That’s a lot to cope with at once. I’m surprised the ENT isn’t getting you in sooner? Sudden hearing loss should prompt them to have you seen quickly, especially with the vision issues as well.

I’m deaf in one ear and have poor vision and am having glaucoma testing, so while not as intense as your situation, I can totally relate to how scary it is to feel like you’re losing your senses that you rely on so much.

All I can think of is if your PCP and other providers aren’t being clear about treatment and treating things urgently to see if they can reverse things or at least give you answers/guidance, I’d seek a second opinion. I know for me, just having a medical team I can trust makes everything much easier to handle.

I am in a similar situation, I am Deaf, and have really bad vision. All I can really say is to get in to see that ent as soon as possible. Good luck.

Hi dude. I know two other people have said similar thing to what I am going to say but this is so you know you aint alone buddy! I have RP, so my eyesight been deteriorating my whole life, and I have bad ears myself. A mastoid caused my right ear to burst and lose hearing, and a small ear infection also punctured a hole in my left year and caused me to lose hearing on high notes. I've since had surgery so some of my hearing is restored but it'll never be the same. It is scary, but you are going to be okay. Hopefully you won't go fully deaf. Right now, you need to grieve. Sounds silly, but you cant fight what is going on right now. After you have accepted what has happened, the next step will be to find what resources will help you on your every day life e.g O&M lessons, magnifier devices etc

Sounds like a lot to deal with for sure...

Where are you located? I ask because I am familiar with US healthcare system. I’ve had declining health for a few years as well, nothing as sudden as yours but still really scary. Since you’re in med school, it sounds like we’re about the same age. I’m sorry you have to be going through this.

I found the best solution is to act as if you are your own primary care physician. Don’t be a know it all, but don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself to the max. Research ahead of time with an open mind, because it’s not necessarily all applicable to you, and write down whatever questions you have for your doctor at a time. If they are a good doctor, they will appreciate that you came in prepared rather than judge you. Don’t be afraid to move onto another doctor if you are not receiving the care that you deserve.

If I were in your shoes, I would try to find nuggets of hope in your situation. There’s nothing blissful about what you’re going through, but there is always hope. Even if it does come to you losing both hearing and sight, advancements in technology for making it possible to strive despite your situation. I think the most profound would be considering a cochlear implant if this becomes a chronic or permanent condition. This is not immediate though.

The first step is definitely calling constantly to your doctors office, advocating for yourself, and remembering to breathe. Get yourself on a cancellation list for upcoming appointments. Call to follow up that you were still on that list. Maybe put yourself on a waitlist for more than one doctor at a time, and cancel the one that you don’t need.

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