Anyone suffering with tinnitus??????? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Twinkie50 · 11-13-2008, 03:16 PM

Hi. I was wondering if anyone here with FM has issues with tinnitus? I have, in my right ear, a pulsing, swooshing sound that at times beats in sync with my heart. I have had it many years. But, lately its gotten so bad its driving me mad. I just went to an ENT Head/Neck Surgeon who informed me that this kind of tinnitus can be due to vascular problems within the head, ear, neck. Or blood flow problems and can sometimes be pin-pointed and helped. I just went for an MRI of my inner ear to check for tumors, blood vessel problems, anuresyms (scary) and it came back normal. However, I have to go back to have further tests.

Anyone? And if so, has anything helped???????????? MaryAnn

ruzalily · 11-13-2008, 06:19 PM

Hi MaryAnn,
Yes, I believe that tinnitus can be caused by fibro. i have had a high pitched sound in my ears since my fibro symptoms started, and for about three weeks I also had a clicking sound in my left ear, along with TMJ. In the reading that I have done about this condition, I have learned that there are "deep masseter tender points" that can cause ringing, roaring, or crackling sounds in the ears - all associated with fibro. I don't know how to advise you about making it go away, but I have massaged the areas in front of my ear, (on the back of my jaw over my back teeth) and that has helped the clicking. I still have the ringing, but it isn't as prominent. I have seen a myofacial pain therapist because I have symptoms of FMS/MPS, and this treatment has helped immensely. You may want to look into this as a possible treatment for your symptoms. Wishing you peace (and quiet!) Lily

bluelakelady · 11-14-2008, 07:28 AM

hi twinkie,
when my doc put me on one aspirin a day to thin my blood the swooshing thing went away. must mention when i went off the aspirin recently for other procedures it did not return.
related to fibro? who really knows. we all speculate, including the doctors. i hope everything works out for you. keep us posted. what other tests will you be facing?
peace,
bluelakelady

1stBlush · 11-14-2008, 11:52 AM

I have a constant ringing in both ears. Sometimes extremely loud. I don't have the swooshing sounds though. Sorry to hear it's so bad for you.

Twinkie50 · 11-14-2008, 04:00 PM

He mentioned doing an MRA which I think is an MRI with injection that checks your vascular/circulatory system. Just with everything I have read about pulsating tinnitus, it can be dangerous - it also can be pinpointed to NOTHING - also may have to have jugular vein/carotid artery checked. I am only 50 and do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but you never know where a blockage could be. Thing is, I have had it for over 12 years, but lately it has gotten almost constant and it used to come and go....

MaryAnn