Q&A

Subject: Hearing loss associated with the flu?

From: ME

Could you please tell me if it is possible to have hearing loss with the flu. Also, could you tell me if it is possible that losing your hearing could make you hear certain noises very loudly, but when people are talking to you or you are watching television, you cannot hear it (it is muffled)? Is it possible that this loss of hearing could also bring on hallucinations of any kind? I really need some help with this matter. If you could refer me where to search on the web or otherwise, I would greatly appreciate the assistance. I have already done a search on the web, and I came up empty handed. I have a relative who is sick and I need to know what to do. Thank you for any help you can give.

WOW! What a list of questions. First, yes, it is possible to have a hearing loss from the flu. Sometimes the congestion associated with the flu can create a temporary hearing loss just from the blockage caused by the fluid build up ( similar to the discharge from the nose). It is also possible that the virus which causes the flu can itself affect the nerves of hearing causing some degree of permanent hearing loss. Your best bet is to have your relative examined by a good otologist (ear specialist). Such a physician can prescribe appropriate medications if that is appropriate.

Nerves of hearing, when damaged, can give hearing loss for volume only but they can also distort sound so that, no matter how loud, speech still is not clear. An evaluation by an audiologist will check both problems of loudness and clarity. Nerves, when damaged, may also fire spontaneously resulting in "auditory hallucinations" called "Tinnitus". These sounds within the head may be mistaken for the ringing of the phone or other higher pitched sounds in the environment. Generally, these sounds reduce by themselves over time. If they are really annoying, your relative may find that playing soft music will cover them up. Still other folks find that the sound of a fan or the static on the radio between stations is an effective way of helping them to get a good rest even with the head sounds. I have worked with a few patients who heard their head sounds as distinctive tunes "Christmas carols and such" to the extent that they opened their windows to hear the carolers better.

Your relative is not alone. The University of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland has a Tinnitus Clinic, to evaluate and treat head noises. You may find that they can give you even more information. Good luck

Solveig