Popular Twitch streamer and chess personality Andrea Botez has delivered a concerning health update to her global fanbase. The 23-year-old content creator revealed she has suffered sudden hearing loss in her left ear, with medical professionals indicating only a one-in-three chance of full recovery.
Shocking Health Update on Social Media
On December 4, 2025, Andrea Botez took to her official X (formerly Twitter) account to share the distressing news with her followers. Her post quickly garnered widespread attention and messages of support from concerned fans worldwide. In her statement, Botez explained that the hearing loss occurred approximately a week prior and that the exact cause remains unknown to her doctors.
"About a week ago, I lost hearing in my left ear," Botez wrote. "The cause was 'unknown' & there’s a 1/3 chance it will fully recover, but I’m optimistic about treatment." She concluded her message with a crucial public service reminder, urging everyone to take hearing protection seriously.
The Struggle for Timely Medical Care
On the same day, Botez elaborated on her frightening experience in a detailed YouTube video titled "I lost my hearing." She described the immediate aftermath of noticing the sudden hearing impairment and the subsequent hearing test. The results were alarming: she "practically can’t hear any high frequencies" in her left ear, indicating significant, though not total, hearing loss.
The process of seeking urgent medical help proved to be a major hurdle. Botez spent an entire day persistently calling her healthcare provider, trying to secure an emergency appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. She managed to get a slot only for the day before Thanksgiving, which was ironically booked two weeks in advance.
In her video, Botez highlighted the critical time window for treating such conditions, adding to her stress. "I’m already a week late into my treatment, by the way, having not been on steroids for a week," she said, noting that for sudden sensory hearing loss, action is supposed to be taken within 72 hours for the best chance of recovery.
A Hopeful Outlook and a Vital Warning
Despite the daunting prognosis and the challenges in accessing care, Andrea Botez maintains a hopeful attitude towards her recovery. She is currently under continued treatment and close monitoring by her medical team.
This personal health scare has led Botez to issue a strong caution to her audience, many of whom are young gamers and content consumers. Reflecting on her own habits, possibly related to enjoying high-volume audio or music, she now emphatically urges her fans to prioritize their auditory health. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of hearing and the importance of proactive protection in loud environments or during extended headphone use.
The chess star's openness about her diagnosis has sparked important conversations online about health awareness, the challenges of navigating healthcare systems, and the often-overlooked need to safeguard one's hearing.
