Do I Have PT?

[g26]

This is very difficult to explain, so I will do my best.

I have this chirping/clicking/zing kind of sound that to me, feels like it is coming from the base of my neck towards the back of my head.

I've heard this sound before, which I chalked up to the position I was sitting/laying in, etc. I would typically hear this sound a few times and that's it - there would be quite some time until I hear it again or even notice it.

Now, it's constant - for 3 days straight I hear this sound. I really need this to stop.

The sound is faint and only obvious when it's really quiet, or I really pay attention to it. I can hear it now as I type, however if I'm watching a movie or on the phone, I tend not to notice it as much.

I checked my blood pressure, it's spot on 120/70 resting heart rate is 60.

Is this PT? I've made an appointment with an ENT for Friday - Friday can't some soon enough.

Any thoughts are appreciated - thank you.

 

[Jesse Pinkman]

Well, does it follow your pulse? Youre saying its constsant. Doesnt really sound like PT

 

[Karen]

Hi, G26,

I'm glad you have an appointment with an ENT on Friday, so that you can be checked out. I have pulsatile tinnitus myself, and mine sounds like sort of rushing wind during the day, and a soft drumbeat at night. Another way to describe it is like the ultrasound of a baby's heartbeat.

Is yours totally in sync with your pulse? You could try holding your wrist, feeling the pulse, and noting whether the sound goes exactly along with it.

It doesn't sound like PT to me, but it is best to have your doctor check you out. A lot of people with tinnitus have a chirping sound. Have you noticed that you have any sort of hearing loss? Are you taking any new drugs? There are a lot of things that could be causing this.

I'll be interested to hear what your doctor has to say on Friday. Good luck, and please update here after your appointment.

 

[g26]

Thank you for the replies.

Let me clear up a few things (sorry for the confusion). It's not a constant sound but it happens through out the day.

It's usually something like this.. I'll hear the sound, lets say 2-3 times, then 1-2 times after a slight pause, then 5 more times. Then it won't happen again for 10 minutes or 5 minutes, etc.

It's hard to say if it follows my pulse, I want to say yes but sometimes I think the sound is happening a little too fast.

No drugs or medication. The odd thing to me is I can't say it's stronger in my left or right ear, it's kind of like I hear it with both ears and the sound is clearly coming from the base of my neck and now I want to say it almost feels like my throat? Very odd.

The sound is higher in pitch, but not a squeal - which is why I say it sounds like a chirp from a cricket. It almost has the same cadence as a cricket does too.

 

[Karen]

Thanks for the clarification, G26. It could be fluctuating tinnitus, and it does seem unusual that it sounds like it might be coming from the throat area. But tinnitus is a very strange thing, and sometimes it may feel more like it's coming from the middle of your head rather than from your ears.

Have you had a hearing test recently? If not, maybe the ENT will test your hearing to determine if you have some loss in the high ranges. I'll be really interested to hear what your doctor has to say.

 

[g26]

Thanks Karen. I have an appointment on Friday with the ENT. We will see what they say.

To add more clarity, I'd say it sounds more like a cicada than a cricket - if that makes any sense. I'd like to also add that I was exposed to very loud music on a regular basis for about 7-8 years until I got smart and started to wear in ear monitors to protect myself.

 

[Karen]

Yes, it does make sense. Mine sounds more like a cicada, too, so I can relate to your description! What you have could simply be fluctuating tinnitus. For some people, it is like that instead of a constant noise.

Please do post an update after your appointment with the ENT!

 

[g26]

Thank you so much Karen for you prompt replies and insight! Will I ever have any relief? This has been going on for years but as I said before, it would quickly go away.

Now I am going on day 4 of it happening.. it's really starting to bother me.

 

[Karen]

Tinnitus can be a very bothersome condition. If the ENT isn't able to offer any suggestions, please come back here to Tinnitus Talk for support and assistance. We're all in this together!

 

[g26]

Just a little update.

Doctor has prescribed muscle relaxers, which greatly helped reduce my issues.

I've been diagnosed with inner ear myoclonus. The doctor is a little concerned that I may possibly have MS, so I've been scheduled for an MRI.

I stopped taking the muscle relaxers (I did not like how they made me feel). While I do still experience the "cicada" sound, it seems to be less often.

I'll report back with my MRI, hopefully all good news.

 

[Karen]

Thanks for the update! I don't blame you for stopping the muscle relaxer; my doctor prescribed that for me, too, but I never took it because I was afraid of the side effects.

I hope all goes well with the MRI. Yes, please do report back after you've had it; let's hope for good results!!

Best wishes,
Karen