deaf

[MJG03]

I've had a bad cold for the past couple days and have now gone completely deaf in my right ear.  I'm freaking out! Has anyone else had this? Will it go away? I've tried yawning, plugging my nose, and chewing gum. If I cover my left ear I can't hear at all. I'm really scared. Help!

[mac7701]

I have. Mine has always been from an ear infection due to fluid build up from colds. It went away after I started antibiotics.  It is annoying. 

Are you taking anything for the cold?

[MJG03]

Thanks for replying. I'm having a panic attack over this. I'm only taking advil and sudafed. I read an article online about a guy who lost his hearing suddenly from a cold. I really hope this is temporary.

[mantooth]

hit the doc in the box for an ear cleaning, straight up best 30 bucks you can spend.

[vardnas]

Yeah, I think you'll be okay. I get that sometimes, it doesn't even have to be after a cold, but my ear will get so plugged up that I can't hear out of it very well for a while. It always clears up, though it makes things like balance a little tricky sometimes :)

Anyway, stop googling, for the love!

[mac7701]

I think it happens a lot when people get colds. No big deal.It will go away. And stop reading articles online 

[etethorpe]

It happened to me once because of "wax build up."  I went to the doctor and his assistant cleaned my ear out.  Relief was immediate, as soon the yukky stuff became dislodged.  Like you I couldn't hear a thing out of the one ear, no amount of yarwning, swallowing, etc could clear it.

[MJG03]

Well, it cleared up for about an hour last night. I just woke up and it's completely plugged again. Can't hear anything. I'm gonna call a doctor when they open in a few hours. Still scared. I work in customer service and don't know how I'm going to function with only one ear.

[marc]

Probably just from sinus issues or a cold. Since you are in customer service, it may not be
a bad idea to see the doctor. Doubtful if it is anything out of the ordinary.

[MJG03]

Just called a nurse and they told me it's not good when you lose your hearing and I either need to come in right away or go to the ER. I'm in full panic mode. I don't want to be deaf at 26.

[vardnas]

You're not going deaf.

The dial-a-nurse is paid to be over-cautious, 'cause they don't want a lawsuit on their hands when they tell you nothing's wrong and something is wrong in that .0001%. Besides, what did you tell them? That you suddenly lost your hearing in one ear or that your ear is plugged up and you can't hear out of it? Those are two very different things.

Let us know how it goes.

[MJG03]

I just got back and I'm not deaf. Thank god! I had tons of wax build up and a cyst. They removed both. I can hear again. Not as good as usual. I'm still super congested and have major sinus pressure. The doctor said it's rarely permanant when your hearing goes out and apologized for the panic.

[mac7701]

Glad for the great outcome! And i had to laugh at the doctor apologizing for all the panic 

[MJG03]

The only bad part was when they gave me the results of my hearing test. I have below average hearing. It's the same in both ears. They actually suggested I get hearing aids. At 26, hearing aids aren't really something I'm interested in having. My hearing has always been bad but of course now that a doctor has told me it's bad I can't stop thinking about it.

[Kookey]

When you listen(ed) to music with ear buds, did you have the volume of the music high? I used to do that last year ... It was embarrassing when someone on the other side of the room could hear your music. You probably already know music thats on a high volume can decrease your hearing quality... And i'm sorry to hear that, about the hearing aids... Maybe you could get a pair that barely looks visible and is near the color of your skin tone? Just a suggestion...

Wishing you well,
-Kookey

[kittenmittons]

I'm sorry about your hearing; that's understandably upsetting.    I'm not sure if this is helpful, but my oldest brother lost all hearing in one of his ears as an adult, in his 30's.  It was gradual, and they don't really know why it happened.  Their hypothesis is that there was damage from the NUMEROUS sinus infections and colds he'd had over the many years.  It really doesn't bother him, and he works with customers in person and on the phone all day.  The main benefit, he says, is that when his 7 kids make a bunch of noise when he's trying to sleep, he just rolls over onto his good ear.    Otherwise, his life is wonderful.  A lot of people live happy lives with hearing loss; I'm sure you can, too, even with hearing aids, if and when you choose to get them.  Good luck!

[MJG03]

I probably won't be getting hearing aids. It's mildly below average which it always has been. I just can't stop thinking about it and focusing on it since the doctor told me. Hearing loss is definately my biggest anxiety fear right now.

[Kookey]

I dont think your hearing will go away suddenly.. Take care of your hearing. Clean them regularly, dont blast music too high (if you already dont), and try to avoid loud things directly in your eas... Just a little advice i guess...

[MJG03]

Thanks so much everyone!