steroids needed?

[goinbatty]

Hi to all.  Haven't written in awhile but could sure use some advice.  I flew cross country last week for vacation and the areas we visited were at a high altitude.  I'll admit I lost loads of sleep and drank way too much caffeine.  Several days after returning, my AN hearing went out and tinnitus increased.  Been taking Ibuprofen.  Can barely hear when I rub my fingers together which of course is my scientific hearing test.  I was going to give this til next week to see what happens but at what point would steroids be necessary and if taken, what is the typical dosage given and length of treatment.  Meant to say, I've flown before and this didn't happen so it kind of surprised me.  Any advice would certainly be appreciated. 
Thanks,
Sandra

[sunfish]

I'm no expert, but I think they say that steroids will only help with hearing loss if you get them started within the first few days.  If you haven't already called your doctor, I'd do that soon!

[mk]

Sandra,

contact your doctor ASAP.  Ibuprofen was useless for me all three times that I experienced hearing loss. You need something more powerful, like steroids.The sooner you start on steroids, the higher the chance of getting some hearing back. The dose depends on the type of medication your doctor prescribes. My ENT prescribed 40 mgs of prednisone for 2 weeks, followed by a slow taper, which worked all three times that I had hearing loss. Other doctors prescribe other types of steroids. Your doctor will know  best.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Marianna

[goinbatty]

Thank you for the advice.  Thankfully, it's returned to some degree.  I had to go out of town again and literally haven't had a chance to call the doc.  I think I've been able to ignore tinnitus for the most part for so long, but I find myself turning my good ear toward people when they talk.  However, I can hear my fingers rub together again which was a huge relief.  Thanks again for the advice,
Sandra