Hi there fellow PMR/GCA sufferers, Just wondering if any one else has experienced sudden one-sided hearing loss? Some scalp achiness as well

[rockyandzeus]

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You should see a doctor quickly - A&E if necessary. This could be what is called "Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss" and it requires speedy treatment if you are to regain your hearing successfully.

Did you have PMR or GCA originally? GCA can also cause hearing problems if the blood supply to the ear is stopped and you saying you have scalp discomfort would fit there.

It still requires fast treatment whichever it is.

[rockyandzeus]

Hi PMRpro,

It was a tough sell at the GP.

Went there last week and saw walk-in physician, he wouldn't do bloodwork and did not think a hearing test was necessary.

But yesterday I was able to have a hearing assessment which showed sudden hearing loss on right side, and the tech wrote a great letter to go with it.

Today I had an appt with my own GP....and I still had to do some fancy footwork to convince him that this is possibly GCA and if I have any chance of recovering hearing , fast action is required.

I have atypical PMR, so all the symptoms, but no supporting bloodwork, which puts me way out in left field in terms of Physicians, even my Rheumy sometimes, (in their defence, there simply arent many cases of PMR around my area).

Except that prednisone works like a charm for me.

So, although I left very discouraged, my GP did give me a form for bloodwork, and I just got a call back from the Clinic.

My GP talked with an on-call ENT person this afternoon and he(she) has recommended a round of high dose Prednisone, an anti-viral medication, and they are arranging for an MRI, and an urgent appt with an ENT.

Whew, That is a lot for me take in, and my head is still spinning.

BUT a huge thank you to you for your support.

You are both informed, educated and articulate and as they say 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'.

Dorothy