Sudden hearing loss

A few factors I have learned since I lost my hearing in my left ear. #1 Is there a reason for the loss? #2 How long did you wait after losing your hearing and receive treatment? # 3 My ENT did all 4 injections in 2.5 weeks, did the Prednisone (14day protocol) and Valacyclovir (7 day protocol) with zero positive results.
I first started the Prednisone and injections, 13 days after the hearing loss, a result of having a bad cold and a long international flight.
5 days after the hearing loss I went to urgent care, they said I had Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. They gave me a Claritin -D and Afrin regime (7 days). Nothing except for the nasal passages getting cleared up.
One other thing that has all baffled. I suffered temporary hearing loss in the same ear 2 months before. But it returned within 24 hours, they did an MRI with and w/out dye. The results were 'unremarkable'. I was very upset because my Mom always said I was so special!!!
I have tried one set of CROS HA's (Resound Vivia 9, when streaming the transmitter shuts down) and going to try another set (Oticon) in the next week or 2. The Oticon you can stream and still have the CROS HA (transmitting) active. I believe this will help me to be safe while bike riding while streaming music. In 3weeks+ in do have a consultation with a Cochlear Implant specialist.
To me the worst part of all this is the increase in the ringing in my ears. If I could just get rid of that, I would be very happy. I hope you find a solution that fits your needs, just need to be patient.

I believe my sudden hearing loss was caused by seasonal cold/flu I had over the course of a few months prior to flying long haul to and from Europe and then four months later to and from Hawaii. Returned and my right ear popped, hearing was gone and diagnosed as profound hearing loss. Went immediately to an ENT who treated me with oral steroids, 3 steroid injections and did an MRI - they found damage to inner ear. Though my hearing came back slightly it is not functional. My age (71) is a factor and it was unusual it came back a bit. I experience slight tinnitus which subsides at night so it does not keep me awake. I got mixed messages on whether Hearing Aids would help. Allina Audiologist recommended CROS so I went with her. I have been using Oticon CROS since August and I believe they help with directional sound, tinnitus masking and I can adjust them in noisy restaurants to hear conversation. I am pretty use to them and think they are worth a try. It is important to find an Audiologist who will work with you. I had 3 different consults and did not feel comfortable with 2 of them so I went back to my original clinic. One provider was not interested in helping (part of the HA supplement plan through Medicare, so he gets paid less) and the other was wanting to sell me an extended care plant for a few thousand dollars, felt like a racket, not healthcare. I wish you the best as you navigate your loss.

I emphasize the importance of finding a provider who will work with you. Also one who will give you a trial period long enough for you to try well fit hearing aids in all types of settings where you want to hear.

Several people I have met through involvement in HLAA over many years were people who experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Nearly every one of them mentioned having their ears 'pop' during a flight. Most mentioned having a cold or 'stuffiness' prior to taking that flight. It seems, from these experiences that precautions might be wise when planning to fly if you have congestion of any degree.

I have allergies that often create congestion, so this concerned me. I asked my medical doctor if it was OK for me to take a decongestant prior to flying and was given the go ahead to do that, and I've done that ever since. Of course I have no idea if that has made a difference, but am thankful I've not had to deal with a greater degree of hearing loss than I already have.

The ears remain a mystery in many ways. I will also mention that most of those people I've met through HLAA who have experienced SSHL that did not improve with steroids or time, have benefitted from cochlear implants. If your hearing loss continues, and hearing aids are not helping much, you may want to learn more about the cochlear implant option.