I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Adult onset hearing loss is challenging because it comes at us as a major life loss. It is surprising how common SSHL is. From all conversations and information I have, if it is not treated with steroids within a few days of onset, the odds are slim that hearing will come back. Then again, in rare cases it does come back. Still, hearing loss occurs for different reasons, and it seems that everyone is affected differently. Consequently, hearing loss remains a mystery for so many, including those researchers who are working hard to find cures for hearing loss and tinnitus.

I encourage you to think positive. Technology has improved greatly in recent years. Hearing aids are worth trying. There are bicross hearing aids that will pick up sound on a 'deaf side' and transmit it to the 'good side'. If they do not help, a cochlear implant may be your best solution. CIs have been miracles for thousands of people with all types of hearing loss, including SSHL. The criteria for consideration of a CI now includes those with single sided deafness. That was not the case only a few years ago.

It's extremely important for you to protect the hearing in your better ear. Avoid noisy settings unless you wear ear plugs that are well fit. When you have the MRI, insist on well fitted ear plugs being used during the MRI process because it creates extreme noise.

Tinnitus is related to hearing loss but often occurs without it. I hope you are able to screen it out. Many say it comes on with stress, caffeine, alcohol, environmental noise, some medications, etc. It may help to try eliminating some of those things to see if it changes.

I am sure my own hearing loss is a result of genetics and exposure to noise. However, it was progressive and gradual over many years. When diagnosed I was given zero hope for help of any kind, but that was in the 1960s! Today, as a cochlear implant recipient who also uses a high quality hearing aid and other technology when needed (BlueTooth, Telecoils, Hearing Loops, etc.), I remain comfortable in the hearing mainstream. NOTE: My cochlear implant was done years after my diagnosis. If you go the CI route, your brain will likely retain it's ability to understand speech and appreciate music. You will benefit from aural rehabilitation, much of which you will do yourself. (Listen to audio books, etc.) Take time to do the research. Ask questions. Learn from other CI recipients. There is a lot of information at http://www.hearingloss.org and also at http://www.acialliance.org

Don't give up hope. Learn all you can. Pleased that you have come to MCC.