Experts Mull Cause of Limbaugh's Deafness
Oct. 10 -- Why is Rush Limbaugh going deaf?
The radio talk show host shocked his listeners Monday, revealing on air that he has suffered a dramatic hearing loss and is now virtually deaf. He said his hearing loss is not genetic but would not elaborate on doctors' diagnoses and "theories."
Hearing experts say there are many possible causes.
Extremely sudden hearing losses, over a very short period of time, are usually caused by viral infections of the ear, or vascular accidents such as a spasm or clotting of an artery.
The hearing loss that Limbaugh seems to be suffering — he said he first noticed symptoms in May — is a slightly slower, but still rapidly progressing form.
"From May 29 up until about 10 days ago, I lost hearing every five days, to the point, ladies and gentlemen, I'm now totally deaf in my left ear," Limbaugh said on his show Monday. "I have the ability to recognize sound but not identify it in my right ear. I cannot communicate with people."
Hearing specialists say this type of loss can be brought on by medications, including certain chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, diuretic drugs, or even extremely high doses of aspirin.
Loss Could Stem From Diabetes to Head Trauma
Rapidly progressing loss can also stem from systemic problems such as diabetes, central nervous system disorders or lesions such as multiple sclerosis, or even a history of head trauma.
"It appears, based on his broadcast that he has undergone extensive testing to rule out most of these disorders," said Dr. Alan Micco, otolaryngologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "It is hard to even guess what is going on with Mr. Limbaugh."
Limbaugh claims he is taking medication, but will not disclose the specific type.
"While I can't guess what he is taking, the most common medications we use for rapidly progressive hearing losses are steroids, low dose chemotherapies and histamine shots," Micco said.
Cure Called Unlikely
It's not likely that Limbaugh will ever be cured, according to Dr. Bruce Gantz, head and neck surgeon at the University of Iowa.
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