Hearing loss on right side.

[pomeranion]

I am currently tapering my prednisolone dose from 15mls. to 7mls. I was speaking to my brother in Florida Christmas day and I noticed I was having trouble hearing him through the phone on my right side. It has continued since then. I also have a fuzzy noise occurring with the hearing being decreased. I am also struggling with my thyroid levels because of the high steroid dose. I don't know if that could be contributing to the hearing loss but I thought I would mention it. I have escalated to hyperthyroidism because of the unmanaged PMR steroid use per my Endocrinologist. Does anyone have any knowledge or information on this problem?

[SnazzyD]

Have you had your ears looked at? A buildup of wax will certainly impair hearing, cause changes in sounds and produce tinnitus. It could easily be as simple as that.

[pomeranion in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for your reply. After posting my question I did more research on hypothyroid symptoms. I have been struggling with hyperthyroidism because of the steroid dosage as I said. The hearing loss and the hissing sound I'm experiencing is listed as hypothyroidism symptoms. I am going to contact both my GP and Endocrinologist for testing. I hope it is something that can be remedied with medication adjustment. I failed to mention that I also have bad cataracts that got worse from May to November. I can hardly see to watch TV or read. I'm retired and disabled so I can't drive anyway. All these additional complications on top of the ongoing pain of PMR are very scary. I'm scheduled with an eye surgeon in February to address the eyesight, I have a hard time even posting with my laptop, Please forgive any typos I have missed. Sorry for all the complaining.

[SnazzyD in reply to pomeranion]

Well, this forum is a designated moan zone, so don’t worry and we all have to sometime! Really, the bottom line is that all the possible causes need to be checked from the simple to the complex. I had hearing loss and tinnitus through GCA and I also had it from wax. Sorry, we can’t check it all for you! Good luck .

[whitefishbay]

Any change in hearing you should go to A&E asap. I had sudden severe hearing loss and you need to be seen immediately to check it out. They treat w high dose steroids. Mine was an acoustic neuroma but maybe yours is something else. Whatever it is get it looked at by ENT asap. I too have hypothyroidism am on 75 mg levothroxine (and 2 mg pred). Good luck.

[Daffodilia]

You could also try a private hearing test - I have hearing aid for just one ear - helps tinnitus and balance

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It could be wax as Snazzy suggests but it could also be due to other factors which need medical attention - especially if it gets worse. whitefishbay has mentioned one. Please speak to a doctor asap.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Have had muffled ears for the last 6 weeks or so. Thought it was a long Covid issue! Am stationed on 12.5 pred at moment. No wax.. no infection. Trying alternative remedy at moment. Ayurvedic oil which doesn’t seem to have helped.have tel app with GP on wed when I will press for app with ENT specialist. I find it very debilitating.. as well as bleary eyes.. dizziness and fatigue!!! Happy NewYear!! And blessings on newly arrived great granddaughter!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Have you any other GCA symptoms? Hearing loss can be due to GCA developing too:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[Sharitone in reply to Bedwell]

No wax.. no infection I don't want to be a wet blanket, but my ears stopped producing wax in the months leading up to GCA diagnosis. sorry if that's TMI!

[Bedwell]

Need to look up symptoms. Haven’t dared!!!!

[Bedwell]

No jaw pains.. but headache on top of head sometimes. Bleary eyes and dizziness been around for a while. Fatigue not new either. Will ask for blood test when I speak to GP. Saw rheumatologist a few weeks ago . Pretty hopeless! But didn’t mention GCA

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

You do have to bear it in mind - especially if your other symptoms appear to be flaring.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bedwell]

Symptoms are the key....blood tests aren't the be all and end all... they do sometimes corroborate the symptoms, but not always. Think you need to speak to GP or Rheumy team for advice.

[pomeranion in reply to DorsetLady]

Just messaged my GP about my hearing concerns. I hope to hear from him soon and will follow his directions. I might also contact my Endocrinologist because of the thyroid question. Thank you for your input. Always reliable

[Bedwell]

It’s not me with hearing loss on right side,! I have muffled ears.. both ears! Prob Eustachian tube problem.. but what to do about it? And might it gradually get better???!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Chewing - gum or hard bread crusts should help drain Eustachian tube problems. And using either or both nasal decongestant and taking antihistamine tablets are recommended.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much. Will discuss on wed with GP.

[pomeranion in reply to Bedwell]

Muffled ear is a better description on my right side. I can still hear and I have a hissing sound. I pose the same question. What to do about it and might it actually get better?This is a symptom listed for hypothyroidism and I have been seeing my Endocrinologist to correct hyperthyroidism caused by excessive prednisolone dosage and Levothyroxine. I will be contacting both my GP and Endo. I got quite a scare Christmas day while talking to my brother and I have learned so much on this site I thought I would post this question. Thank you for all the replies.

[Bedwell]

Rheumatologist pretty hopeless! Think it was too near his coffee break!!!