SSHL Confused and questions

[sixsticks]

I, too, had the classic symptoms of SSHL after waking up 3 days ago to sudden deafness in my right ear.
I do not have vertigo or dizziness problems, just the deafness.
On that day, I did my usual proactive research so I was not at all shocked when the very next day my ENT diagnosed with SSHL.  All of the research I have done myself leads me to believe that recovery (partial or full) is so hit and miss even with extremely prompt treatment with everything that has already been mentioned before.  My ENT also indicated to me there is no conclusive evidence that steroid treatment, in any form, is beneficial or not.  Either way, he gave me a 50/50% chance of regaining any hearing.
However, I did opt for the oral Prednisone treatment as he suggested.  After countless hours of researching, I am now left wondering if what he prescribed is the correct dosage.  This is how it was prescribed for me on a tapering schedule which I began on day 3 of the onset of SSHL:
10mg Prednisone taken in this way:
Day 1 through day 4 - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 4 days=30 mg/day
Day 5 through day 8 - 1 tablet 2 times a day for 4 days= 20 mg/day
Day 9 through day 12 - 1 tablet a day for 4 days=10 mg/day
Day 13 1/2 tablet for 4 days=.5 mg/day
Total 16 day treatment.
The doctor was concerned for me to take steroids because I suffer from panic/anxiety and have a lot of digestive issues.  I am wondering if this is an adequate dosage or if he gave me less than normal due to my other conditions?
I have read over and over that 60 mg/daily is what's is typically prescribed, however, I'm not clear if that is a tapering schedule or not.
Finally, with regard to tympanic injections:
I have read horror stories on how painful they are, i.e., feeling like acid being poured into the ear and then also people began symptoms of vertigo, something I am not willing to live with having had that once many, many years ago.
Is this advisable?
It's so upsetting to me that I am currently away from Maryland where I believe the best medical care is provided.
Unfortunately, I am currently in South Florida where medical care is the worst!
Any help/advise that you can provide with regard to the Prednisone dosage I am on to advising me of any centers or doctors to see will be greatly appreciated!

[beachcomber13]

To sixsticks and all,

Definitely make an appointment with an ENT (and audiologist) immediately. There is no way to predict who will recover spontaneously or have an excellent response to steroids. If you do not, you will want that ENT appointment. Typically it takes time to get in anyway.

But there certainly is hope. Keep in mind that most of the people visiting this community have had less-than-optimal outcomes. That is why they come here. Many people have great outcomes. Many people have bad outcomes. And many people are somewhere in between. Unfortunately it is hard to predict.

Early on, keep hope. You might be just fine. Stress increases inflammation, making it harder for your body to recover. Trust me, I know how hard this is. I have an autoimmune disease, and when my disease acts up, it seems impossible not to feel stressed. For me, doing research on things that might help my disease helps my stress level. Mindfulness and cognitive strategies also help. Just as you don't expect your body to get through this without help, don't expect your mind to get through this without help. I encourage you to find what helps you.

Take care and let us know how it goes.

BC

[sixsticks]

I do have a GREAT SUCCESS story to share!!!!
I just got home from the ENT, MRI clear, repeated hearing test and I can hear again perfectly out of my right ear which was effected by SSHL!!!
Just to refresh for those who have not read my previous posts:
Woke up on Feb 12 with zero hearing in right ear. Waited 1 day.
Saw ENT next day on FEB 14, prescribed tapered dose of ORAL Prednisone ONLY along with supplements (Vit E, D, B Complex)
It's now 10 days later and I am fully recovered from the SSHL!
Hearing test was perfect.
There is HOPE!  
Again, I implore anyone reading these posts who have been afflicted not to waste any time in seeing your ENT.  While it is not known whether the steroids are actually beneficial or not, and perhaps I would have recovered on my own anyway, it is all there is at this time.  We will just never really know if the steroids worked or they didn't.
In any event, YES, THERE IS HOPE!
I wish the best possible outcomes for anyone reading this and don't hesitate to contact me if you feel the need.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. Steroids are the main stay of treatment in sudden sensori-neuronal healing loss (SSHL). The dosage and duration of therapy may vary according to your need and other medical conditions you may be having. If infection is suspected then antibiotic therapy can be tried to reduce inflammation. A low salt diet also helps reduce inflammation. Some doctors use niacin-a type of vitamin B, as it is believed to help in ear circulation and conduction.  Apart from this, hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, cochlear implants can be used to amplify the sound. Please consult your specialist regarding this. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.