Hi Megan. You've come to a good place to get information. By discussing hearing issues you learn you are not alone. That helps. My hearing loss was diagnosed in my early 20s, and for years I thought I was the only person under age 65 who had poor hearing. Seriously, there was no way to connect with others my age. That was years ago. I then became involved in The Hearing Loss Assn. of America (HLAA), and met many people just like me. I also learned that everyone's hearing loss is unique. I've met thousands of people with hearing loss; some progressive over time like mine, and some like you who have had sudden hearing loss onset as adults. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. An ENT should be able to diagnose and treat sudden hearing loss, assuming it is treatable. From what you said about taking prednisone and the possibility of an injection, it sounds as if they are following standard procedure. Sudden hearing loss as you describe, is somewhat of a mystery. Sometimes it goes away; sometimes it doesn't. You are correct, that there is a short window of opportunity for medication to cure the problem. I hope you are one of the lucky ones for whom steroids work.

Should they not work, it's important for you to know that there are procedures and technology that can help you hear. We are living in times when medicine and technology are amazing. I have a cochlear implant that brought me back into the hearing world. I know several people with sudden onset hearing loss who have had remarkable results with cochlear implants. I also know some who have had positive results with the initial treatment that you are receiving. Think positive and know that people care. Do keep us posted on your progress and situation.