I want to tell you that I have had tinnitus for 12 years before my COVID-19 injection, and NO tinnitus is fatal. Stay strong and if you ever want to talk, I'm here.
I Now Have Tinnitus After Receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
- Thread starter Mamabear
- Start date
Reading this thread is really making me nervous. I've been really looking forward to getting vaccinated so that life can return to something more like normal. But now I'm not sure what to do.
Weigh your options. Are you older or have any underlying heath issues? If you're under 50 and in pretty good health, maybe skip it.
Chris S.
Member
- Feb 2, 2021
- 88
- Tinnitus Since
- February 2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Exposure to loud sound; Pfizer vaccine
It's been nearly five days since I got the second Pfizer shot. The initial spike (worse than anything I had had before) subsided about 30 hours after the shot, and my tinnitus is back to where, more or less, it was after the first injection. I also noticed a bit of improvement from a Bioflavonoid complex that I started two days ago, but it is still too early to draw any conclusions. The vaccine ordeal is over for now and at least the prospect of having some form of immunity against COVID-19 is a plus.
I have a thought on your comment. I had the first Pfizer jab/shot on February 17th and 10 days later my very mild overhead buzzing sound became a moderate-in-volume staticky buzz. It is ongoing. There have been a few good days or brief periods of relative quiet but overall I consider myself having a permanent worsening of my tinnitus.
Believe me, I am not loving having moderate instead of mild tinnitus BUT, if I had it to do over again, I would get the one Pfizer jab/shot again in order to get the protection from COVID-19. Spending the rest of my life in paranoid isolation doesn't sound like living and the fear of even worse tinnitus from COVID-19 is warranted.
With one shot I feel like I have struck a reasonable balance between risking tinnitus exacerbation and being able to re-enter society. I am okay with less-than-perfect immunity. I will not be getting the second shot.
Thanks for the advice. I've looked into this some more and I think I will go ahead and get vaccinated. It seems that getting COVID-19 also presents a high risk of aggravating tinnitus, along with all the other potential problems. So I'll take my chances with the vaccine. I'm also thinking that most people only received their vaccinations recently and its quite possible that it takes a few months for some people to go back to their pre-vaccination state.
I am wondering if there is any data on the immunity level with one Pfizer shot. I recently read it could be as high as 80 percent two months after vaccination, and that would be wonderful for anyone who only receives one shot.
I understand why they did not research this during the initial testing, but I feel like there are now individuals in the general public who are only receiving one shot and monitoring them could provide excellent data. It could be helpful for determining if one or two shots is necessary in the future. I feel like if the vaccine only required one shot, people hesitant to receive it may be more inclined to be vaccinated.
I have looked at reported second shot side effects for Pfizer in the U.S. and Israel (who has vaccinated around half of its adult population), and fewer neurological or rare side effects are reported with the second shot. I am not at all saying that to sway your choice, but more for anyone reading this thread who receives the first shot without any side effects and is curious.
With your one shot, you at least have some protection and I think it still leaves the door open for a future booster if something changes in terms of how you feel, the side effect data, or the virus spread/severity.
Totally agree; there must be many, many people needing to know what the implications are if they need to not get the second shot. Fingers crossed the first jab provides enough protection for peace of mind.
Yes, and I really hope that someone in the medical community is tracking individuals with only one dose.
Have you talked to your doctor? I am wondering if they could check your immunity level, like they do by running titers for other immunizations. That could give you some significant peace of mind.
Keep in mind that tinnitus is being reported in the USA from all 3 vaccines. So if you lump all vaccines together, you may get a different percentage. I hope it would be lower but haven't looked at any data.
I'm in the UK, but was thinking the same, only getting the one shot. It's a minefield, you could possibly get worse tinnitus from catching COVID-19 or possibly worse tinnitus from the vaccine.
For those interested I received my second dose of the Pfizer shot on April 7th.
The April 8th my tinnitus didn't seem any worse so I was pleased.
April 9th, 10th + 11th was bad to the point I felt almost catatonic. Previously I would've never imagined. Without asking my neighbor mowed our lawn for us. It was bad enough I couldn't attempt it even with ear protection.
April 12th, 13th + 14th wasn't as bad but bad enough to stay away from any loud noises such as lawn equipment etc.
April 15th started out with buzzing in my right ear and "seemed" as if the left was back to normal. Hard to explain, by evening had no buzzing in either ear but seemed as there were June bugs on a hot summer day. Oddly, it didn't seem as if it was coming from my ears but directly over head.
Today, all day the loud crickets on steroids noise seems to be back in both ears.
I don't know what triggers it and why some days are better than others. If someone has some insight I'm interested.
Somehow have to find a way to keep my sense of humor. Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.
Does Tinnitus Talk offer any Pfizer refugee badges? If I've found my way here I'm sure there will be many others to follow.
The April 8th my tinnitus didn't seem any worse so I was pleased.
April 9th, 10th + 11th was bad to the point I felt almost catatonic. Previously I would've never imagined. Without asking my neighbor mowed our lawn for us. It was bad enough I couldn't attempt it even with ear protection.
April 12th, 13th + 14th wasn't as bad but bad enough to stay away from any loud noises such as lawn equipment etc.
April 15th started out with buzzing in my right ear and "seemed" as if the left was back to normal. Hard to explain, by evening had no buzzing in either ear but seemed as there were June bugs on a hot summer day. Oddly, it didn't seem as if it was coming from my ears but directly over head.
Today, all day the loud crickets on steroids noise seems to be back in both ears.
I don't know what triggers it and why some days are better than others. If someone has some insight I'm interested.
Somehow have to find a way to keep my sense of humor. Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.
Does Tinnitus Talk offer any Pfizer refugee badges? If I've found my way here I'm sure there will be many others to follow.
I don't know what triggers it either. If we did, *maybe* we could do something about it? Avoid certain noises?
Crickets on steroids? Yeah. I should start describing my tinnitus as cicadas on steroids.
Chris S.
Member
- Feb 2, 2021
- 88
- Tinnitus Since
- February 2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Exposure to loud sound; Pfizer vaccine
Tvan, I am also dealing with the spike that the first doze of the Pfizer vaccine gave me — the second dose made matters much, much worse, but only for about 30 hours and then it returned to where it was after the first jab.
But I've noticed that mine spikes VERY badly after mowing the lawn, even if wearing Peltor X5A ear muffs + a pair of 3M 1100 earplugs under (according to some other posters here on this forum, this is one of the best hearing protection combos one can get). And my lawn mower is not loud, 85 decibels (measured in dBC or dBZ) but the tinnitus spikes regardless. Wearing anti-vibration gloves to dampen the transmission of sounds through the bone doesn't help either. I've also noticed that hearing others mow a lawn, even at a safe distance, still might spike my tinnitus.
So certain sounds in/around your home may cause your tinnitus to worsen. Also many foods do that for me, especially those rich in sodium and MSG (dairy, sauces, any processed meats, any fast food, any frozen meal, etc.). I started cooking from scratch, not using any MSG-rich ingredients, except the occasional glass of milk (milk, because of being pasteurized, has lots of free glutamine that is generally bad for tinnitus sufferers), and that has made things a bit better.
What triggers it beyond certain noises and food? Stress, lack of sleep, and focusing on the tinnitus too much. Also, you should be very careful about supplements and medications — especially the later. My tinnitus was mild for 9 months but a single aspirin pill made it a much bigger problem. That was nearly three months ago and things haven't returned back to base. And then came, of course, the Pfizer vaccine to add to it.
But I've noticed that mine spikes VERY badly after mowing the lawn, even if wearing Peltor X5A ear muffs + a pair of 3M 1100 earplugs under (according to some other posters here on this forum, this is one of the best hearing protection combos one can get). And my lawn mower is not loud, 85 decibels (measured in dBC or dBZ) but the tinnitus spikes regardless. Wearing anti-vibration gloves to dampen the transmission of sounds through the bone doesn't help either. I've also noticed that hearing others mow a lawn, even at a safe distance, still might spike my tinnitus.
So certain sounds in/around your home may cause your tinnitus to worsen. Also many foods do that for me, especially those rich in sodium and MSG (dairy, sauces, any processed meats, any fast food, any frozen meal, etc.). I started cooking from scratch, not using any MSG-rich ingredients, except the occasional glass of milk (milk, because of being pasteurized, has lots of free glutamine that is generally bad for tinnitus sufferers), and that has made things a bit better.
What triggers it beyond certain noises and food? Stress, lack of sleep, and focusing on the tinnitus too much. Also, you should be very careful about supplements and medications — especially the later. My tinnitus was mild for 9 months but a single aspirin pill made it a much bigger problem. That was nearly three months ago and things haven't returned back to base. And then came, of course, the Pfizer vaccine to add to it.
I got my first Pfizer shot on March 28. I posted in the first or second page of this thread the details--no side effects except for a mild pain at the injection site and tinnitus 24/7. By the time I did my research and talked to my doctor, I still had the tinnitus but it seemed somewhat faded. The doctor said if I had no hearing loss, he'd recommend I get the shot.
I decided to get the second shot (on April 20). My arm was a lot more painful this time, but I could sleep. The tinnitus didn't change until about 5 hours after the shot and it got a little louder. I also noticed my ears felt "warm" inside--not hot, not painful--just warm. That also passed. The tinnitus is back to the faded level, but still 24/7. I have hopes that it will go back to my usual now and then in a few weeks or months. I've had both the kinds I get, high pitched almost like a dentist's drill and the pulsating one. I feel normal today coming up on 48 hours after shot.
As far as a 3rd shot, that is being debated now. I saw on the news that when asked if everyone needs a 3rd shot, Dr. Fauci said "Not so fast." Drug companies should not tell us to get treated with their product. We need to study and gather data. For those who think this 'booster" is due to this first set wearing off, it's not, it's to resist the new mutations that are happening because people are still out maskless, in large crowds, and airline flights are happening from badly affected countries. And so far only 1/3 of the US is vaccinated--and we need 3/4 to be vaccinated. Viruses mutate, which is why you need annual flu shots. So if the CDC says get a 3rd shot, I will. I feel blessed not to have the loud and horrible type of tinnitus, but decided I can live with what I have until I die if I avoid the possible horrible long-term effects of getting COVID-19.
I decided to get the second shot (on April 20). My arm was a lot more painful this time, but I could sleep. The tinnitus didn't change until about 5 hours after the shot and it got a little louder. I also noticed my ears felt "warm" inside--not hot, not painful--just warm. That also passed. The tinnitus is back to the faded level, but still 24/7. I have hopes that it will go back to my usual now and then in a few weeks or months. I've had both the kinds I get, high pitched almost like a dentist's drill and the pulsating one. I feel normal today coming up on 48 hours after shot.
As far as a 3rd shot, that is being debated now. I saw on the news that when asked if everyone needs a 3rd shot, Dr. Fauci said "Not so fast." Drug companies should not tell us to get treated with their product. We need to study and gather data. For those who think this 'booster" is due to this first set wearing off, it's not, it's to resist the new mutations that are happening because people are still out maskless, in large crowds, and airline flights are happening from badly affected countries. And so far only 1/3 of the US is vaccinated--and we need 3/4 to be vaccinated. Viruses mutate, which is why you need annual flu shots. So if the CDC says get a 3rd shot, I will. I feel blessed not to have the loud and horrible type of tinnitus, but decided I can live with what I have until I die if I avoid the possible horrible long-term effects of getting COVID-19.
Member- Oct 31, 2020
- 1,254
- Tinnitus Since
- 9-17-2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- turning everything up to 11
I had tinnitus before the vaccine, but the sounds that developed after it sound the same as what you are experiencing. Interesting...
I'm scheduled to get shot #2 next week on Wednesday and I have no idea what I'm going to do.
Be the last to get it and be hyper vigilant. If you must, take only one dose, and wait 6 weeks to see if you get worse.
Think of it this way, if the vaccine makes it worse, COVID-19 certainly would've.
Talk to your doctor. I've had tinnitus off and on since I was a kid. From all I've read outside of this thread, such side effects resolve eventually.
I did report to VAERS and used the V-Safe app. The V-safe app does NOT let you report adverse effects unless you report at least one side effect on their list. Very annoying. So I chose "tired" each day and put tinnitus in the Comments. I have a feeling I won't be hearing from them.
i have never had tinnitus before but now i due right after my shot of pfizer went to ent did testing thay cant due anything for me
There's a lot of pregnant women posting their personal experience on VAERS. They are reporting a miscarriage after taking a COVID-19 vaccine.Talk to your doctor. I've had tinnitus off and on since I was a kid. From all I've read outside of this thread, such side effects resolve eventually.
I did report to VAERS and used the V-Safe app. The V-safe app does NOT let you report adverse effects unless you report at least one side effect on their list. Very annoying. So I chose "tired" each day and put tinnitus in the Comments. I have a feeling I won't be hearing from them.
The alarming factor is the pattern. It's immediately after the vaccine.
That does sound scary. I wonder what % this has happened to? If it's big enough, it has to be related. I do know I once read that 60% of first pregnancies end in miscarriage--no reason--it just happens.
I got my first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on a Tuesday and by Saturday the crickets were in both ears. This was not listed anywhere as a possible side effect and it has been a nightmare. I have good days and bad days in its intensity. Sadly as much as I long for quiet I have to avoid it or the chirping takes over. Now I am also starting to experience dizziness that has gotten worse but I haven't had that long enough to know if it will fade or this is another part of my new reality.
I have reported this to VAERS and would encourage everyone who developed tinnitus after receiving a vaccine to do so at https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html.
This has got to be addressed and it needs to be listed as a possible side effect in order for people to make an educated decision about whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone that got this condition due to the vaccine needs to be in a study group so it can be determined why and how it happened and make changes. This vaccine roll out should be stopped.
Praying for all suffering though this nightmare. I am one...
I have reported this to VAERS and would encourage everyone who developed tinnitus after receiving a vaccine to do so at https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html.
This has got to be addressed and it needs to be listed as a possible side effect in order for people to make an educated decision about whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone that got this condition due to the vaccine needs to be in a study group so it can be determined why and how it happened and make changes. This vaccine roll out should be stopped.
Praying for all suffering though this nightmare. I am one...
I received my 2nd dose of Pfizer on April 15th and I've been struggling with Tinnitus since April 19th. It's the Pulsatile type and if I'm really busy at work it can be almost deafening though I did do an online hearing test and so far have no hearing loss. It's driving me crazy! I thought it was just my imagination but to see all of you on this board, I feel so much better.
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