[Hallicrafters] Tinnitus and hearing loss

[Mike]

Terry (et al),
I agree fully with all the recommendations from our fine members. I especially agree with Duane to see an ENT. Do this IMMEDIATELY!!  Based on my experience you should plan on seeing two or more ENTs. Here is my reasoning...Pardon my lengthy response but it is critical. 

I am now virtually deaf in both ears!! My hearing loss started innocently enough as simple minor tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Normal 1960's and 70's music but nothing regular. Primary care doc was absolutely clueless even after reporting it for 2 years ahead of major trouble. 

Finally, after experiencing a sudden overnight hearing loss of 10 dB in 2007 in one ear at age 54 did my doc refer me to an ENT. That ENT completely misdiagnosed it as "normal". I got a second opinion along with the battery of tests (good stuff) mentioned earlier. All negative. Got hearing aids. Bang!! A year later 10 dB loss in the other ear. Hmmmm something going on here. Referral to world renown University hearing center. More tests including CT. No conclusions, just suspicions of "Cochlear Hydrops". Two steroid injections through the ear drums (ouch!) and mild diuretics. Continued hearing loss while 24/7 tinnitus became louder. 

Finally after retiring out of state I visited another renown Ear Institute after a third sudden hearing loss a year later. FINALLY after 3 years I got I a diagnosis of Ménière's Disease with irreparable damage to both inner ears. One surgery on the worst ear to maintain what hearing I had left. So far so good. Bang!! Sudden hearing loss in the other ear followed by same surgery. To date so far so good however despite multiple hearing high tech hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity to phone and TV and a remote lapel mic;

1) 70 to 100 dB amplitude loss in both ears
2)  speech discrimination is crap in both ears especially in noisy areas
3) can't listen to music since it sounds out of tune 
4) almost impossible to listen to ham radio (SSB). Tough after 40 years of fun. I
5) list goes on ....

Luckily no further degradation. Thank God I discovered PSK31 otherwise I'd be off the air for good! 

Bottom line: had I been accurately diagnosed earlier and been prescribed the strong diuretics I currently take, my hearing might be much better. 

Only the inner ears of birds repair themselves. Humans are not as lucky so get tested NOW and don't be complacent with your first diagnosis as I did. 

Contact me off line for more specifics if interested. 

73,

Mike
WB6UTW


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