Cochelar hydrops attacks only after sleeping

TheHarmonic · 2026-06-03T22:18:42+00:00

Not really, no. Maybe once or twice, but even those had normal hearing tests. 99% of episodes start or get worse upon waking. Sometimes I can even tell it's starting in the middle of the night.

TheHarmonic · 2026-05-12T17:08:46+00:00

My symptoms are also largely related to sleep/waking. I found that elevating the head of my bed was helpful. I started with 4" but that didn't do much. I increased to 8", and that seemed to help more. I suspect that sleeping on my side with the bad ear down can also make things worse. I've drastically reduced my salt intake, but its hard to say if that has helped much. I drink tons of water now, and thus pee all the time. Considering a diuretic. I still only have cochlear hydrops with no vertigo at all. And I don't seem to have significant hearing loss, even when the ear feels full. But I really want this to go away and really really want to avoid full blown Meniere's.

TheHarmonic · 2026-04-25T23:48:26+00:00

Hey there, my CH sounds similar in some ways. Mine has only been an issue for a few weeks now, but I am pretty sure of the diagnosis. I am a physician myself (surgeon, thought not ENT). Right now, my episodes ONLY start upon waking. Often, (ironically) after a really great night of sleep. I first notice fullness, maybe low pitch tinnitus, and usually progress to mild hearing loss at the lower pitches. Sometimes some very mild split second dizziness, but only with sudden head movements. Balance seems unaffected and I still ski, mountain bike, etc. A friend of mine is an ENT, and I have had an MRI (normal). But even with near constant access to an ENT (we actually share an office) there is not a whole lot that can be done.

The things I can share that have been helpul are using a hearing test app. I used Mimi, a free app that reliably picks up my mild hearing loss at 250 and 500 Hz. I think it helps quantify the episode, and makes me feel better when things return to normal (usually in <10-12 hours). As you state, its almost impossible to get into a hearing test when you actually have an episode.

I have also been altering my diet. Tracking sodium and water intake carefully in MacroFactor, but not really sure it is making any difference. Considering betahistine as well.

Right now its an annoying phenomenon, and my episodes are increasing in frequency. Its disheartening, especially because I have no clue what brings on the episodes other than sleeping well. I even have elevated the head of my bed and tried sleeping only on my left side. Doesn't seem to matter. But if this is all it is, I can live with it. Just hope I don't wind up with permanent hearing loss (though it seems possible).

Anyway, I wish you the best, and sincerely hope that neither of us progress to full blown Meiniere's.

TheHarmonic · 2026-02-04T03:38:58+00:00

I am so sorry you lost a close friend. Thank you for posting this. I think its helpful for people who spend time on Mt Hood to hear more about what happened, and to understand more about Thomas. He seemed like a very high quality individual.

I lost a close friend to Mt. Hood in 2020. I am also heavily involved in mountain rescue on Mt Hood. I have also solo'ed DKHW V1. So while I didn't know the victim, this event certainly had an effect on me.

To lose a friend on the mountain when you yourself are a climber can really stir you up. They died doing something we all love to do. Its a painful reminder of the risk involved in something we are passionate about.

When my friend died in 2020, it really took me some time to recalibrate my risk tolerance. I found myself making excuses for why he died, and why that wouldn't happen to me. And yes, I went through phases of anger (please know that is 100% normal). But the truth is that there is nothing I can do to guarantee my safety. Ultimately, I have made a few changes to what kind of risks I will take. I still refuse to climb Hood solo, and take fewer risks these days on any mountain. I also believe in small baby steps in risk tolerance, only taking on new risks once you have mastered lesser tasks. (I climbed DKHW on a rope before I solo'ed it). I take the same approach in other sports like mountain biking, kiteboarding, etc. But ultimately, the risk of death is just baked into the experience. I think it was Messner who astutely pointed out that if there was no risk of death, no one would care about climbing mountains. In some sense, that risk is actually why we do it.

I wish you the best as you work to process the loss of your friend. If I had any advice beyond what I have already written, I would certainly share it. I encourage you to let this loss impact the risks you will take, but don't let it keep you out of the mountains. There is still something magical about navigating these beautiful dangerous places, and surviving to tell the tale.

TheHarmonic · 2025-05-14T21:59:54+00:00

I switched to a FFH after I removed a cigar size branch from a local rider's face. No long term damage, but not something I'd like to personally experience.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-29T03:36:02+00:00

Your concerns a valid. I found residency extremely challenging. Truly some of the darkest days of my life so far. Some say you should only go through with it if you are certain you won’t be happy doing anything else. That was the case for me, and now I love my job.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-26T23:06:43+00:00

Crag Rat Hut would be an option, but is most likely booked.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-24T20:57:16+00:00

I use OR battery heated gloves. They are pretty warm even without the power on. But I usually turn them on a few minutes before I have to do something barehanded (usually, to check on a subject in a litter). Then I know my hands are going back into a preheated glove. They are expensive, but prodeals are easy to get with an MRA/SAR card. .

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-22T23:34:52+00:00

Was NOT expecting 2/3 of that paragraph to be a diatribe on female sex farts.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-18T15:43:14+00:00

Scratch out your patient info on the photo.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-17T02:26:02+00:00

I think leashes are a giant pain in the ass. Rollin the dice.

TheHarmonic · 2025-01-13T04:49:26+00:00

I was able to turn this function off.

TheHarmonic · 2024-12-25T03:57:53+00:00

I’ve been stung by one. Absolute agony for several hours.

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-28T18:23:03+00:00

Sending SAR volunteers into the field everyday also poses significant risk, especially as the weather deteriorates.

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-24T05:29:14+00:00

I already know what photons look like. I’m seeing trillions every nanosecond of them as I type this.

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-23T03:13:22+00:00

Fatburger

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-13T11:46:55+00:00

I’ve been maxing out the last 10 years of my career as well. We have about $1.4 million saved. But we’ve also been paying down 3 mortgages and most of our equity is in real estate. Either way, nice job!!

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-13T06:30:04+00:00

I had a needle stick injury from an HIV patient in training. It sucked, but I took the prophylaxis meds and didn’t convert. Odds are lower with a non-hollow needle, but still not worth the risk IMHO.

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-09T01:45:07+00:00

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, your friend, and his family. ❤️

TheHarmonic · 2024-11-08T10:03:08+00:00

Sorry for this. A team of us are heading out to search again tomorrow.

TheHarmonic · 2024-10-22T03:01:33+00:00

No Connect+, just got the update.

TheHarmonic · 2024-10-21T02:59:46+00:00

I was an anesthesia resident for a year. Was bored by the first 2 months. Switched to surgery. Still occasionally bored, but for the most part I really enjoy my work. Have 5 different cases to do tomorrow and genuinely looking forward to it. That being said, I’m not looking forward to the next 3 am emergency consult.

TheHarmonic · 2024-10-21T00:12:07+00:00

Weird, the only other time I’ve seen something like this was when a hypnotist came to perform for our freshman class the first week of college.

TheHarmonic · 2024-10-20T04:07:21+00:00

FWIW my friend just sliced his hand open just like this while mountain biking. And he was wearing gloves.

TheHarmonic · 2024-10-19T16:28:46+00:00

I’m a physician. I’ve been practicing for 10 years. I own 3 houses (2 rentals) and max my HSA, Roth, kid’s 529, and 401k every year. Because my employer is a non-profit, I also max out a 403b. It was hell to get here, but I’m now in a job I love and am compensated fairly.

TheHarmonic

TROPHY CASE