This book combines personal narratives with information surrounding sudden hearing loss, a condition that could be frightening, isolating and confusing to those experiencing it. I feel the book would succeed in reassuring those who experience the condition by providing personable guidance and realistic expectations.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its use of real-life experiences throughout, with personal accounts in every chapter. These personal accounts may help normalise feelings of shock, anxiety and grief that can accompany sudden hearing loss. They might also help readers feel less alone in their experience by providing opportunities for the reader to have a ‘me-too’ moment.
The book provides clear explanations of sudden hearing loss, its potential causes, the diagnostic processes and possible treatment pathways. The information presented is accurate, easy to understand and up to date. This book is mainly aimed at patients, families and carers, and could also be read by clinicians seeking insight into the lived experience of their patients. From the perspective of an audiologist, it was a worthwhile read and I feel it would be well received by all of these target audiences.
Overall, this is an easy-to-read, logically structured and encouraging book that offers both factual information and comforting reassurance. At less than £20, it is good value for money and I would be happy to recommend it to colleagues and also to anyone affected by a sudden hearing loss.
