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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕