Can General Anesthesia Make Tinnitus Worse?

[M Orth]

Hello,

I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy in a few weeks and will be having general anesthesia for the procedure. I have had tinnitus for several years which is coming from damaged nerves in my ears due to many years of playing drums and listening to loud music (it was fun, but had I known ).

I hear mixed messages when it comes to general anesthesia. Some people report it makes their tinnitus worse, some no effect, some even better.

What I am wondering is what is the likelihood of general anesthesia administered for a colonoscopy having an an affect on my tinnitus? At this point, I am comfortable with my tinnitus and can go long stretches of time before I notice it. I'd like to keep it that way and am just wondering what risks may be involved and preventable.

Thanks!

Mike

 

[Dr. Nagler]

What I am wondering is what is the likelihood of general anesthesia administered for a colonoscopy having an an affect on my tinnitus?

Hi Mike -

General anaesthesia is hardly ever used for colonoscopy. Most probably you will have "conscious sedation" using fentanyl and Versed. You will feel nothing. You will remember nothing. And your tinnitus will be unaffected.

Sweet dreams!

stephen nagler