02/19/2026
FULL UPDATE —
Beginning Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Our Next Big Step)
PRAISE GOD.
I
want to share a detailed update as we move into the next phase of this journey — and also share something important about what happened along the way.
When I first experienced sudden hearing loss, I trusted that every time-sensitive treatment option was being presented to me. With hearing loss as profound as mine (95 dB — completely deaf in my left ear), urgency and aggressive treatment matter.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a recognized treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss — especially when started within the first two weeks. That critical window can make a significant difference in recovery.
This option was never presented to me. Nor was the option to have both the ear steroid and the pill form at the same time. My treatment should have been aggressively pushed from day 1.
Because of that, we lost nearly two of the most important weeks in the four-week treatment window.
I cannot change what wasn’t offered. But I can speak up so others know to ask immediately about all available options when dealing with sudden hearing loss.
After researching over the weekend, I found HBOT myself and
brought it to my primary doctor. She and the team at Northfield Hospital immediately stepped in, escalated everything, fought insurance, and advocated hard for me. (The ENT Dr. didn’t send a referral and instead told me the reasons why she doesn’t think that it would work.) that now has been reported. I had my primary get me an emergency referral for the U of M ENT for all of my future treatments.
So this morning — I walked into my training safety session for the hyperbaric oxygen chamber that we decide to set up just incase insurance did push it through we wanted me to be able to start ASAP…..I was greeted from the nurse manager with a big hug and the words:
“YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED!”
Insurance has approved all 20 sessions — a full month of treatment. That in itself feels like a miracle and an answered prayer.
I begin my very first treatment today at 12:45 PM.
Starting Monday, I will go Monday through Friday from 8:00–11:00 AM for the next month.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being used as an aggressive “salvage” rescue treatment for my sudden hearing loss and nerve symptoms. The goal is to flood the damaged inner ear and surrounding nerves with highly concentrated oxygen under pressure, giving the tissue its best possible chance to heal and regenerate.
Because we are now at day 21, the statistical likelihood of full recovery drops from around 60% to closer to 10%.
That is the medical reality.
But here is the spiritual reality:
Statistics do not determine my outcome. God does.
While I deeply wish this option had been presented earlier, I truly believe God has gone before me in every step — through the ER visits, the MRI with contrast, the spinal tap, the blood patch, the steroid treatments, and now this. He has been with me on this path, and He opened the door for insurance approval when it easily could have been denied.
So next week I have 5 HBOT treatments 3 hours each. I have an appointment with the Neurologist to discuss all of the other symptoms and to go over the Moderate narrowing in the proximal right V4 segment of the diminutive non-dominant right vertebral artery that the ER found on the MRI. And another ENT appointment but this one will be at the U of M and not at Midwest
ENT out of Lakeville!
This next month will be intense.
Three hours a day.
Five days a week.
Twenty treatments.
Physically, it may be tiring.
Emotionally, it’s a lot.
Mentally, it requires endurance.
But I am going into it with hope and fight in my spirit.
If I ever cross your mind in the coming weeks, please pause and pray. And if you see a beautiful sunrise, sunset, or rainbow (my absolute favorites), think of me. Let those moments be gentle reminders from God to lift me up.
If you ever feel led to text me that you prayed or that you’re thinking about me, please do. It truly means the world to not feel alone in this. If I don’t respond right away, please know I’m either resting, in treatment, or protecting my energy — but every message is seen and deeply appreciated.
We are in a rescue mission now.
I have faith that I will be one of the rare ones who gets it all back.
And even if the outcome looks different than I hope, I still trust completely in God’s bigger plan for my life.
I am not giving up.
With love, strength, and faith,
Traci 🤍
PS....I am STILL PLANNING on Doing my EASTER MINIS...I have to have something to look forward to. So mark your calendars for March 28th & 29th
