Member- Aug 24, 2014
- 179
- Tinnitus Since
- 07/2009
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud Music and being dumb
Low Frequency Tinnitus
- Thread starter Rachel Murray
- Start date
- Aug 24, 2014
- 179
- Tinnitus Since
- 07/2009
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud Music and being dumb
I really hope so. Because it never used to be this loud before. I've started doing nasal rinses because I feel like my Eustachian tubes may be messed up due to all the flying and Valsava maneuvers I have done.
Do you think the Susan Shore device could help this kind of tinnitus?
Benjaminbb
Member
- Nov 25, 2020
- 279
- Tinnitus Since
- Nov 2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Likely long term noise exposure, combined w pandemic stress
I don't know much about that. I'll only pay attention to upcoming treatments if in desperate need of hope, otherwise it's important to just move forward positively until they happen.
Just know I've been in your exact position where the hum was full blast, non-stop (in between any noise) for weeks. And I haven't had that for maybe the last year.
So your hope can be in future changes in your body for now. It may change in a matter of weeks. But having that hope allows you to stop focusing on it for the time being and putting attention back into more important parts of your life til that happens.
Does anyone else have low-frequency tinnitus that is not extremely low-pitched like a vibrating motor, but is in the 150 Hz to 350 Hz range, like the sound of a vacuum cleaner for example? In my left ear, where I have mild ETD (random popping and crackling since 8 months), I hear a low-pitched tone in this frequency range. Usually the pitch shifts back and forth and it sounds like "wooo-weee-wooo-weee-wooo-weee". Sometimes it is a constant "wooo" sound and sometimes it is intermittent with extremely short pauses in between.
So the sound pattern and the volume fluctuate greatly. During the day it is either 1/10 (but reactive) or disappears completely. At 10pm, when I go to bed to sleep, the loudness starts to increase very slowly. I take 7.5 mg Mirtazapine so I am usually knocked out before the noise can bother me, but I usually wake up at 4 am and it is very loud, definitely a 6/10. It feels like there's a vacuum cleaner running in my left ear. So I can't go back to sleep.
It also reacts to low-pitched sounds in the environment, for example my PC fans. So I can hear the same sound patterns but it feels like it is coming from the external noise sources and not from my ear. I also couldn't find the reason for the ETD. No apparent neck or jaw issues. Also no infection and no allergies.
So the sound pattern and the volume fluctuate greatly. During the day it is either 1/10 (but reactive) or disappears completely. At 10pm, when I go to bed to sleep, the loudness starts to increase very slowly. I take 7.5 mg Mirtazapine so I am usually knocked out before the noise can bother me, but I usually wake up at 4 am and it is very loud, definitely a 6/10. It feels like there's a vacuum cleaner running in my left ear. So I can't go back to sleep.
It also reacts to low-pitched sounds in the environment, for example my PC fans. So I can hear the same sound patterns but it feels like it is coming from the external noise sources and not from my ear. I also couldn't find the reason for the ETD. No apparent neck or jaw issues. Also no infection and no allergies.
Benjaminbb
Member
- Nov 25, 2020
- 279
- Tinnitus Since
- Nov 2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Likely long term noise exposure, combined w pandemic stress
My understanding is that regular tinnitus can exist at all frequencies. I've definitely seen people with it in that range.
However, it generally seems to work differently to what most people call "low hum," cutting in and out with the slightest sound in that frequency. And sometimes amplifies that frequency.
Yours does have a lot of similar attributes by the sounds of it.
I've had some interesting experiences... I was diagnosed with a middle ear infection last week. The humming promptly completely disappeared, for a little over a week. Due to the infection I then had a high-pitched tinnitus, so not much better. Now that the inflammation is subsiding, the humming is slowly fighting its way back. For me, this is a clear sign that the cause of my low-frequency tinnitus lies somewhere in the ear.
I think I've read this article before, but I have to admit that I didn't understand it
I'm new to Tinnitus Talk. I also have a low frequency (80 Hz) hum, in my right ear only. It started at the beginning of 2023 and has occasionally disappeared for short periods. For many years previously I would occasionally experience "fluttering" in the same ear.
The hum will stop for a while after having a bath or after sitting over a saucepan of just boiled water with a towel over my head. It will stop briefly with even low levels of external sound at certain frequencies (with between roughly 160-320 Hz seeming to be the most effective) and when I talk. It will also remain stopped as long as I keep my head tilted after putting a few drops of liquid in my ear. As soon as I straighten my head, it starts up again.
I'm currently trying to figure out a way of recording or have somebody else listen inside my ear, as I believe it's probably a spasm of either the tensor tympani or stapedius.
I've previously experienced hyperacusis caused by the drug Tamsulosin.
The hum will stop for a while after having a bath or after sitting over a saucepan of just boiled water with a towel over my head. It will stop briefly with even low levels of external sound at certain frequencies (with between roughly 160-320 Hz seeming to be the most effective) and when I talk. It will also remain stopped as long as I keep my head tilted after putting a few drops of liquid in my ear. As soon as I straighten my head, it starts up again.
I'm currently trying to figure out a way of recording or have somebody else listen inside my ear, as I believe it's probably a spasm of either the tensor tympani or stapedius.
I've previously experienced hyperacusis caused by the drug Tamsulosin.
Hi @davegr
Have you been to ENT and had tests on your ears? If not then I think you should, since you've had these symptoms for over a year.
I've been to an ENT, who couldn't see anything wrong. I was referred for a hearing test, which was described as "perfect." I also had an MRI to check for tumors, which were clear.
My dentist has referred me to a local maxillofacial department for a TMJ problem, but I don't think it has anything to do with my ear issue, as I've had the TMJ problem since I was punched 34 years ago!
I've just started using Fluticasone daily on the advice of an allergist, who saw that my nasal passage is quite inflamed. I don't have symptoms directly related to that, but it seems that there can be a connection with ear issues.
Thank you for explaining the tests that you have had @davegr.
Unfortunately, I am unable to give you any advice on what could be causing your symptoms. Hopefully, someone else can.
Take care, and I hope you get some help.
Michael
I've done a lot of experimentation since my previous post, and I've found that the level of the hum in my right ear, as well as the high-frequency tinnitus in my left ear, both seem to be directly related to how blocked my ears feel, apparently due to blocked Eustachian tubes. Repositioning my head can make quite a difference. Sometimes, I have felt fluid moving around in my ear, and the high-frequency tinnitus has changed in character at the same time. Sadly, it does little for the hum in my right ear.
A doctor confirmed the fluid in my ears and told me to use an antihistamine (Cetirizine because we already had it), a nasal spray (Fluticasone), and to do steam inhalation. She says this will open my Eustachian tubes and allow the fluid to drain. I've had limited success so far.
I have an ENT appointment in early May, at which I will emphasize my need for answers and solutions but probably not get them.
I've also tried the following:
A doctor confirmed the fluid in my ears and told me to use an antihistamine (Cetirizine because we already had it), a nasal spray (Fluticasone), and to do steam inhalation. She says this will open my Eustachian tubes and allow the fluid to drain. I've had limited success so far.
I have an ENT appointment in early May, at which I will emphasize my need for answers and solutions but probably not get them.
I've also tried the following:
- Saltwater gargle with pre-boiled water (possibly a minor help).
- Guaifenesin (some help but also made me depressed).
- Ibuprofen (not entirely sure; may need to retry).
- Jakeman's chest and throat sweets (they genuinely seem to help but aren't good for my belly).
- Otrivin/Xylometazoline (may have helped somewhat, but I've only used one dose so far because I'm concerned about the risk of interaction with my ADHD meds and rebound congestion).
- Otovent balloon (quite effective for helping the ears 'pop' but not permanent).
- EarPopper (possibly slightly more effective but again, not permanent).
I have been experiencing a vibration sound in my right ear that feels exactly like the vibration of a mobile phone. This sensation also causes a mild vibrating feeling in my ear. The sensation is not as strong as the occasional thumping feeling I also experience (maybe once a month, which should be normal). It feels like a muscle issue because the vibration lasts for a few seconds, then stops for a few seconds (perhaps the muscle gets tired?), and then starts again. My body posture and neck movements significantly affect it. In certain body and neck positions, especially when lying down in bed, it almost stops. It also comes and goes; it disappears for a few weeks and then reappears for a few weeks. Additionally, I have a pressure feeling in that ear and strong popping sounds, maybe twice a day.
I'm wondering if this could be the low-frequency tinnitus that I've heard about, or maybe it's something else like MEM. I'm guessing that the stapedius muscle might be twitching because the feeling is not that strong. I also suspect that the thumping feeling, which I can trigger by closing my eyelids very hard, is related to the tensor tympani muscle, but I'm not sure.
I'm wondering if this could be the low-frequency tinnitus that I've heard about, or maybe it's something else like MEM. I'm guessing that the stapedius muscle might be twitching because the feeling is not that strong. I also suspect that the thumping feeling, which I can trigger by closing my eyelids very hard, is related to the tensor tympani muscle, but I'm not sure.
RunningMan
Member
- May 8, 2023
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- HiFrq ~2000, Increased 2022, LoFrq ~2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud noise - clubs, stereos, cycles, headphones, engines,etc
That's classic Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTTS), which is a type of MEM, not stapedius. I have had that intermittently since last summer. Some people say anxiety makes it worse, but that doesn't seem to be the case with me. It just does its thing, sometimes left ear fluttering in response to speaking (either in person or digital) or typing on the keyboard, and sometimes right ear spontaneous thumps to no sounds, but sometimes triggered after moving, touching, or even stretching.
I also get thumps in the left ear due to some touching or moving of head, but those never keep repeating in silence like the right ear. The good news, is that despite having had consistent thumps over several hours in my right ear before, and many times for shorter durations, and also ongoing flutters in the left ear dring some group discussions with family or while watching a video on the computer, it sometimes barely happens for a few days and never while watching TV, so it's a lesser issue for me than HL, T, H, insomnia, anxiety, and stomach pain.
I have low frequency tinnitus in my left ear going back a few years, which is reactive, but it's very different than the TTTS fluttering / thumps. It might be more like hearing a distant subwoofer or light saber sounds rather than the feeling of my ear drum fluttering or thumping.
I recently developed an intermittent low-pitched hum. This is in addition to the bilateral high-pitched tinnitus I've had for 13 years, which I have habituated to. The low-pitched hum fluctuates in volume and is worst at night, both when trying to sleep and in the morning when waking up. It's only on my right side. I have not been to any concerts or listened to headphones in years.
This came on in March, after three flights in a span of a week. I remember being unable to sleep at a hotel, thinking I was hearing something mechanical, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Amazingly, I relocated and didn't notice it at the next hotel. I thought it was external as I could stop the sound by plugging my ear with my finger, though an earplug wouldn't. This got me thinking I was experiencing a sensitive ear, allowing a low-frequency sound to sneak through.
Between March and now, I've stayed at three other hotels. I only noticed the sound, enough to keep me awake, a few times. So, again, I didn't think much of it.
However, three weeks ago, I flew back to my family's house in a very quiet suburb. I now notice it every night before trying to sleep and have even woken up to it being significantly louder. Putting a finger in my ear still stops the sound.
A few days ago, it seemed unbearable since my ear was also crackling. I went to Urgent Care, where they found a lot of impacted earwax. I had the earwax removed. The crackling has stopped, but the low-frequency sounds have not.
I might see an ENT while at home since I'm still perplexed by the whole finger in the ear stopping the sound. I also have a bit of an ache in that ear. It leads me to believe this may be a middle ear issue. I used to experience chronic ear infections.
I know it's been said in this thread that the finger produces sound/vibrations that mask the low frequency, but I've never seen that anywhere (except here and someone referencing this thread on Reddit). I'm just curious if there is any medical research on that because I've so far found none on low-frequency tinnitus.
And, of course, those who have dealt with low-frequency tinnitus, have you noticed any improvements?
This came on in March, after three flights in a span of a week. I remember being unable to sleep at a hotel, thinking I was hearing something mechanical, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Amazingly, I relocated and didn't notice it at the next hotel. I thought it was external as I could stop the sound by plugging my ear with my finger, though an earplug wouldn't. This got me thinking I was experiencing a sensitive ear, allowing a low-frequency sound to sneak through.
Between March and now, I've stayed at three other hotels. I only noticed the sound, enough to keep me awake, a few times. So, again, I didn't think much of it.
However, three weeks ago, I flew back to my family's house in a very quiet suburb. I now notice it every night before trying to sleep and have even woken up to it being significantly louder. Putting a finger in my ear still stops the sound.
A few days ago, it seemed unbearable since my ear was also crackling. I went to Urgent Care, where they found a lot of impacted earwax. I had the earwax removed. The crackling has stopped, but the low-frequency sounds have not.
I might see an ENT while at home since I'm still perplexed by the whole finger in the ear stopping the sound. I also have a bit of an ache in that ear. It leads me to believe this may be a middle ear issue. I used to experience chronic ear infections.
I know it's been said in this thread that the finger produces sound/vibrations that mask the low frequency, but I've never seen that anywhere (except here and someone referencing this thread on Reddit). I'm just curious if there is any medical research on that because I've so far found none on low-frequency tinnitus.
And, of course, those who have dealt with low-frequency tinnitus, have you noticed any improvements?
RunningMan
Member
- May 8, 2023
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- HiFrq ~2000, Increased 2022, LoFrq ~2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud noise - clubs, stereos, cycles, headphones, engines,etc
I haven't read any research on putting your finger in your ear causing vibrations that mask low-frequency tinnitus, but when I do it, I can clearly hear that low-frequency sound that's generated masks my low-frequency tinnitus.
Mine showed up maybe four years ago. I would say it hasn't gotten any better on average, but there are periods where the actual volume is down. Plus, it's temporarily reactive to some external sounds after those external sounds stop, and the low-frequency tinnitus is louder for a while.
I'm more bothered by my high-frequency tinnitus. The low-frequency sounds can be masked with gentle low-frequency sounds, not the high-frequency sounds.
MindOverMatter
Member
- Jun 29, 2020
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- 2004
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Unknown (possibly stress related, and later sound induced)
Yes, when I've had more prolonged bouts of humming and low-frequency tinnitus, it has always been related to TTTS. Once TTTS has resolved, the humming is pretty much gone.
I have low-frequency tinnitus, which is electric droning around 200 Hz. It's very loud 24/7, and at times, I swear I can actually feel it like my ear is recoiling.
I ran my case by a couple of audiologists. They do not think noise damage is the cause of the new unilateral low-frequency hum. Both are convinced it will, in all likelihood, subside. One believes it to be stress-related, and the other says it could very well be TMJ-related.
The TMJ would make sense. A couple of months ago, I 100% noticed some clicking on that side of my jaw that I had not experienced in years. I had a couple of episodes of it. Also, stress would add to TMJ, and I've definitely had periods of stress in the last few months. I will see a dentist for a custom mouthguard in a few weeks.
I have spoken with some people who have had similar symptoms, and the vast majority have said that their low-pitch unilateral hum (that they could stop by plugging their ear with their finger) all went away in time. I'm remaining optimistic.
The TMJ would make sense. A couple of months ago, I 100% noticed some clicking on that side of my jaw that I had not experienced in years. I had a couple of episodes of it. Also, stress would add to TMJ, and I've definitely had periods of stress in the last few months. I will see a dentist for a custom mouthguard in a few weeks.
I have spoken with some people who have had similar symptoms, and the vast majority have said that their low-pitch unilateral hum (that they could stop by plugging their ear with their finger) all went away in time. I'm remaining optimistic.
MindOverMatter
Member
- Jun 29, 2020
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- 2004
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Unknown (possibly stress related, and later sound induced)
Mine went as well. It was probably caused by a mix of things: sound exposure/ear fatigue, TTTS, stress, and TMJ.
RunningMan
Member
- May 8, 2023
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- HiFrq ~2000, Increased 2022, LoFrq ~2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Loud noise - clubs, stereos, cycles, headphones, engines,etc
It's been about four years for me with maskable unilateral low-frequency tinnitus. It hasn't gotten any better, but it's easier to deal with than my high-frequency tinnitus, which, after 20+ years, turned severe 2 1/3 years ago.
MindOverMatter
Member
- Jun 29, 2020
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- 2004
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Unknown (possibly stress related, and later sound induced)
I've had a couple of bouts with low-frequency tinnitus, so I can't tell exactly (I can't remember). But probably around 3-6 months.
Everyone is different.
Thizzle
Member
- May 8, 2024
- 6
- Tinnitus Since
- 03/1/2024 worsened 03/25/2024
- Cause of Tinnitus
- First Noise induced / worsened via Microsuction
I was just curious: did your head buzzing/sizzle ever go away or get better/quieter?
MindOverMatter
Member
- Jun 29, 2020
- 612
- Tinnitus Since
- 2004
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Unknown (possibly stress related, and later sound induced)
Benjaminbb
Member
- Nov 25, 2020
- 279
- Tinnitus Since
- Nov 2020
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Likely long term noise exposure, combined w pandemic stress
Thanks all. This is making me a little more hopeful. I'm approaching a month with my low-frequency tinnitus (on top of the bilateral high-pitched tinnitus I've had for over a decade).
It's still worst at night, when trying to sleep, and waking up immediately. I wish it were a constant tone, but it's just low-pitched beeps/hoots that seemingly endlessly fade in and out of intensity.
It's still worst at night, when trying to sleep, and waking up immediately. I wish it were a constant tone, but it's just low-pitched beeps/hoots that seemingly endlessly fade in and out of intensity.
Hello @Della, I've read a few of your posts. May I ask a question?
I am suffering from low-frequency tinnitus, including vibrating sensations. Did I understand correctly that you experience the same? If so, have you been able to habituate in any way?
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer.
Hi @Mathilda! I'm sorry, I just now saw your question. I'm very sorry you're suffering from this stuff.
Yes, I had horrible low-frequency tinnitus, including vibrating sensations and often what I would describe as the sound of my heartbeat amplified. I did manage to sort of habituate after some time (a year or two), but then the biggest surprise came when I saw my doctor, and she put me on blood pressure medication. That gradually calmed down the low sounds and vibrations! I still have continual high-frequency tinnitus, but it seems not so bad after all that. I don't know if this would work for everyone, but it's worth checking out with your doctor.
Good luck!
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