Can Cranial Radiation Cause Tinnitus?

[Dan Reeves]

I had full cranial radiation when I was 26 after the full resection of a cancerous brain tumor. The side effects were bad, but it wasn't until 6 years later that I was hit with tinnitus in my left ear.

I was given steroid ear drops which seemed to help the hearing loss side of it. But, the ringing and hissing has only gotten worse over the years. It's maddening.

Any advice would be highly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Kathryn Oates]

I had radiation treatment for an Ependymoma (4th ventricle of the brain) when I was 41. It mainly affected my right ear.

I didn't start having tinnitus until I was 60. Now I'm 74 and it's getting progressively worse. I have to appreciate living this long, but am finding the tinnitus really annoying.

I often wonder what's causing it, the brain or the bones in my ear or the eardrum?

I have skin and wax that builds up on the eardrum that I have removed by an ENT once per year.

 

[GregCA]

I often wonder what's causing it, the brain or the bones in my ear or the eardrum?

There are many possible root causes. You can use this diagnostic flowchart to narrow it down.