had an upper respiratory infection in April that resulted in 75% hearing loss in my left ear.  My ENT said my autoimmune system attacked the nerve during the epsiode.  Steriods were tried way to late and my ENT said it was very unlikely and would regain any hearing in the ear.  But since then, I have days that a "pressure" and/or "buzzing" in my ear is so distracting and sometimes painful that I can barely focus on work and tasks at home.  Is this normal and what can I do to alleviate it?  Please let me know of anything that may help.

Answer
Hi Carol,
The sensations that you are feeling are not uncommon following what you have experienced.  You might want to discuss a special low salt diet with your physician that may relieve some of the pressure.  As for the tinnitus (buzzing), you should consult an audiologist who specializes in tinnitus treatments.  These usually included some type of biofeedback, desensitization, and/or auditory devices, including the possibility of a hearing aid.

Here is a good site for your information from the American Tinnitus Association: ata.org.

Hope this helps.
Dr. 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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