Concern for My Father's Sudden Hearing Loss
Recently, my father experienced a troubling issue at the age of 56. As a diabetic, he regularly manages his condition with insulin and other medications. Additionally, he occasionally takes pills for gas and constipation. Last Monday, on the 28th, he suddenly noticed he was having difficulties hearing from his left ear. Shortly after, he sought the help of a local ENT specialist who examined him with a small instrument, confirming that his ear wasn't blocked. The doctor then prescribed some medication. However, by today, the 2nd, he still hasn’t regained his hearing. I’m feeling anxious about the situation. What could be the cause? What steps should I take next? How can I provide support during this challenging time? He tends to keep his feelings to himself, so if this is distressing him or significantly impacting his daily life, he might not express it. Importantly, there is no history of deafness in his family from either side.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 11:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's sudden hearing loss; that can be a very distressing situation for both of you. Sudden hearing loss, especially in someone with diabetes, can occur for several reasons, including inner ear conditions, changes in blood flow, or possibly even a viral infection.
Explanation
Since your father’s ear was examined and found to be clear, conditions like earwax buildup are less likely. Potential causes of sudden hearing loss may include:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Often related to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. This can occur for various reasons, including viral infections or circulatory issues.
- Medications: Some medications can contribute to hearing issues, though these would typically be known side effects.
- Diabetes Effects: Diabetes can lead to changes in blood vessels or nerve damage, impacting hearing.
Given that he has not seen improvement since starting medication, it's understandable to feel anxious.
Next Steps
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Follow Up with the ENT Specialist: Schedule a follow-up appointment with the ENT specialist as soon as possible. Mention that there hasn’t been any improvement in your father’s hearing. The doctor may want to conduct further tests, such as hearing tests or imaging studies.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any other symptoms your father may be experiencing, such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, or fullness in the ear. These details can be helpful for the doctor.
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Support At Home:
- Encourage open communication. Let him know that it's okay to express his feelings or concerns.
- Assist with activities that may help, like managing appointments, reminding him about medication, or helping him adapt to any changes in communication.
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Addressing Diabetes Management: Ensure his diabetes is under control. Sudden changes in blood sugar can impact overall health, including hearing. Encourage him to monitor his blood sugar levels closely now.
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Stay Calm for Both of You: Reassure him that you are both working together to find answers and solutions. This support can make a significant difference in how he copes with the situation.
If there are any concerns about further complications or worsening symptoms, be ready to seek immediate medical advice.
I hope this helps, and I wish your father a smooth recovery. Let me know if you need more information or support during this time.
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