Tonic tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS) is an involuntary, anxiety-based condition where the reflex threshold for tensor tympani muscle activity is reduced, causing a frequent spasm. This can trigger aural symptoms from tympanic membrane tension, middle ear ventilation alterations and trigeminal nerve irritability. TTTS is considered to cause the distinctive symptoms of acoustic shock (AS), which can develop after exposure to an unexpected loud sound perceived as highly threatening. Hyperacusis is a dominant AS symptom. Aural pain/blockage without underlying pathology has been noted in tinnitus and hyperacusis patients, without wide acknowledgment. This multiclinic study investigated the prevalence of TTTS symptoms and AS in tinnitus and hyperacusis patients. This study included consecutive patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis seen in multiple clinics. Data collected: Symptoms consistent with TTTS (pain/numbness/burning in and around the ear; aural "blockage"; mild vertigo/nausea; "muffled" hearing; tympanic flutter; headache); onset or exacerbation from exposure to loud/intolerable sounds; tinnitus/hyperacusis severity. All patients were medically cleared of underlying pathology, which could cause these symptoms. 60.0% of the total sample (345 patients), 40.6% of tinnitus only patients, 81.1% of hyperacusis patients had ≥1 symptoms (P < 0.001). 68% of severe tinnitus patients, 91.3% of severe hyperacusis patients had ≥1 symptoms (P < 0.001). 19.7% (68/345) of patients in the total sample had AS. 83.8% of AS patients had hyperacusis, 41.2% of non-AS patients had hyperacusis (P < 0.001). The high prevalence of TTTS symptoms suggests they readily develop in tinnitus patients, more particularly with hyperacusis. Along with AS, they should be routinely investigated in history-taking.
Hi,
Along with my tinnitus came a feeling of fullness in my ear. It feels sort of full and blocked. There isnt anything in it (that's visible) as I've had it checked a few times now. During my research (endless trawling of the Internet) I've only seen one or two mentions of this feeling.
Does anyone else have it? Does anyone know what it is?
Yes, I have it too. It is suppose to be eustachian tube dysfunction. Fullness of the ear and blocked feeling can be symptoms of other illness's as well. If you don't have any other symptoms I wouldn't worry about it being anything else. Sometimes an ear tube can help with the fullness blocked thing if you want to try that route. I haven't done it yet myself. I just tried the myringotomy to allow my eustachian tube a few weeks too heal. That is why I am on this forum because as soon as the myringotomy procedure was done I started having this tinnitus. So now I have tinnitus in addition to everything else. I don't understand how a myringotomy can cause damage to cochlear hairs. I wish someone would explain that one to me. I cannot find any information online about it either. How long have you been dealing with this? I've had the tinnitus for over a month now. Do you know what started your tinnitus? It is suppose to change from acute to chronic at three months. I guess if it hasn't gone away by three months that it is probably going to stick around for awhile. I just don't know if I want to stick around if it does.Hi,
Along with my tinnitus came a feeling of fullness in my ear. It feels sort of full and blocked. There isnt anything in it (that's visible) as I've had it checked a few times now. During my research (endless trawling of the Internet) I've only seen one or two mentions of this feeling.
Does anyone else have it? Does anyone know what it is?
I did have H also and I do think it was related to the fullness I was experiencing. There was nothing medically wrong with me as 3 ENT's told me. However, I feel the changes in my hearing (slight loss in very high freq) was enough to cause the H and Fullness. I think it was a matter of the time it took for my ears, brain and body to adjust and then it corrected itself. I was also very anxious and stressed. This lead to a lot of tension in my body and especially my head. I was having migraines, stiff neck etc and I think this may have also contributed to my fullness.
Is it as full as at first?I have fullness too. you are not alone!
I think I'll make that my signature... lol