Understanding My Hearing Condition: Seeking Insights
I realize this might not be the ideal venue for medical advice, but I genuinely wish to gather some insights on my situation. Despite consulting over ten healthcare professionals, I’ve found that they either dismiss my concerns too quickly or refuse to believe my experiences. As a result, I have never received a definitive diagnosis. Back in 2015, when I was 17, a hearing assessment revealed that I had 80% hearing capability in my right ear and 60% in my left. I also experienced dizziness alongside various forms of tinnitus, with pulsatile tinnitus affecting both ears, particularly the left, which had severe symptoms. While the dizziness gradually lessened, the tinnitus persisted, and in 2022, I experienced a sharp decline in hearing ability in my left ear again, making it difficult to undergo further testing, although I could still perceive sound directionally. Following another evaluation last week, it was confirmed that I'm nearly deaf in my left ear. During the test, I consistently heard sounds in my right ear, even when they attempted to administer tests on the left, leading to a conclusion of inner ear deafness. What puzzles me is that I am still able to hear a variety of sounds through my left ear, provided there is physical impact involved. For instance, when I shower, I can hear the water drumming on my head in a surround sound effect, and if the water hits my left ear directly, I can detect it quite loudly. I can also notice my left jaw popping, as well as hear the sounds from my left ear when there are fluctuations in pressure. Additionally, I can distinctly perceive my heartbeat resonating in my left ear whenever it races, a phenomenon that doesn’t occur on the right side. Could someone help explain how this is feasible if my left inner ear is considered nearly deaf? However, in moments where there is no physical impact, I cannot hear anything, regardless of whether the sound originates externally or from within, such as my own voice or internal sounds like pressure changes, which I only hear from my right ear. I am contemplating the possibility of acquiring a cochlear implant for my left ear, but I wish to understand the underlying issue first. I want to ensure that my natural hearing isn’t irreversibly affected, especially if there might still be an opportunity for recovery. How can it be determined that recovery is impossible if thorough evaluations have not been conducted? It has been frustrating to feel unheard by medical professionals, and all I've experienced so far are hearing tests and some basic examinations of my ears. I apologize if my wording seems awkward; English isn't my first language, and I appreciate your patience as I express my concerns.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 6:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that navigating your hearing condition has been incredibly challenging and frustrating, especially when you feel your experiences are not adequately acknowledged by healthcare professionals. Let's try to clarify some aspects of your situation and outline some steps you can take moving forward.
Key Points:
- Current Hearing Situation: You've experienced significant hearing loss, particularly in your left ear, alongside persistent tinnitus and some auditory responses during physical impacts.
- Understanding Your Symptoms: It is possible to have varying levels of hearing ability due to different issues in the inner ear, even when classified as “nearly deaf.”
- Next Steps: Consider focused evaluations to better understand your condition and explore options like cochlear implants carefully.
Explanation:
You mentioned being able to hear certain sounds through your left ear under specific conditions, which suggests that some auditory pathways may still function despite significant hearing loss. This could be due to residual hearing capability related to bone conduction (hearing through vibrations from bones), which might explain why you can hear water or your own heartbeat.
Conditions like pulsatile tinnitus can lead to sensitive internal sensations related to your heartbeat or pressure changes, which might also contribute to your ability to hear these sounds, even if the clear perception of auditory signals from the environment is diminished.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Request a Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Seek an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has experience with complex hearing issues. Ask for detailed assessments, including imaging studies (like an MRI) to investigate any structural abnormalities in the ear.
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Explore Hearing Aid Solutions:
- Discuss the possibility of hearing aids that cater specifically to your type of hearing loss. Some individuals benefit from hearing aids that can enhance their ability to hear through the better ear while also providing support for the poorer ear.
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Consult about Cochlear Implants:
- If hearing aids are insufficient, explore the process of cochlear implants with a specialist. They can provide insights tailored to your unique hearing profile and assess whether this option may be beneficial for you.
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Document Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary detailing your hearing experiences, specific situations where you notice changes, and any relevant health changes (like dizziness). This can provide valuable information to healthcare providers.
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Connect with Support Groups:
- Seek out support groups or forums for individuals with similar hearing challenges. Sharing experiences might provide additional strategies for coping and might point you to useful resources.
It's understandable to feel frustrated in your pursuit of a clear diagnosis. Continue advocating for your health, and remember that you deserve to have your concerns taken seriously. If needed, consider bringing a family member or friend to appointments to help articulate your experiences or seek a second opinion if you feel unheard. Let me know if you have specific questions or need further assistance!
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