Chess streamer Andrea Botez has revealed that she suffered sudden hearing loss in her left ear. She detailed the diagnosis and treatment in a YouTube video, urging fans to protect their hearing.

Botez experienced a high-pitched ringing and muffled hearing during a workout. Doctors initially linked it to fluid from a recent cold, but further tests confirmed sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The condition requires treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset, but her diagnosis came over a week later. She attributed the damage to consistently listening to loud music through headphones and attending festivals without ear protection. Medical treatment is ongoing, with a one-in-three chance of full recovery.

Andrea Botez recently reached the semifinals of the chess tournament SuperPogchamps while concurrently promoting her DJ career. She continues her content creation and streaming schedule.