What would you do if you suddenly couldn’t hear out of one ear? That’s exactly what happened to me, and in this episode I share my journey through sudden sensorineural hearing loss. From the initial shock of waking up completely deaf in one ear, to the science of diagnosis, treatments, and recovery, I take you step by step through what unfolded.
This is one of the most personal and detailed episodes I’ve ever recorded, blending my lived experience with the best available evidence. Whether you’ve dealt with hearing issues yourself, know someone who has, or simply want to understand this under-discussed condition, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of how fragile — and resilient — our hearing can be.
What I Cover
- The frightening onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- How ENTs diagnose hearing loss and the role of audiograms and MRI
- Evidence behind oral steroids, intratympanic injections, and antivirals
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other complementary treatments
- The emotional toll of sudden hearing loss and how to cope
- Signs of recovery and the importance of acting fast
- Key takeaways for anyone who may face this emergency
This experience reminded me of the true value of health, and why caring for it is both a responsibility and a privilege.
- What Happened When I Lost Hearing in One Ear? (00:00)
- How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Diagnosed? (09:19)
- What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss? (14:50)
- Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment Protocol Explained (21:06)
- Do Hyperbaric Oxygen & Lifestyle Help? (25:35)
- How Fast Can Hearing Return? (30:06)
- Key Lessons for Recovery (38:52)
Subscribe and stay connected:
Subscribe to The Proof on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and X for more insights and updates.
Resources
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – my treatment journey
This episode is brought to you by:
38TERA
Consider 38TERA’s DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Function Health
Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States.
Eight Sleep
Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping.
Pique Tea
Pique’s Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon.
Momentous
My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code LIVINGPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Bragg
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and naturally fermented with 100% organic apples, always with the live “Mother” in every bottle. Get 20% off your first order at bragg.com with promo code SIMON.
AirBnB
Right in the heart of the city, I’ve been hosting a hands-on Airbnb Experience at Little City Farm that’s all about plant diversity, gut health, and delicious food. For more information, or to find other experiences on your next trip, check out airbnb.com/experiences.
WHOOP
Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon.


