New here bacterial meningitis - hearing loss and balance problem?

[Noel-P]

Hi guys! I'am Noel 38 yrs. old from Philippines,I had an acute bacterial meningitis in April 2015.I got hearing loss in both my to ears and ringing in the ear,balance problem.

I'd like to know if anyone has had similar experiences of this and if you could kindly share and some advice what to do?

Many Thanks and Good day!!!!!

[StrawberryCream]

Hi Noel.

I had Bacterial Meningitis in 2011. I also have reduced hearing in my left ear and for some years tinnitus as well. Had significant balance problems but after a few years of attending neuro ontology and doing vestibular exercises my balance did improve, however, it is an ongoing problem. I can have major falls 5-7 times a year. More minor stumbles and bumping into things more often. I cannot walk in the dark without a walking stick because reduced light makes me more unbalanced. Also I can't carry large items that obscure my vision because that makes me unstable. I am told I am visually dependant for my balance now. My balance can also be worse if I am cognitively overwhelmed or fatigued.

I would suggest you see if there is a neuro otology (balance Clinic) that you could be referred too.

[Noel-P in reply to StrawberryCream]

thanks and god bless!!!!!!!

[Noel-P in reply to StrawberryCream]

Hi strawberryCream

I want to ask,how you deal with your hearing problem and tinnitus? I really appreciate f you can give me some advice..I have hearing loss in both ears and tinnitus..thanks.

[Vissusaila]

Yes me too having the problem of balancing and hearing loss. I am also suffering from meningitis.

[Noel-P in reply to Vissusaila]

Hi Vussuaila

Did you received some treatment with your hearing loss and balance problem?

Please give some advice....THANKS...

[hawkeye777]

Hello Noel,

I had BM in February this year, which has also left me with significant hearing loss and balance issues. I am currently receiving treatment for my balance from a physiotherapist who specialises in vestibular rehab therapy, which is making a noticeable change. I will be doing this for at least another 5 months but have to accept that my balance will never be as it was given the damage done to the balance organ in both inner ears.

I strongly recommend you seek out a vestibular therapist because it is very likely to be useful to you. I am doing this privately because the exercises are personal to my situation and not a ‘one size fits all’ as I understand some hospitals work on. You must be patient. Good luck to you!!

[Noel-P in reply to hawkeye777]

Thank You!!!!,how about your hearing loss problem are you receiving some treatment?

[hawkeye777]

Hi Noel,

I am profoundly deaf in one ear and moderately deaf in the other. I have hearing aids to help me. I am told that the damage is permanent but perhaps my hearing can improve a bit in the months ahead. I try and remain positive, it’s the only way to deal with this as I refuse to be a long-term victim. Cheers!

[Noel-P in reply to hawkeye777]

Hi hawkeye777

I also HOPE my hearing will improved..thanks again!!!

[lbuckie]

I had encephalomenigitis with septicemia in March 2015 I was in the hospital for 4 weeks and returned to work after 4 months. I work 5 hours a day because working any longer I lose my balance, cognitive skills. If I walk to long too long I begin to weave and at night I lose my balance and become disoriented. I also lost some hearing in my right ear and when I am tired I hear fluttering and sometimes music in my right ear. I adjusted my life by working shorter hours and my husband is great by trying to keep my anxiety low. It's tough but we are stronger. Good luck and just listen to your body and brain.

[Kola6876]

I had BM in may 2018 and suffered the same as you, 100% & 70% deaf respectively, and balance similar to a half-cut drunk...vv embrassing as I am , or was, thanks meningitis 😡...a Horse Riding Instructor 😭😭😭

But life goes on...now training to be, of all things...a DRONE PILOT LOL so silver linings folks silve linings 😍😍😍

[Rett15]

I had B Meningitis in September 2018 got hearing loss in left ear chiropractic it help with the balance problem. Hope this helps.

[Susieny]

I had BM in April 2017 and as a result I am deaf in one ear and my vestibular nerve has been damaged as well. The deaf ear has tinnitus at times very loud. I am a yoga teacher and also own and run a property management co. I went back to work three months after I became sick just a few hours a day and thought that I would never be able to perform as I use to. I made many mistakes on paper and fell down several times teaching yoga but I kept on trying every day. I looked at everything I did in my life as physical therapy. 27 months later, I can now hold “ Tree Pose” !!!! My balance is not perfect but it improved significantly. My focus is much better. It used to hurt my brain to concentrate but just in the last few months , that has gone away. My advise is to not only do physical therapy with a Practioner , but do it every day on your own. Do difficult math , balance on one foot . Walk a straight line. Read a paragraph of anything and try to remember what you read . The body is amazing and it has the ability to heal but you have to guide it in that direction . Lead a healthy life and get plenty of rest . When I have too much stimulation , my brain starts hurting . Avoid stress as best as you can .

The road to recovery is a road that will lead you to succeed in healing .

God speed ahead !!

[Bellesmom12]

I just love your post. This illness is totally a mind game as well as having the physical challenges. It still gets me sometimes. Six months out I am working full time and have started volunteering at our animal shelter one night a week again. (I was doing 2 to 3.) And I walk my dog every night. My balance is still not perfect but getting a little better. All the time I am doing ANYTHING I chant "Retrain your brain." Every day the symptoms vary, so I just try to stay busy AND rest. Hard to balance both. AND stress is the killer definitely. Thanks for posting.