How can I manage my hearing loss effectively at 77?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 77-year-old with normal height and weight, and good health. I have had moderate hearing loss in the left ear, but suddenly, for no apparent reason, it went to severe hearing loss. It stayed like that for about six weeks, then again, came back to moderate, the way it was before. But after four weeks, it went back to being severe.

I do not have any pain, cold, or other symptoms. I live in a country where medical care is not very good, and I doubt if ENT specialists here can help, as my experience seems to be quite unusual. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I have tried yawning and Valsalva.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iclinq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on your description, sudden changes in hearing, shifting between moderate and severe loss without pain or infection, are not uncommon in older adults and can be caused by several things, such as:

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (nerve-related).
Circulation or blood flow changes to the inner ear.
Meniere’s disease.
Age-related degeneration with fluctuations.

Since it improves and worsens on its own, this suggests the issue is more likely related to the inner ear or auditory nerve rather than simple blockage, especially since yawning and Valsalva do not help.

Even though your local medical system may not be strong, it is important to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) or audiologist for a proper hearing test (audiogram) and, if possible, imaging (MRI) to rule out inner ear or nerve causes.

Sometimes, early treatment with oral steroids, medications to improve blood circulation, or hearing support devices can help you, but these should only be prescribed after proper evaluation.

In the meantime, protect your hearing (avoid loud noise, headphones, and ototoxic drugs), keep blood pressure and circulation healthy, and monitor for other symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, or imbalance.

I hope you find this helpful.

For more queries, feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Thank you.