DEAR DR. GOTT: I went to bed one Thursday evening, and, when I awoke that Friday morning, my hearing in my left ear was gone. I am a healthy person and have not had any injuries. I did, however, have some medical testing done within the two months prior to my hearing loss. The first was a CT scan, in which they injected me with dye to look at a joint in my clavicle. The other was a biopsy of my thyroid gland.

I went to the local urgent-care facility that day, and they found my ear to be normal except for the hearing loss. I do not have any vertigo or any other symptoms, only the hearing loss. The doctor ordered an MRI and put me on prednisone. I have since been referred to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. He has performed numerous hearing tests. Yes, my hearing in the left ear is completely gone. He then put me on a stronger dose of prednisone that started with 60 milligrams per day and went down from there. Nothing has worked. I have an appointment with another ENT specialist in order to get a second opinion. Do you have any further ideas?

DEAR DR. GOTT: When I first read your letter, I thought the problem was impacted wax in the ear, but that can't be the case after all the testing you've had. So, like you, I'll await the evaluation of the second ear specialist. There are other causes of sudden hearing loss, such as benign tumors within the ear, infections, etc., however, you do not have any other symptoms. This may be something you will have to learn to live with or, perhaps (though very unlikely), your hearing will return just as suddenly as it went.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Ear Infections and Disorders." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am taking a medium dose of thyroid medication (Levoxyl) and was wondering if this medicine would cause osteoporosis. I do have bone loss in my hips and back.

Also, if I stopped taking it, what would happen? I know it affects the metabolism, but would it shut down my organs?

DEAR READER: Excess thyroid hormone is associated with bone-calcium loss, which is why patients on thyroid supplements should be checked periodically. This approach would be prudent in your case.

If, however, you simply stop the medication, within weeks you would experience symptoms of a thyroid deficiency. Such symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression and weakness.

Visit with your family physician to sort out your questions and concerns.