Hearing protection after diagnosis—pl share inputs

[Autumnbird]

Hello! I’d be grateful for your experiences and ideas on preserving hearing after diagnosis of AN. I have lost hearing severely in left ear due to AN and will be undergoing translab approach surgery in November. For those of you with similar diagnosis, what steps do you take on a daily basis to protect hearing in the “good ear”. I have heard about avoiding ototoxic drugs and wearing ear plugs. Is there anything else one can do? Thanks

[alabamajane]

Hi,, I don’t really have any other suggestions I guess. Ear plugs have become my best friend in the last 10 years since my translab surgery. I have them everywhere now.

But I did want to mention the importance of using ear plugs when using a hair dryer. I never gave it any thought until my AN diagnosis and surgery. It was suggested to me,, and really anyone,, and makes perfect sense. Those things are really loud right up against your ears!

Good luck to you.

[gary.s]

Hi Autumnbird,

I use ear protection when using power tools, the vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, and even the coffee grinder. I also have single sided deafness as a result of my AN, so protecting the good ear is very important. I avoid movie theaters because they are extremely loud, as well as live music. Lots of adjustments to make, but they are all very manageable. Some high quality hearing protection would be a good thing to have at the home. Best of luck on your surgery next month.

Gary