That is so true. I was unable to get an appt with my PCP for several days. They sent me to PT because of the vertigo associated with my sudden hearing loss. They also ordered a brain scan. I was unaware that sudden hearing loss can also be a symptom of stroke. Long story short, by the time I was able to get a referral to an ENT, twelve days had passed. Had I received earlier treatment, I might have been able to retrieve all or part of my hearing, but I have total hearing loss in my right ear. No one hss ever been able to explain why the loss occured.
I have since received an Osia 2 bone conduction system which has been a game changer, but nothing can replace my former hearing. I still get vertigo from time to time, sometimes mild, sometimes severe. I have simply made changes in my lifestyle to accomodate the change in my hearing.
Patients and caregivers both need to be made aware of the dangers. I now realize just how common this is, and that many people never report it.
There really needs to be a public service campaign stating that if a person experiences sudden hearing loss, they should seek treatment in an ER immediately. All medical personnel should be trained to give the testing and steroid treatment immediately. No one knows the challenges and struggle of deafness unless they have been there.