tomorrow - IAC MRI - bit scared - Hearing Disorders Message Board

Twinkie50 · 11-10-2008, 05:08 AM

Hi - I am kinda new to this board, but not to my heart beating in my ear!!

I have had swishing, pulsing tinnitus in my right ear for about 12 years. Each time I fly it gets worse. I saw an ENT about 8 years ago that scoped up my nose and said my euthastian tube on that side was narrowed and not to fly if I ever have congestion. That was about all he told me.

It comes and goes in intensity, but its always there. I flew in April very sick (had to get home) but I regret getting in that plane. Anyway, since then it has gotten so much worse. I saw an ENT/head/neck surgeon last week - he did a hearing test - my hearing was fine but slightly less in that ear with tones. Probably because when they did the test and I had those headphones on, the pulsing was SO LOUD I could not hear the tones. Anyway, he wanted to be safe and ordered an IAC MRI which I am having tomorrow. I am kinda freaked about it - I am worried about the dye injection. I know they say its safe, but I have alot of allergies to antibiotics and some foods and the sulfites in wine and I am nervous.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!!!! MaryAnn

kitchener12 · 11-13-2008, 06:45 PM

Hi Twinkie50
By the time you get this you will probably have had your MRI, I hope it went ok

I had pulsing tinnitus on and off for about 3 years, it drove me nuts....I can truly empathise with you

My tinnitus was lessened by having a stapedectomy in the noisy ear , but then I did have pretty much full hearing loss there...
It could be related to blood pressure maybe, if your s is high. I am sure your MRI should provide some results.

Twinkie50 · 11-14-2008, 04:03 PM

Hi - thanks for responding. The MRI came out negative and I am surprised. I thought for sure they would find something. Its making me CRAZY. I have had it a very long time, but its so much worse and constant lately. My blood pressure is fine - I have been doing it at home and keeping track. Funny thing is when I place pressure on my jugular vein, the sound stops. They say that can have something to do with rapid blood flow??? I have to go back to my ENT in 2 weeks. Maybe more tests? MaryAnn

kitchener12 · 11-15-2008, 07:14 AM

Hi Twinkie50

My pulsing tinnitus first started with my first pregnancy, I really freaked me out, I ended up taking early mat leave just to lessen stress!

I know my dr prescribed me a med to lessen anxiety which I have only taken once (!) as I hate taking meds at all and wanted to find the root cause for the noise as I am sure you do too.

I am assuming the MRI would pick up any tumors, swelling etc am I right?
YOu mentioned that you have a narrower eustacian tube on that side? THere is a condition that children can get that can cause tinnitus it is called otitis media (I think) It may be that the narrow tube is causing this

You metioned slight haering loss at your test in this ear, does your ear ever feel full?

I did a search for pulsatile tinnitus eustachian tube and found some interesting sites

kitchener12 · 11-15-2008, 07:18 AM

Sorry me again
Check out this PATULOUS EUSTACHIAN TUBE
do you have any of these symptoms?

Regards