Loss of hearing unrelated to vaccine
Dear Dr. Roach: My friend lost hearing in one of her ears after a vertigo and dizziness spell a few months ago, when she also noted tinnitus. Her hearing issues have not resolved, unfortunately. Given some anecdotal reports of issues like this happening after receiving a COVID vaccine, she is wondering whether to get the new booster or not. Any thoughts on the issue?
K.L.R.
Answer: It sounds like your friend had sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), a rare condition whose cause is not understood. The hallmarks of the illness are sudden loss of hearing in one ear; tinnitus, which is present in 90% of people with SSHL; and vertigo in about half of people.
Early treatment (with steroids and possibly antiviral medicine) helps people regain hearing, and about two thirds of people will regain hearing, although it may not be complete. The return of hearing begins within the first three months.
Fortunately, there is now strong evidence through clinical studies that the COVID-19 vaccines do not increase the risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss. After 185 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, there were no more cases of SSNL among vaccine recipients than would be expected among people who did not get the vaccine.
Dear Dr. Roach: Iama 71-year-old woman in good health, but sex for me is extremely painful. Not only the start and insertion, but also once inside. I’ve seen ads for laser treatment; however, this is $2,000. What do you suggest?
Anon.
Answer: Painful sex is a very common problem in women and, unfortunately, one that some women aren’t comfortable bringing up to their doctor.
There are many, many different causes, and most of them are treatable. A comprehensive evaluation is essential by a gynecologist who subspecializes in pelvic pain. Laser treatment holds some promise; however, its role in chronic pain is not yet clearly defined, and I would strongly recommend an evaluation by an expert to see where the pain might be coming from prior to spending money on an unproven therapy that has the potential for complications.