Guest guest Posted May 14, 2010 Report Share Posted May 14, 2010 It is wonderful that you found that an antihistamine helps you with your hearing. I can see where you acquiring the dog, and subsequently you started having fluctuations in your hearing would be related to an allergy to your dog.  If you are willing to continue taking the claritin, go for it.  Nothing beats having a companion like a dog or cat, especially when they can " help " you with your hearing by letting you know when the phone rings, door bell rings, etc. I must put out a warning though, about certain OTC drugs. If you have high blood pressure, you have to be careful what you take as it can increase your blood pressure even more. I too have sinus problems due to allergies, and use to take decongestants daily. I can no longer take them as I have high blood pressure now, but instead, I take Mucinex, which helps to keep the the nasal passages clear. I also drink loads of water to keep fluids loose as well. Congratulations on finding a solution that works for you, though! There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to hear clearly and well.  ________________________________ From: Eliot Terborgh <eliot@...> Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 7:18:36 PM Subject: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations  As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller hearing aid and once again enjoy music. The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, as the down side risks are minimal. One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to choose between my hearing and my best friend! Eliot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2010 Report Share Posted May 14, 2010 Dear Janie do you take water tablets as well. all the best from sean waiting. Tip for Hearing Fluctuations As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller hearing aid and once again enjoy music. The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, as the down side risks are minimal. One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to choose between my hearing and my best friend! Eliot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2010 Report Share Posted May 14, 2010 No I do not. What do they do?  ________________________________ From: Waiting <sean.waiting@...> Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 11:25:59 AM Subject: Re: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations  Dear Janie do you take water tablets as well. all the best from sean waiting. Tip for Hearing Fluctuations As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller hearing aid and once again enjoy music. The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, as the down side risks are minimal. One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to choose between my hearing and my best friend! Eliot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Hello : Sorry for my very slow response to your kind words last Friday. Fortunately, I do not have high blood pressure, so my doc says I can stay on the Claritin indefinitely. So far so good. Eliot From: Kinsella Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 8:44 AM Subject: Re: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations It is wonderful that you found that an antihistamine helps you with your hearing. I can see where you acquiring the dog, and subsequently you started having fluctuations in your hearing would be related to an allergy to your dog. If you are willing to continue taking the claritin, go for it. Nothing beats having a companion like a dog or cat, especially when they can " help " you with your hearing by letting you know when the phone rings, door bell rings, etc. I must put out a warning though, about certain OTC drugs. If you have high blood pressure, you have to be careful what you take as it can increase your blood pressure even more. I too have sinus problems due to allergies, and use to take decongestants daily. I can no longer take them as I have high blood pressure now, but instead, I take Mucinex, which helps to keep the the nasal passages clear. I also drink loads of water to keep fluids loose as well. Congratulations on finding a solution that works for you, though! There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to hear clearly and well. ________________________________ From: Eliot Terborgh <eliot@...> Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 7:18:36 PM Subject: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller hearing aid and once again enjoy music. The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, as the down side risks are minimal. One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to choose between my hearing and my best friend! Eliot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 and Eliot, Interesting that this comes up. I have my guide dog, and also have allergies. Obviously I am not getting rid of the dog. Currently, I take Claritin D (we should take care to specify the correct product names) and when I got the last refill (our Oregon lawmakers deemed it necessary to put OTC meds with certain ingredients in it to beat the meth problem) the pharmacist made a point of explaining that I did not want to take this often due to my high blood pressure. So , does this Mucinex work as well or nearly as well? Did you do by trial and error or was it recommended? Quote of the nanosecond. . . Energy equals milk chocolate square. --Anonymous & Dreamer Doll ke7nwn E-mail- rclark0276@... Home Page- http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Tip for Hearing Fluctuations > > > As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 > years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced > hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear > has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher > frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. > > Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate > significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to > get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I > could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has > fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or > the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. > > In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, > an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been > remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and > stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 > dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller > hearing aid and once again enjoy music. > > The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused > by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct > link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was > also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal > drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, > as the down side risks are minimal. > > One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a > wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations > started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to > choose between my hearing and my best friend! > > Eliot > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2010 Report Share Posted May 21, 2010 Great!!  Happy Hearing! From: Eliot Terborgh <eliot@...> Subject: Re: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010, 8:14 PM  Hello : Sorry for my very slow response to your kind words last Friday. Fortunately, I do not have high blood pressure, so my doc says I can stay on the Claritin indefinitely. So far so good. Eliot From: Kinsella Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 8:44 AM Subject: Re: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations It is wonderful that you found that an antihistamine helps you with your hearing. I can see where you acquiring the dog, and subsequently you started having fluctuations in your hearing would be related to an allergy to your dog. If you are willing to continue taking the claritin, go for it. Nothing beats having a companion like a dog or cat, especially when they can " help " you with your hearing by letting you know when the phone rings, door bell rings, etc. I must put out a warning though, about certain OTC drugs. If you have high blood pressure, you have to be careful what you take as it can increase your blood pressure even more. I too have sinus problems due to allergies, and use to take decongestants daily. I can no longer take them as I have high blood pressure now, but instead, I take Mucinex, which helps to keep the the nasal passages clear. I also drink loads of water to keep fluids loose as well. Congratulations on finding a solution that works for you, though! There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to hear clearly and well. ________________________________ From: Eliot Terborgh <eliot@...> Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 7:18:36 PM Subject: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller hearing aid and once again enjoy music. The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, as the down side risks are minimal. One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to choose between my hearing and my best friend! Eliot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2010 Report Share Posted May 21, 2010 Hey - actually, when my blood pressure spiked and I had to go see my family doctor about it, he said that the decongestant prescription I was on was going to have to stop because decongestants increases blood pressure. At that time Mucinex was a prescription drug so he prescribed it to me, taking 2 tablets in the morning and 2 at night. the theory was to keep the stuff moving out, thus the expectorant.  When it became an OTC, and I started buying it that way without insurance coverage, it became rather expensive, so I am taking one in the morning and one at night. What it does for me is to not allow a buildup in my sinuses that will create an environment for an infection. But it does require that I blow my nose a lot because, well, the drug is doing its job.  HTH From: C <rclark0276@...> Subject: Re: Tip for Hearing Fluctuations Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010, 8:26 PM  and Eliot, Interesting that this comes up. I have my guide dog, and also have allergies. Obviously I am not getting rid of the dog. Currently, I take Claritin D (we should take care to specify the correct product names) and when I got the last refill (our Oregon lawmakers deemed it necessary to put OTC meds with certain ingredients in it to beat the meth problem) the pharmacist made a point of explaining that I did not want to take this often due to my high blood pressure. So , does this Mucinex work as well or nearly as well? Did you do by trial and error or was it recommended? Quote of the nanosecond. . . Energy equals milk chocolate square. --Anonymous & Dreamer Doll ke7nwn E-mail- rclark0276@... Home Page- http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Tip for Hearing Fluctuations > > > As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 > years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced > hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear > has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher > frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. > > Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate > significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to > get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I > could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has > fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or > the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. > > In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, > an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been > remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and > stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 > dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller > hearing aid and once again enjoy music. > > The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused > by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct > link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was > also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal > drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, > as the down side risks are minimal. > > One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a > wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations > started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to > choose between my hearing and my best friend! > > Eliot > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2010 Report Share Posted May 21, 2010 , I will take this off list so as not to bore anyone else. Quote of the nanosecond. . . A government that robs to pay can always depend on the support of . -- Bernard Shaw & Dreamer Doll ke7nwn E-mail- rclark0276@... Home Page- http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Tip for Hearing Fluctuations > > > As some of you may remember, I have suffered from Menieres for over 25 > years, which has caused complete deafness in my left ear and reduced > hearing in my right ear. For years, my " normal " hearing in my right ear > has been down 40dB in low-mid frequencies and 60 - 70 dB at higher > frequencies, but I could do pretty well with an ITE hearing aid. > > Beginning in 2007, my hearing in my right ear began to fluctuate > significantly, often dropping to 80 dB across the board. I was forced to > get a more powerful BTE hearing aid, but hearing was still difficult and I > could no longer enjoy music. During the past three years, my hearing has > fluctuated between these two extremes, sometimes staying at one level or > the other for 6 - 12 months at a time. > > In early March, my longtime ear doctor suggested I try taking Claritin, > an off-the-shelf antihistamine, for 60 days. Well, the results have been > remarkable. After 20 days, my hearing began to gradually improve and > stabilize. It has been 60 days now, and my hearing has improved to 40 - 50 > dB, not quite back to " normal " , but good enough that I can use my smaller > hearing aid and once again enjoy music. > > The tentative conclusion: my hearing fluctuations are most likely caused > by an allergy, which has also affected my sinuses. Since there is a direct > link between sinuses and hearing functions, the improvement in hearing was > also accompanied by a reduction in my sinus congestion and post-nasal > drip. My doctor recommends that I continue to take Claritin indefinitely, > as the down side risks are minimal. > > One footnote -- the doctor suggested that I may be allergic to my dog, a > wonderful chocolate Lab that I adopted shortly before the fluctuations > started. Thank goodness for the Claritin, as I would hate to have to > choose between my hearing and my best friend! > > Eliot > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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