facial numbness and loss of hearing

[Kennedy0116]

Help!  I've had numbness on left side of face and complete loss of hearing in left ear (except for a high pitched ringing) for 4 weeks.  I had vertigo for the first 2 weeks.  Planning on starting solumedrol i.v. as soon as a bladder infection is cleared up.  Has anyone lost hearing during an exacerbation?

[Kennedy0116]

I think I will not do the solumedrol since it will be another 12 days before I could even start it.  This is driving me crazy!  I held the phone up to my ear this morning and could hear a little bit.  That was a sign of improvement.

Thanks for all of your posts!!

[Ufrustrated2]

>> Has anyone lost hearing during an exacerbation?

not totally lost it, but yes to the question. first facial numbness, loss of taste, balance iessues 1986.

decrease in hearing (or is it my brain isn't disseminating the sounds?) started in the late '90's. speech/cog issues ~2005+

so yes, i would say to your question you asked.

[Quixotic1]

That's what I'm here for.

:))

[Lulu54]

thanks for the explanation, Q.  As I say often, I'm no doctor or expert on any of this stuff.

[Deb61]

I have been losing hearing.  I don't know if my hearing loss is due to MS.  Lately, I will have intermittent complete hearing loss.  Out of the blue, I will hearing nothing but ringing.  I've had tinnunitis for years.  I saw an audiologist, but he doesn't know if my hearing loss is related to MS or not.  I was recommended to have hearing in aids for both my ears, but one ear is way worse than the other.  I am having trouble hearing conversation--especially when there is background noise.

I would recommend seeing an ENT and/or audiologist to determine what is causing this.  

I hope the exacerbation goes away quickly and you have full recovery.

Deb

[Quixotic1]

Lulu - Steroids, especially at the doses we get are powerful suppressants of the immune system.  High dose steroids can turn an infection lethal, even on antibiotics.  this is true whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

Quix

[Lulu54]

I don't know about this hearing loss,  but I'm wondering why you have to wait for the solumedrol?  What does that have to do with your bladder infection?  

Obviously I am not a doctor, and also have lots of questions.

feel better,
Lulu