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Possible cochlear hydrops after barotrauma
I took a flight in severe congestion. After landing i couldn't pop the ears. After waiting, I went to an ENT, who cleaned my ears and told me I was fine.
However, I started hearing double sounds in my left ear. Also couldnt hear bass sounds (I have been a musician) in my left ear. There were periods where I was feeling strange fullness in the ear. So did audiogram and found there was a 30db low frequency SSNHL in my left ear. Doctor put me on prednisolone. That got my loss down to 20db. He cleared me after that
However my symptoms have come back. After doing my own research, i feel i have cochlear hydrops (without vertigo). All the symptoms match.
Most irritating is this fluctuating tinnitus. It comes and goes as it pleases. I have cut down sodium, caffeine and alcohol. It has had some impact. But it has not resolved.
Has anyone else experienced this? Cochlear hydrops developing after barotrauma? Also, what are the interventions. Also, how do I get my ent to properly diagnose it?
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You could have also developed a Perilymph Fistula, which often times happens when flying, especially when congested. It is recommended to use a nasal decongestant before flying, especially when you are congested.
Unfortunately, both cochlear hydrops and perilymph fistulas are hard to diagnose and are based on audiograms and symptoms alone. Most generally, neither CT nor MRI can detect either of these conditions because it is such a tiny amount of fluid.
One thing you can do at home is track your hearing fluctuations through an App call Mimi, which is an at home hearing test you do using your smart phone. I have found it to be pretty close to my Audiograms.
Another thing you can do is continue to advocate for yourself. If you ENT is not willing to continue to treat your symptoms, you may possibly want to get a second opinion from an Otolaryngologist. If your hearing is not back to baseline, you may need a second round of steroids. When I was having issues, my provider prescribed Prednisone 60mg daily for 7-10 days. I was also on a diuretic called Dyazide, which is commonly prescribed for Cochlear Hydrops. There are Facebook groups for both conditions, as I have had both a Perilymph Fistula and Cochlear Hydrops (Not Menieres) However, my cause was from a penetrating ear trauma.
Best of luck! I know how frustrating both these conditions can be. Keep advocating for yourself! Prayers for your recovery!