How long till I go deaf?

I wish I could give you some good advice! I think the best thing is to do some research because I beleive it varies from one person to another and doesn't mean you will go deaf. Stressing doesn't help although understandable doesn't help. I wish you well.

Ask all you need to know at the ENT.... Although saying that the people on here are great and can help to suffering from it themselves.... I have an appointment on wednesday so understand your feelings. Take care.

Hi AD. Sounds like you have had a problem for some time. I would wait until the results from the ENT appointment before you start considering life without hearing.

I have only recently been diagnosed with MD which isn't great but I can think of many other conditions I would like to have less.

I hope all goes well next week and stay positive.

Hi there AD 2017,

Firstly, I have been through this whole story and at one point in time taught this whole scenario was very debilitating and became very depressed.I also spent or rather squandered a lot of money to understand where I was with numerous ENT, audiologists and eventually Neurologists. I know where you are just now and I also know that your mind (brain) is playing games with you because of the uncertainness. 

1. You are not going to go deaf whether it is just viral or worst case scenario MD.

2. If it is worst case you will most probably lose up to 10 -  80% in one ear only.

3. After 30 years some patients experience bilateral loss which is as low as 17% (Silverstein, 1992) from MD.

4. Your ENT most probably won't know the cause because it could be a viral infection ( from a way back episode of chicken pox as an example) that has come to the fore because your immune system was low (stress or whatever) to over 1500 other reasons that have caused the area of the ear affected as the entire labyrinth, which includes both the semicircular canals and the cochlea. It might just be that you went to a concert where the sound has caused it and it will go away.

5. The audiologist through mapping (charts) will be able to tell you more than the ENT (in my experience) but you will have to go a few times (which the ENT will love - sorry just my dry sense of humor).

6. They will give you medication which will fill a trunk (in some cases good, but in most irresponsible because of the after effects)

If viral it will go away, if MD you will learn what works for you and live a normal life full of happiness, but you will have to change your diet, habits and learn moderation, but you won't go deaf. You are going to have a normal life, you will always enjoy music and whatever - do not let your brain tell you anything else, unfortunately it is a process that you would rather not go through but hey there are millions of us who live life to the full with MD, you will not be an exception.

All the best,

64549 

Thank you for your support! All your words are giving me encouragement and bringing me to tears. Thanks so much for the community support. 

Having no choice but to except and then learning to live with but not allowing it to take over...... Stay as positive as possible that it can be controlled and you can carry on life as near normal as before.  Take care, best wishes!

Dear AD2017,

I have been suffering with MD and tinnitus since I was about 14. I never went to concerts, I hate hearing loud noises, and lately very sensitive to even people talking louder than usual. I have lost about 80% hearing in my right ear and about 20% in my left. I have that loud humming in my right ear 24/7. I can't wear hearing aids because the amplification of sound just bothers the heck out of me and very annoying so I tried only the left ear and that didn't work well. So, yes! I know what you are saying when you way when will I go completely deaf. That's exactly how I feel. The noise in my right ear has been getting louder and more debilitating. I have gone to ENTs and they really have no answer of solution except to prescribe meds that don't work and leave you with side affects. I wish bionic ears were a part of our life time but I'm almost 60 and don't see that in my near future. 

If they offered bionic parts, I would be the first to jump to the opportunity. You're not alone. Meditation, Qi Cong, diet all work together to give some relief....