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[CarryWarry]

Morning All

Yesterday I had a hearing test because I've noticed that due to my tinnitus I am missing hearing certain things.  I was very shocked to learn that although my ears were crystal clear, (I was hoping it would just be wax removal) that I have had a dramatic hearing loss of 50% in both ears and need hearing aids.  The audiologist said 'The reason for this hearing loss at your age would suggest you have had a nasty head virus.  Have you had a virus at all?'.  I told him I'd had two years of daily headaches which I'd finally put down to the menopause and had been feeling better than ever lately due to my transdermal HRT.  I mentioned I'd had brain scans etc etc which he was glad about as he would have suggested I did that if I hadn't already.  Now I need to deduce whether this awful hearing loss is due to:-

1)  Drop of oestrogen (chronic drop).
2)  Headaches.
3)  Long term progesterone use (had the mirenal coil for 17 years before it was recently re-inserted).
4)  A virus causing my chronic daily headaches (never had headaches before 2016) - so headaches not being related to meno at all (which I don't believe, because HRT has made me so much better).

I'm going to make an appointment with my GP to get another test on the NHS, as the audiologist was a private appointment at my opticians.  I am having a free trial of hearing aids for 28 days, starting on Wednesday.  So I don't think the audiologist would make this up.

I am someone who takes care in my appearance and am young and lively so this is all a bit of a shock.  Any thoughts would be interesting. 

I'm getting a list of questions prepped for the GP.

Cazzywazzy

[sheila99]

I have loss of hearing due to a virus. 30 years ago I had a bug & severe earache in my left ear for 2/3 days. I have had tinnitus in that ear ever since. Hearing loss was gradual but has become a nuisance really so I have an appointment for a hearig aid. I used to have balance problems too but not for many years. I didn't have a headache, just the earache. It was far more painful than any earache I've had before or since. Hearng loss is in that ear only, the other is withing normal range. I'd suggest you ask to be referred to an ENT specialist. If there's anything that can be done to prevent it getting worse it's important to find out now. Sorry, can't help about the cause but I agree that it seems headaches were meno related as they have improved with oestrogen.

[CLKD]

Did he seem shocked at 50%.  It is usual to lose hearing as we age.  Did you go to concerts years ago ? ;-).

[CarryWarry]

Yes he was shocked.  I said I used to sing in a band for a bit and he said 'No, you would have to have played in a heavy metal band all your life to have this deteriation'.  Then he went on to say 'this must have been caused by a virus'.  He said it was very unusual for someone of 54 years old to have such deterioration.  I will let you know more once I've found out about my last hearing test 20 months ago.

Sheila that sounds awful.  I've just been out to lunch with my Mum who is 80 and her hearing aid is completely unnoticeable even though she has shortish hair that show her ears, but covers the top area.  I think these hearing aids are quite amazing these days so we can still look glamorous!!! xx

[CLKD]

It will be interesting to see if that amount of loss is 'recent'.

[jgr]

Hi Carrywarry, The only problem i had with my ears during the menopause was tinnitus, until March this year. I developed a heavy head cold, my right ear felt blocked and hearing a bit muffled. I went to Dr and tried all the usual recommendations which did not work, i was also surprised to find my ears clear and in a healthy condition as i was also convinced it was wax. I was referred to the ENT dept at my local hospital and after the usual tests the Consultant said it was looking like it was due to nerve damage due to the heavy cold i had, she organised an MRI scan just to make sure. She said if it was nothing to worry about she would see me in six months time to check for deterioration and the prospects of having a hearing aid . The scan was clear so just waiting to see if my hearing has got any worse when i see her in February.

[Annie0710]

I developed tinnitus in menopause but 2 years ago I had a sinus infection which resulted in both ear drums bursting within hours of each other.  I lost all hearing for 3 weeks but when it returned its left me with trouble hearing low tones (men etc)

I hate it and ENT said this is the best it'll be x