Hey Dave, we don't know each other I am not in this section often, but I just wanted to drop you a quick note of encouragement. I went through a rather bad patch about 8 years ago with something along the same line as you are suffering from now so I can relate very well. In my case it was Arthritic inflamation of the knee and elbow, and additional AutoImmune attacks in other area's mainly the inner ear which led to almost total deafness. It was a difficult time for sure, and the treatment was not very plesant (Chemo, Steroids, anti-imflamitories) BUT and this is important some of the treatment I endured was experimental and has now developed into quite effective methods so CHIN UP, and listen to the good Doc's. It may take some adjustments, trial and error to get the right Med(s) for you but once they figure out the best course of treatment you should begin to feel much better.
As for me, the hearing never recovered, I received a Cochlear Implant which has been an outstanding success, and despite living in Atlantic Canada with our sometimes ugly winter weather I have not had a repeat of the Arthritus - so there is always hope, take care and happy landings.