Hearing Loss: My Left Ear's Silent Struggle

Q: Hearing Loss: My Left Ear's Silent Struggle

Hello： In response to your inquiry, there are many types of instruments used for hearing tests, and each physician may use different ones. <br>Based on your description of having difficulty hearing, it would be advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination at an outpatient cli

I cannot hear from my left ear?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: I remember that when I was a child, I often had severe colds, and my ears would hurt every time I caught a cold.
At that time, the doctor used a certain instrument to check my hearing, and I couldn't hear anything in my left ear.
I didn't tell my parents, and I saw that the doctor said my hearing was normal after the examination.
I was wondering why they said it was normal when I couldn't hear anything in my left ear.
I thought it was caused by the cold and that once the cold was over, I would be able to hear again.
As I grew up, I realized I still couldn't hear from my left ear, and I didn't feel like getting it checked by a doctor.
Could you please tell me if my left ear is already deaf? Is there still hope for recovery? :^-^:

Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/02/14

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your inquiry, there are many types of instruments used for hearing tests, and each physician may use different ones.
Based on your description of having difficulty hearing, it would be advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination at an outpatient clinic.
This will provide reliable data for further evaluation.
It is not appropriate to avoid seeking medical advice due to concerns about your condition.

Reply Date: 2003/02/14

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your left ear and hearing loss. It sounds like you've had a challenging experience with your ear health, especially since childhood. Let's break down your situation and provide some insights.

From what you've described, it seems that you experienced significant ear pain during severe colds as a child, which is not uncommon. Upper respiratory infections can lead to conditions like otitis media (middle ear infection), which can temporarily affect hearing. However, if your left ear was not functioning properly even during those examinations, it raises the question of whether there was an underlying issue that may have been overlooked.

Hearing tests conducted by doctors typically assess the ability to hear various frequencies and volumes. If you were told your hearing was "normal," it might have been based on the results of the test at that time, but it’s possible that the test did not capture the full extent of your hearing loss, especially if it was intermittent or fluctuating.
As you’ve grown older, if you find that you can no longer hear from your left ear, it could indicate a few possibilities. One common cause of unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) is damage to the auditory system, which can occur due to various reasons, including chronic ear infections, exposure to loud noises, or even congenital issues. If you have not experienced any significant improvement in your hearing over time, it may suggest that the hearing loss is permanent.

It’s important to note that hearing loss can be categorized into different types: conductive (problems with the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (problems with the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed. Given your history of ear pain and potential infections, it might be worthwhile to explore whether you have conductive hearing loss due to issues like fluid in the ear or structural problems.
Regarding your question about whether there is still hope for your left ear, the answer depends on the underlying cause of the hearing loss. If it is indeed permanent sensorineural hearing loss, there may not be a cure, but there are options available to help you manage it. Hearing aids can amplify sounds and improve your ability to hear, especially in noisy environments. In some cases, cochlear implants may be an option if the hearing loss is profound and meets specific criteria.

I strongly encourage you to seek a thorough evaluation from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist. They can perform comprehensive hearing tests, assess the health of your ear structures, and provide you with a clearer diagnosis. This will help you understand the nature of your hearing loss and discuss potential treatment options.

In summary, while it’s understandable to feel concerned about your hearing, there are steps you can take to better understand your condition and explore potential solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help; your hearing health is important, and there are resources available to assist you. Wishing you the best on your journey to better hearing!

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