Help! Tinnitus driving me crazy - Hearing Disorders Message Board

nj4beatles · 04-30-2004, 07:43 AM

Anyone that can provide some advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

I've been suffering from a loud ringing in both ears for the last month. It seems to have started with a plane ride where my ears did not pop on descent. I felt a pain in the left ear as the plane landed.

Went to GP who prescribed amoxycillin thinking it was an infection (I am prone to sinus trouble). Didn't work. About a week into that the ringing started. GP then prescribed Omnicef - again thinking it was an infection. The second week the ringing got louder.

Had CT scan on sinuses, but all ok. GP suggested neurologist to rule out any neurological problems - all ok. Two ENT's told me to live with the ringing and play the radio to help me sleep. Went to dentist - says it's not TMJ although I do wear a nightguard for grinding.

At this point I'm at a loss. The noise can be tolerated during the day, but night sleep is next to impossible without some Tylenol PM and radio.

I should also add that the ENT didn't see any fluid and hearing test came back normal, with some loss in the higher range.

In addition to tinnitus I am getting a popping sound in both ears when I swallow. Don't know if this is related but the ENT seems to think it is allergies. (Have been using Rhinocort for two weeks with some improvement in the popping, but not ringing).

I've read that Xanax can help alleviate the anxiety and help me cope, has anyone experienced anything like this?

microwave · 05-08-2004, 08:50 PM

I have had tinnitus for 6 years, so I feel your pain!

I also have a nightguard for bruxism, but my tinnitus started before the grinding. The nightguard has not made any difference for me.

I have had a full audiological evaluation and have had CT scans, MRIs, you name it. I also have a slight loss in the upper frequencies in one ear. Besides that, nothing is wrong.

I also have allergies, but my medications haven't helped either. But - have you tried some type of antihistamine? That should help dry up the fluid in your ears.

The thing that caused my tinnitus was an anti-anxiety drug: Wellbutrin. Apparently tinnitus is not an uncommon side effect for it. Recently, I was on Effexor (for anxiety and depression) and we had to go up on my levels of it. sure enough, we went up and my tinnitus got louder. I must emphasize that my tinnitus being caused my these types of medications is somewhat atypical.

I don't suggest getting on any drugs for your tinnitus. Although it's hard to believe it right now, you do get used to it. I can go through a whole day (or a few days) without even thinking about it. I notice it for a minute, then immediately ignore it again! I rarely think about it anymore - and mine is LOUD!!

I always go to bed with the TV on, to drown out the noise. I'm thinking about getting a white noise machine or one of those things that plays ocean waves, jungle sounds, etc., to cover the noise. Other than that, all I can say is that you really will get used to it and it won't bother you. For now, just be in loud environments and try to ignore it. I swear you will get used to it in a few months. Hang in there!

lib · 05-09-2004, 08:28 AM

hi,
i also have tinnitus and popping, and a lot of other terrible ear symptoms, it all started late last summer, after a bunch of tests a bunch of dr.s i was finally diagnosed with patulous eustachian tubes, not what you want to develope, if there is no fluid stay away from the drying meds as it will only make things worse, trust me, i was treated by several dr.s for this and it made it all much worse. where do you live? lib

nj4beatles · 05-12-2004, 07:47 AM

Thanks Microwave. It's nice to know that somebody else out there knows what I'm going through.

FrJackHackett · 05-13-2004, 03:58 AM

I have had constant tinnitus in my left ear for nine years. It takes the form of a very high pitched squeal with occasional periods of sound an octave lower. There is occasional tinnitus in my right ear but it is very intermittent.

It started more or less suddenly following a bad bout of influenza in 1995, although the connection is just a guess. I have always had trouble with a seasonal blocked nose, and the tinnitus is definitely more intrusive at those times. Contrary to what I have read, having coffee or aspirin has no effect, but having a couple of brandies, as I do every Thursday night, does seem to mildly increase it for a few hours.

Hearing tests are fine. My hearing is very acute for my age (56) with a very small dip at one frequency, presumably that of the tinnitus, for my left ear. I still hear things other people in the house cannot, so I am not unduly worried about my hearing. Curiously, my tinnitus has never really stressed me as I have taught myself to ignore it. If your tinnitus takes the form of sudden popping, gurgling and so on, then I can understand the sleep problem. However, I find a constant high frequency has a rather soothing effect on me at night and I have never experienced sleep difficulties.

I spend a lot of time playing the piano, writing music and listening to it. Perhaps that has something to do with the tolerance I have so far been able to apply.