1D | Let Me Love You (Goodbye)

Louis Deaf 🦻 (Part 1)

Hearing Loss

Louis's POV
It was during our Loose Women interview that everything went silent. It was sudden and I looked around before I met Niall's gaze. He said something... then he laughed and he made a funny face. I put my hands up to my ears and I felt sick rising in my stomach.
"Sorry," I said, and I left the room. I hadn't heard myself speak. "Hello?" I asked as I went into our dressing room and I closed the door. I could feel my chest moving as my breathing got faster, but I couldn't hear it. I couldn't hear myself. I couldn't hear anything.

I paced around the room, starting to go into a panic attack. I was about to lock the door when Paul opened it.
What's going on? Are you ok Louis?
"Get the medic," I said and I forcefully closed the door before I locked it. Tears streamed down my face and I went into the bathroom. Crouching down, I felt my ears again and a small amount of blood was trickling down the side of my head from my ear.

I swallowed, keeping the tears at bay and I went back into the room. My phone was lightning up with messages.
Paul: The medic's here, open the door Louis.

~

I opened the door and the medic came inside.
"Just them," I told Paul and he took a step back, allowing me to close the door with shaking hands.
...Emily, can you tell me what's going on? The medic asked me as I turned to her.
"I'm scared," I said as I went over and I sat on the bed.
What are you scared about Louis? Emily asked as she came over to me. I looked at her as more tears threatened to fall down my face.
"I can't hear..." I croaked. I couldn't hear myself, but I could feel my voice wavering.
Can you hear anything at all Louis?
"No."
Alright, Emily said and I looked down as I started to cry once more. Emily took one of my hands and, after a moment, I looked back up at her. I'm going to examine your ears Louis.
"Ok," I said before I nodded.

I rubbed my hands against each other as Emily examined my ears. I could see that my phone was receiving messages and I wondered if the boys were out of the interview.
Louis, Emily said as she made eye contact with me. When did the sounds stop?
"5... minutes ago."
So it's not because of any trauma?
"No. My... medical notes..."
Has this been a long term issue?
"Kind of."
Ok. We need to get you to a hospital to get a clearer picture of what's happened. They will also have a copy of your medical history, Emily said and I nodded. She took my hand once more. I know that you're feeling really scared and vulnerable right now Louis. Your bandmates are just outside the door. Would you like me to let one or two of them in, while I arrange for transport to the hospital?
"Yes."
Ok. Take some deep breaths for me, Emily said and she stayed with me as I took some deep breaths and I calmed myself down. I was going to be looked at, even though I knew what had happened. I was being given help, which I knew I needed. I looked back up at Emily as she was taking my pulse with her free hand.
That's really good Louis. I'm going to let your bandmates in now alright?
"Yes. Thank you."

~

Harry came in first, followed closely by Liam and Niall.
Louis, are you ok? Harry asked as he knelt in-front of me and there was no hiding my tears from him. I was scared, and this time I wasn't going to deal with it on my own.
"I need to go, to hospital."
What's wrong?
"My hearing," I said and the boys paused.
Did you hear Liam's question? Harry asked me, and I shook my head as a tear fell from my face.

I looked down, but a moment later I felt Harry's hand gently touch and raise my chin.
Can you hear me at all?
"No," I told him.
...ear's bleeding, I saw Niall said as he looked at my ear.
The medic's sorting out a car out, Harry told Liam and Niall at my side before he turned back to me. You're going to be alright Louis. We've got you.
"I'm sorry," I said and Harry's eyes became even softer.
What are you sorry about?
"I hid..." I said to Harry as I pointed at my ear. "Hid this from... from you."
For how long?
"Since my... fall."
Down the stairs?
"Yeah. Now I can't hear... anything," I said and Harry hugged me.