I've Got Questions: Tinnitus for 3 Weeks, Disappeared Completely With Prednisone, But Came Back

[Mpt]

Hi

I have had tinnitus for a little over 3 weeks now, 1 week in I took prednisone and the tinnitus completely ceased for about 5 days. It is back now. I just had an audiology appointment and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the following phrase means:

"Normal tympanometry bilaterally with reduced DPOAEs suggesting normal middle ear function, and impaired outer hair cell function"

He report goes on to state : normal hearing sensitivity bilaterally at expected levels-- they tested up to 8k

I also have had increased sensitivity to sound, i dont know if its full blown hyperacusis though, I believe the tinnitus is a little better since it came back after taking prednisone, however the volume seems to be similar to before, maybe a little better, and it seems like it has moved into the middle of my head.

I have an app that plays cricket chirps that I have been listening to almost constantly, the sound resembles my sound, but I'm afraid that it might be delaying habituation since I don't notice my sound when it's playing, sitting in front of the tv now without the app on I'm definitely aware of the ringing -any opinion if regular masking white noise might be better than the cricket sound as far as habituation is concerned?

 

[Lisa88]

As I understand it, Prednisone helps reduce inflammation. Not quite sure about the reduced outer hair cell function though, especially if your audiogram showed up as normal. Was your t induced by drugs?
Maybe ask your ENT to clarify what this all means. And please keep us posted on this thread. It is useful to know these things.

 

[Mpt]

doctor wants to put me on a longer course of prednisone... is this worth it since the ringing came ack after I took prednisone the first time?