exgman
Active member
I hope this is the right forum for this (Gary will tell me if it isn't I'm sure). I know that many of us older riders are subject to hearing loss. I have had an interesting treatment for loss in one ear only, and thought I would share the experience in case others have a similar loss.
I have been treated in the past week for a significant hearing loss at the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). In terms of history, I had a history of 22-years in law enforcement in which I was subject to a significant amount of gunfire noise as a firearms instructor and SWAT Team member. My employer provided hearing protection which we all wore religiously.
About eight years after retirement, I returned to BMW motorcycle riding and now have 45,000 miles on my RT. I decided at the outset that I would wear earplugs, and have been using 3M E-A-R plugs every time I have ridden.
Recently, I observed a dramatic loss of hearing acuity in my right ear. Testing at MEEI revealed that my loss is about 60% at this point, but only in my right ear. My left is fine. The doc told me that the gunfire and motorcycle riding was not the cause of the loss. The characteristics of the loss, and other analysis showed that the problem was inflammation of the sound-sensing cells in the inner ear. The mechanics of the ear are intact and operating perfectly, but the nerves aren't getting the sound because of the inflammation. As a result, a hearing aid is not something that would help me.
I am now embarked on a series of four shots of Prednisone (a steroid) injected into the inner ear by a hypodermic right through the eardrum. It sounds bad, but is really not unpleasant. The shots are done over the space of a week and every couple of days I get myself to the MEEI for another one. The idea is that the steroids will reduce the inflammation, and return at least some of the cells to their work of sending sound to my brain.
After just two shots, I feel as if I'm hearing more on the right side, and the tinnitus I've had has changed frequency and the volume has gone down. Two more to go and I'm optimistic at least.
Anyway, just my story, and I hope it's helpful to some.
I have been treated in the past week for a significant hearing loss at the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). In terms of history, I had a history of 22-years in law enforcement in which I was subject to a significant amount of gunfire noise as a firearms instructor and SWAT Team member. My employer provided hearing protection which we all wore religiously.
About eight years after retirement, I returned to BMW motorcycle riding and now have 45,000 miles on my RT. I decided at the outset that I would wear earplugs, and have been using 3M E-A-R plugs every time I have ridden.
Recently, I observed a dramatic loss of hearing acuity in my right ear. Testing at MEEI revealed that my loss is about 60% at this point, but only in my right ear. My left is fine. The doc told me that the gunfire and motorcycle riding was not the cause of the loss. The characteristics of the loss, and other analysis showed that the problem was inflammation of the sound-sensing cells in the inner ear. The mechanics of the ear are intact and operating perfectly, but the nerves aren't getting the sound because of the inflammation. As a result, a hearing aid is not something that would help me.
I am now embarked on a series of four shots of Prednisone (a steroid) injected into the inner ear by a hypodermic right through the eardrum. It sounds bad, but is really not unpleasant. The shots are done over the space of a week and every couple of days I get myself to the MEEI for another one. The idea is that the steroids will reduce the inflammation, and return at least some of the cells to their work of sending sound to my brain.
After just two shots, I feel as if I'm hearing more on the right side, and the tinnitus I've had has changed frequency and the volume has gone down. Two more to go and I'm optimistic at least.
Anyway, just my story, and I hope it's helpful to some.
