Hi, Cheryl here.
I think I've developed what's called Typewriter Tinnitus after having regular tinnitus in my left ear for six years. About seven months ago, I started experiencing rattlesnake-like sensations in my ears and upper jaw, mostly when I was out and talking in loud environments, but sometimes even when just sitting down in the afternoon.
I suspect the change happened after a kinesiology treatment (neurological) which made me groan and feel emotional.
Currently, I'm taking a tricyclic medication called Endep to help with sleep. I had an MRI that showed what was supposedly an incidental finding, a vascular loop sitting on my vestibulocochlear nerve, which I believe is consistent with Typewriter Tinnitus. However, the neurosurgeon says I need to see a neurologist, and he seems unsure of the diagnosis.
I have an appointment with a neurologist in November 2024, and I hope to try Carbamazepine, though I would prefer to manage these spasms naturally.
I've also scheduled a visit with a local ENT specialist to run some preliminary tests. I have sleep apnea, and a previous ENT diagnosed me with narrow nasal passages. I've been doing nasal rinses followed by steroid sprays, but there hasn't been any change. I restarted this routine before seeing the new ENT, who may diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction. I feel my sinuses are reasonably clear, although I have been using a CPAP machine for two years.
I have slight hearing loss in one ear, but my TMJ seems okay. For treatment, I've tried osteopathy on my neck and inside my mouth, dry needling around my neck, trigeminal nerve, and ear. I also tried My Sound Therapy, which is based on the Tomatis Method and is supposed to help with hearing loss, hyperacusis, and in turn tinnitus. It cost 600 AUD but unfortunately did not help and possibly made things worse.
I usually feel fairly relaxed upon waking and do not feel anxious, so there does not seem to be an obvious trigger. I do tend to wake up a bit startled, but that settles once I get moving. I think it is just the higher cortisol levels in the morning.
Cheers,
Cheryl (Australia)
I think I've developed what's called Typewriter Tinnitus after having regular tinnitus in my left ear for six years. About seven months ago, I started experiencing rattlesnake-like sensations in my ears and upper jaw, mostly when I was out and talking in loud environments, but sometimes even when just sitting down in the afternoon.
I suspect the change happened after a kinesiology treatment (neurological) which made me groan and feel emotional.
Currently, I'm taking a tricyclic medication called Endep to help with sleep. I had an MRI that showed what was supposedly an incidental finding, a vascular loop sitting on my vestibulocochlear nerve, which I believe is consistent with Typewriter Tinnitus. However, the neurosurgeon says I need to see a neurologist, and he seems unsure of the diagnosis.
I have an appointment with a neurologist in November 2024, and I hope to try Carbamazepine, though I would prefer to manage these spasms naturally.
I've also scheduled a visit with a local ENT specialist to run some preliminary tests. I have sleep apnea, and a previous ENT diagnosed me with narrow nasal passages. I've been doing nasal rinses followed by steroid sprays, but there hasn't been any change. I restarted this routine before seeing the new ENT, who may diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction. I feel my sinuses are reasonably clear, although I have been using a CPAP machine for two years.
I have slight hearing loss in one ear, but my TMJ seems okay. For treatment, I've tried osteopathy on my neck and inside my mouth, dry needling around my neck, trigeminal nerve, and ear. I also tried My Sound Therapy, which is based on the Tomatis Method and is supposed to help with hearing loss, hyperacusis, and in turn tinnitus. It cost 600 AUD but unfortunately did not help and possibly made things worse.
I usually feel fairly relaxed upon waking and do not feel anxious, so there does not seem to be an obvious trigger. I do tend to wake up a bit startled, but that settles once I get moving. I think it is just the higher cortisol levels in the morning.
Cheers,
Cheryl (Australia)
