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Having surgery (colonoscopy) while dealing with hyperacusis
I have had moderate hyperacusis for the past three months from a loud acoustic event that also caused mild hearing loss (about 10db). Next month, I must undergo a colonoscopy with propofol anesthesia. Do I need ear protection? Are there any risks of using ear plugs with anesthesia? Are there any other concerns I should be mindful of?
Any insight would be very helpful. I'm truly grateful for this group. Enjoy your weekend!
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Hi. Just to reply to your comment I have hyperacusis and had a colonoscopy in hospital using a combination opioid painkiller fentanyl and a tranquilizer, I was told. I did not suffer any ill effects or have a problem with my hyperacusis. I guess it would depend on how severe your hyperacusis is.
I don't have an answer for you about this question.
I encourage you to be open about your hearing issues when you go in for any procedure. Self advocacy is vital. Few of the people involved in surgical prep know anything about hearing loss and how it affects us. Surgical masks are a huge barrier, as all of us know due to COVID protocols. Make sure they understand you, and also that you understand them.
If you use external hearing technology, ask if you can keep it on, and explain why that is important.
Thank you, Julie. Wise counsel, indeed.
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1 ReactionThank you, Willows. I missed this comment initially. Your experience has lowered my anxiety significantly!
I recently had a colonoscopy and I experienced SSHL almost 6 months ago. Now deaf in left ear with loud tinnitus, hyperacusis in right ear. I didn't think about anesthesia making hyperacusis worse but I did express how important preserving the hearing in my right ear is since SSHL. I asked that they verify that whatever type anesthesia they use had zero side effects to hearing before using it on me and they said that it did not.
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1 ReactionBdurel. Thanks for your response. To clarify, did they confirm that the anesthesia would have no hearing-related side effects or say that they couldn’t assure you of zero hearing-related side effects?
Has anyone here with hyperacusis undergone a colonoscopy? Should I wear earplugs given that I will be unconscious for around 30 minutes and unaware of sound levels? Are there risks to doing so? Anyone’s experience would be greatly appreciated. You’re all so very helpful with multiple questions this summer. Thank you!