My Story Started 2 Months Ago

[Billias]

Hi All,

I'm Vassilis. 38, with no prior issues. I am a new sufferer of this strange Tinnitus world. It might be too early but, I have almost lost hope for my issue. The problem Is also focused as there is no real support here in Netherlands. Especially from GPs and ENTs I visited.

My English is not native. I am sorry if I make no sense. :\

It started as a pulsative car alarm (slow), or you could call it an ambulance like noise). Now it developed to this noise + Hissing (TV like) which comes and goes.


My story:
Near first days of November Along side with my Sinus issues an alarm sound started in one of my ears. It was the begining of hell. This sound was followed by pain. I also felt my ear to be full and tickling me sometimes (like it was dirty/full of wax).

Story in timeline:
Week one:
Sick with sinus and throat issues not so heavy but there. Ringing begins (as pulsative mostly).
Not connected to heart rate, not changing rate. But slowly becomes louder.

Week two:
Visit to GP (system here is slow) she finds the ear retracted and gives me Paracetamol !@!@$!@$....
A few days after I cannot handle it any more and I make more appointments and complains.
End of week: Visit to emergency of the hospital... Sound is getting loud while my Right EAR rings... the LEFT side of face (half face) feels numb.
They give me Nassonex like spray. The symptoms relax. The noise also relaxes a bit.

Week three: Again to hospital as the Half face numbness is back.. Sound in the ear is getting Worst!. Now I develop a Hissing which comes and goes. for 1-2 days a week I have a loud hissing masking even my first tinnitus! and then it slowly goes away, to leave me with the normal Pulsing dancing T.
They do a CT scan as my symptoms are scary to them.
All clear! just a bit of retracted ear drum.
Developed also sensitivity to sounds for 2 days, and I could hear my self like in echo!

Week 4:
ENT visit. He finds no fluid in the ear, no retracted eardrum. But he finds strange that my Ear Drum might have some stretch marks! which he never saw before.
He adds an audiology test to be done. and sends me home with no much info to help with.

Week 6: Audio test, still waiting for answers.. I will know in two weeks with my next appointment

This continues till today. Some times loud some times not

I still have some strange symptoms:
- Pain around the ear and inside that comes and goes
- Hissing coming and going
- The secondary tinnitus still there
- Squeezing my eyes on bed changed the note of the First tinnitus
- Lying on bed can sometimes take half hour for T to appear

A few days ago 31st of Dec I had alcohol for the new year... after that My tinnitus was not there at all... Next morning was a bit louder but the day was ok. The 1st Jan evening we have had some drunks again. And my T was gone. I am at bed for 20 minutes with total Silence.
I decide (I shouldn't do that) to pop my ears... what a mistake
My hissing began developing and increasing at noise every few seconds. which lead me to yesterday's issues with whole day LOUD hissing not able to even concentrate at work.
Today Is a bit lower
I thought of my Eustachian tubes as issue which can cause or some blood flow issues. but I do not know!

Unfortunately, I feel lost.

 

[Michael Leigh]

HI @Billias

The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Typically, it is listening to music through headphones at high volume levels or going to places where loud music is played: Clubs, concerts etc. Working in a noisy environment can cause this too. If you have been doing any of these things especially "using headphones" regularly, then this is probably the cause of your tinnitus.

If none of the above relates to you, then the next step is tests on you auditory system to see whether there is an underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus.

I advise you not to use headphones even at low volume. Please click on the links below and read my posts. Try not to sleep in a quiet room, as this will make the tinnitus appear louder and more intrusive. More information about using sound enrichment at night is in the links below.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

 

[Billias]

Hi Michael, thank you for your quick reply.

I suspect Visiting a club/concert once every two years on average is not considered a reason for this.
Also using head phones ~10 hours a week not loud, I do not know if this is considered in your headphone use.. . IT Job in a not noisy environment.

Also the connection with my blocked sinuses/throat and symptoms can be a reason for triggering this?

Thank you also for the links.

 

[PDodge]

I also have a swirling pulsing hiss. My old T is still there buried and has never changed. Anyways I hope you can get resolved and if you do, please come back here and give an update!

 

[Michael Leigh]

Also using head phones ~10 hours a week not loud, I do not know if this is considered in your headphone use.. . IT Job in a not noisy environment.

HI @Billias

If you have been using headphones 10hours a week you may not think the volume was loud but you would be surprised how loud it is. I don't think your IT job has caused your tinnitus, I believe it is "Headphones" that are responsible. I know I keep on about headphone use a lot but I'm afraid this is what I think has caused your tinnitus.
Give it time, follow my advice in the links and you will improve. Do not use headphones of any type ever again not even at low volume.

Try not to worry in time you'll get better.
Take care
Michael

 

[Billias]

@Michael Leigh Maybe. Maybe not. 10 hours was on the high side. And depends on may factors. Music type, volume, quality of Headphones, Max dB etc...

What about the pain I began having on the days this T started? and this pain still there comes and goes?
what about the facial numbness started a week after + eye pressure etc. Can't all these be connected?
I have had also the first days a crazy click when swallowing in that ear and a lot more :\


I am stubborn :\ I know.

also forgot to write:
I have chronic issues with my noses. One is always closed. I also the last 1.5 year I have a lot of sinus issues which cannot be resolved and these are.. Thick Mucus, which leads me to not even able to sleep some times, or chocking.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Michael Leigh Maybe. Maybe not. 10 hours was on the high side. And depends on may factors. Music type, volume, quality of Headphones, Max dB etc...

@Billias

I have many years experience with "noise induced" tinnitus and I am still learning. I correspond with many people. 80% of the time the tinnitus is caused by headphones, clubbing or concerts. Loud noise is the most common cause of tinnitus and Headphones tops the list! These are dangerous and should be banned in my opinion. It is up to you whether you want to listen to my advice, I am just given you the benefit of my experience. If you want to get better, then I advise you to never ever use headphones again not even at low volume.

The other symptoms that you mention, are probably related to noise trauma caused by headphone use over a long period of time. Even if they are not related to headphones I still advise you to not use them.

I wish you well.
Michael

 

[Billias]

Got my results.
Hearing test is perfect. no signs of issues and both ears are good.

Also forgot to tell. I had terrible Needle like Pain during the first weeks in my ear! and I am still having in and around it which comes and goes. Lets see what is next.

@Michael are there specific tests for "noise induced" tinnitus except hearing tests?

I am not a doctor and I can only assume. But If you never ever experienced tinnitus and with two colds in row + 2+ years of constant sinus/mucus issues. It can be related to other causes.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Billias

I only saw your quote to me by chance. In future if you wish to contact me write my name as: @Michael Leigh then I will get a prompt alert.

Many people with tinnitus have perfect hearing with no hearing loss. However, some people do have hearing loss with tinnitus. I am not aware of a hearing test for "noise induced" tinnitus. A lot of people with noise induced tinnitus experience Hyperacusis, this is having sensitivity to certain sounds and sometimes pain is experienced when hearing the sounds one is sensitive to. Therefore, this is an indication of "noise induced tinnitus".

The best way to know is to think what you have been doing prior to the onset of tinnitus. Listening to music through headphones regularly, going to places where loud music is played or working in a noisy environment. These are just some of the indications of noise induced tinnitus.

As I have mentioned to you before: I suspect your tinnitus was caused by Headphone use. The fact that you have been using headphones for around 10hrs a week and most probably at high levels without realizing it, as most people do, is an indication that you have "noise induced tinnitus". I cannot be 100% sure of course but I suspect this is the case.

Michael

 

[Berik]

Got my results.
Hearing test is perfect. no signs of issues and both ears are good.

Also forgot to tell. I had terrible Needle like Pain during the first weeks in my ear! and I am still having in and around it which comes and goes. Lets see what is next.

@Michael are there specific tests for "noise induced" tinnitus except hearing tests?

I am not a doctor and I can only assume. But If you never ever experienced tinnitus and with two colds in row + 2+ years of constant sinus/mucus issues. It can be related to other causes.

Though noise can be a cause very well, infections sounds likelier to me.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18837228/

Especially in young adults infections are often linked to tinnitus. It might disappear for you, at least it's good your hearing result shows no indication of damage.

 

[PortalNaut]

@Billias I am sorry you have joined this club of tinnitus sufferers, but at least here there are some people who can empathize and also help a little. Please keep posting your progress.

A couple of thing stood out to me about your post, and I would say there is hope. I also found a reduction of tinnitus by drinking alcohol. I later found a poll here at Tinnitus Talk and about a third of people reported getting relief. I believe this shows your brain is able to make new pathways, or suppress the noisy signals (or their processing), and in the weeks ahead you can keep on making progress with overall reductions.

Another thing you mentioned was popping your ears. I have done this, but never had the bad result. When I did it is was because it seemed there was a pressure imbalance and, when I popped the ears I could usually make a complete open pathway briefly - and then the ears felt better but no real affect on the tinnitus (or possibly a minor reduction). I don't know much about the increased tinnitus but perhaps your ears are still in a damaged state, I would say mine were for 3-4 months, and I took Nasonex during that time. It is is an over the counter steroid and maybe something to consider.

Good luck!

 

[Billias]

@PortalNaut Thank you for your message.

I know use also Nasonex as Mentioned. My tinnitus gave me also other issues and happened with previous symptoms.
I wish it will not be permanent. Because this will be a suffering.

Yesterday was almost on zero level.Aa bit of beeping (I call it ambulance siren).
During night I woke up because I had a HUGE hissing with a secondary hissing and the ambulance siren... then it calmed down for a bit.

Followed by pain in the ear towards nose. And this pain is there as a constant pain.

 

[PortalNaut]

I had weird transitory noises and pressures for 6 months. Hang in there.

CORRECTION - I was using a generic of FLONASE (not nasonex)

 

[Billias]

It is strange. really how this thing (I call tinnitus thing) work

My first noises are almost faded away (pulsative tinnitus). Now I have a brain noise still on right side. Like an noise from a transformer (electricity). It comes and goes. I suspect based on noise levels of my environment.

I do now have sensitivity on sounds again on this ear. I cannot even play piano any more, pity.

But the shocks already seem to be less and less aggressive, this might be a good sign my brain relaxes or so.
I have KNO and neurologist next week as with the tinnitus also facial numbness came, I still have these attacks
Once a while the LEFT side becomes numb.

 

[Billias]

I am in these days I want to do something about it... that Ii reach my Psychological limits...
I enjoyed a few quiet days till today. It was more calm, but hits back again.

I 've been on my ENT which referred me to another ENT and Jaw specialists.

My Ear Specialised ENT cannot find an issue with ears. perfect hearing, perfect this perfect that.
My Stubbing random pain and complains of different pains on that side (Right side) of head lead him to want to send me for an MTJ check.
Basically he just touched my jaw sides and asked me to open the mouth (ENT), I have had significant pain on the right side. In combination with pain in different spots (under the jaw etc).
Because two weeks after the tinnitus began (right ear) the left side of my face has random Numbness (wax on/off) I am also going to see an Neurologist and perform some EEG and MRI for the upper body.

I also have a second ENT specialised on Nose. As I seem to have constant thick mucus for years, which now they want also to review it again.

All deny the link between numb face, tinnitus. pain spots and nose issues... but I cannot accept the problems growing one after another.

My tinnitus is randomly triggering the hissing. And I notice it happening more after eating.

I moved also from different medicines After Nasonex, now I am On Dymista.

 

[Suzerman]

I am also dutch and I do have to say your problems sound eerily similar as to what I have been through. Mine has been pretty mild so far (thank god), but I do also have tmj problems, retracted ears without the doctors really knowing why, yet perfect hearing on the hearing test. Also some neurological symptoms such as pressure in the neck and shoulders, and pain. You seem to be getting quite proper help for it though. I've been even called a hypochondriac by my doctor

 

[Billias]

My Primary tinnitus (not hissing) is a rythmical one not linked to heart beat. I was searching and found this: https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/pulsatile-tinnitus
Under the section 'Other forms of rhythmical tinnitus'

I can make this tinnitus change volume by squeezing internally the muscles of the head (like moving the middle ear maybe? cannot explain it. you feel like pressure in the ears/head when you do so.

Can it be related also to these? Now I move from Nassonex to the other medicine, I suspect it increased the hissing.

 

[Aklara319]

Hi OP,

Don't usually comment, but I saw this and noticed that you might be going through something similar as me.

With the spasming not synchronized with your heart, fullness, and tickling feeling, as well as pain and numbness in your ear and face, it could very well be an issue with the tensor tympani muscle. Don't try to Valsalva it away. Can make things worse.

Mine first came on with an upper respiratory infection on a plane. Developed tonal tinnitus a month later after a nightclub. Hasn't really improved yet, but it does for many people. It's really frustrating, but lots of people see progress over time.

Just a guess. I'm not a doctor and you should definitely keep in constant contact with yours.

 

[Billias]

@Aklara319 Exactly the same but no Loud noise.
Came with two upper respiratory infections after some trip. And yes similar issues.
We also suffer the same period! At new year the hissing was so loud. I was wishing to have some sleeping pills. I was 3 days with a noise louder than anything.

My doctor finds no issues there and now sent me to Specialists for TMJ etc. Lets see.
I will try to ask him for this on next appointment. I have a long way of different tests. lets see.
Thank you for the reply.

 

[Aklara319]

Yeah, get that checked out. In my case, I was assessed for a TMJ issue, which I found to be unlikely. Never had a jaw problem and then I suddenly develop one now after ear-related incidents? Unlikely, but worth investigating!

Just try to be patient and optimistic. If it's nerve pain or muscle spasms, you can ask your doctor about meds for that.

 

[SillyMama]

I hope your TMJ specialist can give you some relief from the pain. Years ago, I went to my regular doctor because I thought I had an earache... But it wasn't my ear. It was my jaw, which rarely hurts now after teaming up with a TMJ doctor for treatment. Best wishes.

 

[Contrast]

My Ear Specialised ENT cannot find an issue with ears. perfect hearing, perfect this perfect that.

Hello. Recent research indicates that hearing test used at most audiology clinics and ENTs are extremely inaccurate, they only test for hearing loss within the human voice range, learn more here about hidden hearing loss since hearing loss outside the human voice range can still lead to tinnitus and noise induced pain.

http://hyperacusisfocus.org/innerear/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378595516302507

 

[Contrast]

What about the pain I began having on the days this T started? and this pain still there comes and goes?
what about the facial numbness started a week after + eye pressure etc. Can't all these be connected?

Yes they are all connected through the trigeminal nerve and the cochlea's nociceptors.

Many changes in the auditory brain can happen after hearing is lost.

 

[Billias]

I was in TMJ specialist. He did an anaesthesia which brought pain to zero. I also lost the hissing out of my tinnitus for that moment. When the Anaesthetic wear off, the pain was crazy (he warned me). it lasted some days.
After that the tinnitus high sky high for some hours (about 6 hours)

TMJ doesn't really know if there is a connection. But he is going to check further. Test a small rubber (do not know what) for sleep. and physiotherapy.

I did an MRI on upper Body (neurologist's request) and nothing except of increased mocus in my OTHER side sinus.


I have these two three things which might also causing the whole issues on my head.
1. possible GERD, or often axid reflux which is not showing immediate signs but: Thick mocus and can be over time lead to also tinnitus. Something like My stomach is not closing properly and causes during night fluid return. There are also some palpitations developed with suspicion to this (cardiologist)
2. Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Which can also lead to hearing loss with no obvious reason. although tested to 20khz (saw my tests), or issues with the gland which can cause side effect.

Today i have ENT appointment to discuss my questions and push further for tests.

Fact: I checked my Hospital visits calendar, and looks like a place I hangout a lot lately.

 

[Billias]

My Muscles (TMJ) on the right side (where I have tinnitus) are thicker than the left side.
I have had a two weeks vacation, My Tinnitus now is worst! Also I noticed when I open the mouth hissing changes a bit.

tomorrow I will be fitted with a Tooth protection piece from the TMJ Specialist. And today I am on ongoing tests again with my ENTs (yes I have 2 now).
Also Neurologist invited me back to hospital.

Till now I have been on multiple doctors, cause the checks found also Heart arrhythmia which was tested by Cardiologist (Holter, Tests etc) all good there.

The Tinnitus specialists want to do again hearing test and more with me. I will update after this.

 

[Billias]

After the visit at my latest (new ENT, before referral to Audiology Center)

Conclusions from her side:
1. I have no hearing loss at range up to 8K and higher than 8k is better than expected in comparison to my age.
2. My tinnitus is rhythmic without connection to the heart
3. My tinnitus one day almost un noticeable a week after is unbearable. Which also is not a symptom of hearing loss
4. Pain at teeth and swollen the side of the ear issue . (TMJ mascles thicker)
5. Alcohol reduces it (she points iit to relaxed muscles)
6. Sudden random hearing stuffness now on both ears for seconds, tinnitus for 10 seconds in the other ear and relieve (no tinnitus at all after the attack)
7. No reaction/change on stress

She suggested to:
1. Use the tooth splint which I took today for some months
2. Referred me to the Audiology Center (long wait list)

and we will see.

 

[Contrast]

After the visit at my latest (new ENT, before referral to Audiology Center)

Conclusions from her side:
1. I have no hearing loss at range up to 8K and higher than 8k is better than expected in comparison to my age.
2. My tinnitus is rhythmic without connection to the heart
3. My tinnitus one day almost un noticeable a week after is unbearable. Which also is not a symptom of hearing loss
4. Pain at teeth and swollen the side of the ear issue . (TMJ mascles thicker)
5. Alcohol reduces it (she points iit to relaxed muscles)
6. Sudden random hearing stuffness now on both ears for seconds, tinnitus for 10 seconds in the other ear and relieve (no tinnitus at all after the attack)
7. No reaction/change on stress

She suggested to:
1. Use the tooth splint which I took today for some months
2. Referred me to the Audiology Center (long wait list)

and we will see.

you say you have no hearing loss but you probably do in complex listening environments.

 

[Contrast]

May I ask if noise or certain frequencies triggers pain, aches or anything?

 

[Billias]

you say you have no hearing loss but you probably do in complex listening environments.

I have been tested in words with noise (air sound) in background and been able to hear well too. Even though Dutch is not a language I well, still recognised words without issues.

May I ask if noise or certain frequencies triggers pain, aches or anything?

Not always, sometimes and only specific sounds.. but only when hissing is on high level.
the pain triggered is at the outside of the ear and towards teeth. After that wisdom tooth can have random pain.

I haven't yet connected the increases of my hissing on noises or similar situations. I have noticed my noise to suddenly jumps volume for instance I do not notice it and suddenly on a quite place It goes from 1 to 4 and to 7 back and forth and then stay for a day in one of the it jumped... and then back to 1 or not.

 

[Billias]

Today I was in a meeting with my Neurologist.
They noticed on my CT SCan and MRI that a cyst in my head is not showing. That they believe is a symptom of Spinal Fluid pressure/ High Head fluid pressure.

They suspect that my Rhythmic tinnitus, numbness in head, pain in eye and other migranes can be causesd by that.

In a few weeks I have Lumbar Puncture to check that and reduce pressure if needed.

It is the first time After Months, when a doctor finds something abnormal.