Hearing loss is an issue that deserves far more attention than it gets. Only those who have it understand the frustration, the fear and the fatigue it brings. It's disheartening to hear stories about medical professionals who disregard all this, but it's very common.

It's frustrating to hear stories about sudden hearing loss that treatment hasn't helped, often because treatment wasn't given on time. It's impossible to get in to see an appropriate medical professional within hours of this happening. And, people who experience SSHL don't know that time is of the essence. Who would tell them?

Do you ever hear about this on the news? Probably not. Does any advertising on TV or in periodicals ever discuss this? Rarely. People in general don't understand much about hearing loss. We are bombarded with false advertising on TV about magic hearing aids 'so small no one will know you're wearing them', etc. Let's market denial so people are hesitant to get help. Doesn't that give the message that we shouldn't even talk about it?

Glad this discussion is going on right now. The good news is that cochlear implants can usually bring back hearing when SSHL happens. The reality is that hearing will probably never be quite the same. But, the human brain is capable of learning to hear differently through these implants. And, the implanted technology is getting better all the time.

Nevertheless, people who go through the CI route are still pioneers in the process. That's why it keeps getting better. Although my hearing loss was of the progressive variety, it is sensorineural. Without my cochlear implant, which was done in 2005, I am deaf. I am extremely thankful for the 'pioneers' who went before me.

People need to talk more about hearing loss. Be open about it and share experiences like you are doing here on Mayo Clinic Connect. I always recommend HLAA because active participation in in HLAA chapters provides the opportunity to meet and share experiences with people who understand. Having your feelings and frustrations validated is extremely helpful.

Back to the beginning....it is simply inexcusable for an ENT or an audiologist to treat hearing loss with a shrug. The least they can do if their kind of medical intervention isn't an option is to share information that may be. And to do some counseling. The stress that comes with hearing loss is real and can be extremely damaging.

Well being matters. Do any of the pros spend time counseling their patients? Coping strategies? Couples Counseling? Stress Management?

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