Lani Misalucha is deaf in one ear after bacterial meningitis

Singer Lani Misalucha revealed that she has lost all hearing in her right ear after battling bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Asia’s Nightingale made the emotional announcement during the Christmas special of GMA’s talent show The Clash, where she was previously a judge. On Friday, December 25, Lani explained that her absence from the show was not due to COVID-19, but because of “something worse.”

Lani shared that it was her husband Noli who was first rushed to the ICU on October 9. After suffering from body aches and a “pounding headache,” Lani was also brought to the ICU a day later.

“Meron lang talaga kaming patuloy na nararamdaman which is ‘yung dizziness, and pagkahina ng pandinig,” she said. (Our recurring symptoms were dizziness and our deteroriating sense of hearing).

Lani said that it sounded like she was underwater, with everything “muffled” and “high-pitched.” Eventually, she and her husband became totally deaf in their right ears.

“Meron po kaming vestibular dysfunction kaya po kailangan namin ng alalay lagi,” Lani added. (We have ‘vestibular dysfunction,’ that’s why we always need a caretaker with us). Vestibular dysfunction is caused by certain injuries, which leads to symptoms like vertigo, vomiting, motion sickness, nausea, unsteady walking, and posture problems.

Lani said that she is still grappling to accept her reality, as her hearing is crucial to her being a singer.

“Sinabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Okay, singing may not be for me anymore. But sabi ko okay lang, kung ito yung binigay na challenge then I’ll take the challenge,” she said. (I told myself, ‘okay, singing may not be for me anymore.’ But I said, ‘it’s okay, if this is the challenge given me, I will take it).

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoong Diyos dahil buhay ako, buhay kaming mag-asawa,” Lani added. (I thank the Lord because I am alive, my husband and I). – Rappler.com