cpap effect on hearing

[kwilmer@yahoo.com]

I have an associate who has experienced a rare immune system reaction
in his ears since starting CPAP. He has substantial hearing loss now.
Anyone else have this problem? It would help him a lot to hear from
you as he is afraid that he will soon have full hearing loss.

[Ric]

I have an associate who has experienced a rare immune system reaction
in his ears since starting CPAP.

Does the condition have a name? That would help. I have experienced Meniere's syndrome in one ear, but it has nothing to do with CPAP. And it was completely reversable. It is widely regarded as an auto-immune response to something-or-other. But that is inconclusive, the cause really hasn't been proven, and there could be more than one etiology. There are lots of web pages devoted to that topic:

http://www.earsurgery.org/meniere.html
http://www.menieresinfo.com/

It would help him a lot to hear from you

I guess he can still hear?

[sleepyred]

I have experienced Meniere's syndrome in one ear, but it has nothing to do with CPAP. And it was completely reversable. It is widely regarded as an auto-immune response to something-or-other. But that is inconclusive, the cause really hasn't been proven, and there could be more than one etiology. There are lots of web pages devoted to that topic:

Ric - I have bi-lateral Meniere's Disease - how was yours reversed?

Sleepyred

[Ric]

Ric - I have bi-lateral Meniere's Disease - how was yours reversed?

They used a shotgun approach, which not specifically knowing the cause, isn't such a bad idea. Anti-inflammatory steroids for about a mo., with a tapering-off period, antibiotics (probably useless), a myringotomy to relieve the pressure, (probably useless), and a diuretic (dyazide) to reduce swelling. Mostly just had to wait it out.

A rather strange phenomenon I experienced during the most acute phase, one ear would hear tones differently than the other. The involved ear would hear a full third interval (2 whole notes) above the other. That is, a single tone, say a "C" on the piano would sound like a "C" and an "E" played together, one in each ear. My audiologist told me that is not even possible. (I can tell you he is beyond learning or thinking. he learned everything in "school"). I could sort of monitor the healing process as the two notes merged back in to a single note. Then I knew I was over it. I suppose the "mind" would eventually compensate by remapping itself even if the ear stayed the same. Who knows. But I am completely over it, this happened several years ago. The only residual is that loud sounds seem slightly painful in the affected ear, (like clapping or brakes squealing, etc.). Instead of clapping with an audience, I now cover my left ear with my left hand, and clap one-handed with the other.

I have met other people since who have experienced the same (hearing two distinct tones instead of one) to a different degree. That confirms my opinion of my audiologist.

Hope yours resolves quickly!

[sleepyred]

Well Ric, I was dx in 2001 and had symptoms since 1991. A neuro surgeon said my balance system was bascially a wreck. Only thing he suggested was a VNS - no surgery on a nerve in my ear/head! I cannot tolerate diuretics (already have low blood pressure) so I am on a low-salt diet and take Ativan if I have a dizzy spell. Steriods did nothing for me, so mine is the non-auto-immune kind.

Thanks for sharing!

[Puddin]

I have a little hearing loss in one ear. I was feeling pressure and pulsating in my right ear and went to ear doctor. When I didn't use my Bipap machine because of stuffed nose from allergies for 2 months, the ear pressure cleared up only to come back when I started back on the machine. So I have my beliefs about the problems this machine can be causing.

[sleepyred]

What kind of mask are you using? What is your pressure?

I am on allergy shots (3rd year) and flonase. When I stopped my flonase, my ear pressure/dizziness returned. When I use the flonase - symptoms disappear.

I can tell a difference on my ears when I use the nasal pillows as compared to the activa nasal mask - not as much pressure with the mask as the pillows.