Experiencing Sudden Hearing Loss: Now My Whole Body Aches? [Female, 27]
Age: 27, Gender: Female, Weight: 70kg, Height: 5'3" Medical Background: I have a history of depression, anxiety, and endometriosis. On August 25, I suffered from sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but, fortunately, I regained my full hearing due to prompt treatment on the same day. Current Medications: I am currently taking venlafaxine, quetiapine, Wellbutrin, birth control, and buspirone. Earlier this week, I completed a course of tranexamic acid, which I took for 16 days, and I was also on prednisone for my hearing issue. I received a steroid injection in my ear on August 25 and continue with daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Main Concern: Since the onset of my hearing loss and the commencement of treatments, I have experienced significant fatigue and widespread body soreness. Initially, I attributed this discomfort to potential autoimmune issues or the side effects of my medications; however, this week has been particularly challenging. I woke up feeling as though I had been physically assaulted in my sleep. Every part of my body hurts—from my bones to my muscles, joints, breasts, and even my stomach and eyelids. I've sustained impacts during cheerleading and gymnastics that felt less debilitating than what I’m experiencing now. I'm wondering if this discomfort is linked to my hearing loss or my treatment regimen and what steps I can take to alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, I inquired with my ENT specialist about preventive measures to avoid a recurrence of the hearing loss, but he indicated that such occurrences are often random and may have been precipitated by my autoimmune issues. Is there any actionable advice to minimize the risk of this happening again? For now, I’m keeping my music volume very low and considering selling my concert ticket for October. I appreciate any insights you can offer. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 10:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging combination of symptoms after experiencing sudden hearing loss. The widespread pain and fatigue you're describing can be distressing, especially considering your medical history. Let's address your concerns step by step.
Key Points
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Body Aches and Fatigue: These symptoms could be related to your recent treatments, potential medication side effects, or an underlying autoimmune response.
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Prevention of Recurrence: Minimizing your risk of future hearing loss episodes is essential, especially considering the possible link to autoimmune issues.
Explanation
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Body Aches and Fatigue: Sudden changes in health, such as hearing loss and the intensive treatments you underwent (like prednisone and hyperbaric therapy), can lead to fatigue and body aches. Medications like prednisone can also contribute to muscle weakness or discomfort. Additionally, the stress of dealing with significant health concerns can impact your overall well-being.
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Preventing Recurrent Hearing Loss: Autoimmune conditions can sometimes trigger unexpected health issues, including sudden hearing loss. While your ENT specialist mentioned that many occurrences are random, maintaining overall health and managing your autoimmune condition could help.
Next Steps
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Symptom Management:
- Rest and Hydration: Prioritize adequate rest and hydration, which can help alleviate fatigue and body pain.
- Gentle Movement: Engage in light stretching or low-impact exercise if your body allows. This can sometimes reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Pain Relief: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for temporary relief, but ensure they don’t interact adversely with your current medications. Check with a pharmacist if unsure.
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Medication Review: Speak with your physician about your current medications and symptoms. They can help assess whether your medications may be contributing to your discomfort and explore alternatives if needed.
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Monitoring Health Changes: Keep a log of your symptoms, including when they worsen or improve. This can provide valuable insights for your healthcare providers.
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Preventive Measures for Hearing Health:
- Protect Your Ears: Continue monitoring your exposure to loud sounds—keep music volume low and consider protective ear gear.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regularly check in with your ENT specialist to discuss your hearing health and any concerns about your autoimmune issues.
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Consider Support: Since you're dealing with anxiety and depression, ensure that you are receiving adequate emotional support during this challenging time—be it through therapy, support groups, or friends and family.
If your symptoms worsen, or if you experience new symptoms (like fever, rash, or significant swelling), please review these with a healthcare professional promptly. Remember, you are not alone in this, and your health is a priority. Let me know if you need further assistance or have more questions.
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