**Miami**: Kelsie Gonzalez shares her struggles with tinnitus and hearing loss as a result of long Covid, exploring treatment options and the impact on her mental health while offering hope to others in similar situations through shared experiences and dietary changes.
Kelsie Gonzalez, a Miami resident, faced significant health challenges stemming from long Covid after her marriage last year. The virus impacted her inner ear, leading to unexpected hearing loss and the onset of tinnitus, a condition characterised by a persistent ringing in the ears.
“I woke up one day with a ringing in my ear, a muffled sound. It was difficult to hear in my right ear,” Gonzalez recounted, describing the sensation as akin to having water trapped in her ear. This situation is not uncommon, as studies indicate that timely medical intervention is crucial for improving the chances of hearing recovery.
Gonzalez sought treatment from Dr. Adrien Eshraghi, an otolaryngologist at U-Health, who administered steroid injections directly into her ear. This approach aimed to reduce inflammation and subsequently assist in the restoration of her hearing abilities. Despite this intervention, Gonzalez continued to experience the intense symptoms of tinnitus, which occurred when the brain attempted to compensate for the lack of auditory input.
“The intensity of the ring just got louder and louder,” she remarked, highlighting the isolating effects of her condition, particularly in social situations. “I felt very isolated in group settings. I couldn’t concentrate on building social relationships with family and friends. I felt alone in a room of people. I was just in my head with that horn sound in my ear,” Gonzalez explained.
Dr. Haimd Djalilian, an ear and tinnitus specialist at the University of California’s Irvine Medical Center, employs migraine medications as a treatment strategy for tinnitus patients. “We can settle the process and make the ringing quieter,” he stated, affirming the benefit these medications can provide.
In addition to medical treatment, Gonzalez has adopted a migraine-prevention diet, eliminating caffeine, chocolate, and processed meats from her meals. This dietary change has further contributed to her recovery, leading her to express gratitude for the improvements she has experienced since beginning treatment. “I really feel like I got my life back. I feel like myself again,” she said, expressing her desire to support others who may be suffering from similar conditions. “If I can help one person who may be feeling the same way or experiencing the same symptoms, it would be worth it.”
The experiences of Gonzalez and the insights from medical professionals point to the complex interplay between hearing loss, tinnitus, and overall mental health. Conditions like tinnitus are not just auditory but can significantly affect an individual’s mental wellbeing, leading to feelings of anxiety and isolation. The stories of patients like Gonzalez highlight the ongoing need for effective management strategies and the latest advancements in treatment to improve the quality of life for those affected by hearing impairments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
