MRI Needed?

[Kevin W]

I've had tinnitus for about 2 months now in my left ear.. Over the past week, it has occasionally made its way to my right ear, as well, but lasts only seconds there. I have never had any issue with headaches, balance, etc. Do you guys feel that a MRI would even be warranted if I show no other symptoms which a tumor of some kind might bring on? I saw mention of an MRI of the middle ear. Would this be recommended? Thanks for your time.

 

[Ricky81]

Mri won't hurt.. make sure you have good insurance to cover the cost.

 

[adam2525]

Over the past week, it has occasionally made its way to my right ear, as well, but lasts only seconds there.

Sounds like fleeting tinnitus. Even people without full blown tinnitus get that. So if thats whats bothering you I wouldn't worry about it.

Regarding the MRI, I would hate to put you in the wrong direction. If it was me and I was concerned I would have a chat with my GP and take it from there.

 

[Mad maggot]

I agree with john Lemmon. Let an ENT see you and they can evaluate you and let you know if they think an MRI is necessary. I've had a few because my symptoms were suspiciously like brain stuff such as tumour. But results are normal. Save your money if it's not necessary - you might need it for something else.

 

[Danny Boy]

I've had tinnitus for about 2 months now in my left ear.. Over the past week, it has occasionally made its way to my right ear, as well, but lasts only seconds there. I have never had any issue with headaches, balance, etc. Do you guys feel that a MRI would even be warranted if I show no other symptoms which a tumor of some kind might bring on? I saw mention of an MRI of the middle ear. Would this be recommended? Thanks for your time.

I never once had an MRI, they only do it to rule out tumours. It is noisy so get some NAC as it protects the hair cells from sudden noise damage.

 

[Street Spirit]

I've had tinnitus for about 2 months now in my left ear.. Over the past week, it has occasionally made its way to my right ear, as well, but lasts only seconds there. I have never had any issue with headaches, balance, etc. Do you guys feel that a MRI would even be warranted if I show no other symptoms which a tumor of some kind might bring on? I saw mention of an MRI of the middle ear. Would this be recommended? Thanks for your time.

The ATA advises against MRI's.

and my answer is No.

 

[Danny Boy]

The ATA advises against MRI's.

and my answer is No.

Well, it's up to him really. But I do agree, MRI's are noisy.

 

[Street Spirit]

Well, it's up to him really. But I do agree, MRI's are noisy.

Yes I should say the ATA just recently revised their " advice " on how to proceed when diagnosed with T..They now advise AGAINST mri's..

and my OPINION is no

 

[Danny Boy]

Yes I should say the ATA just recently revised their " advice " on how to proceed when diagnosed with T..They now advise AGAINST mri's..

and my OPINION is no

Well, I wonder what the BTA's position is on this?

 

[Kevin W]

Thank you all for your words of advice. I'm trying to be careful because I don't won't this sinking me further in debt if it is something I'm just going to have to live with. Today a loud noise raised both ears many levels higher..first time that has happened.

 

[Ricky81]

I think CT scans are quite.. but ask your ENT and do research if you indeed have money to get CT scan and maybe ask your insurance company how much they will cover.

 

[Nucleo]

I guess it depends on what caused your tinnitus. If it was after an acoustic trauma then MRI or CT almost always come back negative.

 

[kevin glaister]

I developed tinnitus (no previous problem) after ear syringing at GP for excess wax ( symptoms blocked ear) 9 months ago. As tinnitus still present 24/7 GP has suggested MRI. Any thoughts/ feedback would be welcome. Thank you.

 

[kevin glaister]

p.s given what happened at GP am I wasting my time with an MRI scan? thanks

 

[Luman]

I've been to two ENT's, neither has suggested getting an MRI. From what I was told by a nurse who worked for a top ENT in NYC (not one that I personally went to), unless there is a very good evidence to warrant an MRI, it is not worth getting because the chances are very, very slight that it will show anything of importance.