Pulsatile and Regular Tinnitus — Tympanic Perforation & Retracted Tympanic Membrane

[Dawn21]

Hello everyone.

I read quite a few posts and thought I should share my story too.

In August 2019 I had tympanic perforation right ear (probably due to cotton ear buds). I had it checked by ENT doctor. There was a small perforation and he told me it would heal itself. I did take antibiotics and painkillers for that for a few days. I got the perforation regularly checked and it was healing well. After 1 month it was all healed when I started feeling pulsating sensation in my right ear. It was irritating and it made me anxious. I got it checked and was told about pulsatile tinnitus. My audiometry was normal. Tympanogram was type C in both ears.

Within weeks I got used to it. It wasn't regular and I was adjusting to it well.

Now a week ago I started having regular tinnitus sensation in my left ear (not pulsatile). It is making me anxious and unable to sleep. I got it checked too and ENT doctor told me I had retracted tympanic membrane in my left ear. Audiometry/PTA was normal. Type C tymponogram in the left ear whereas right ear had type A tympanogram. I have been given steroidal nasal spray. I hope tinnitus recedes.
The tinnitus is usually ignorable during day time. But nights are difficult to pass by. It's hard to concentrate on studies and my exams are approaching too.

I am looking for extra help and info you guys can provide regarding tinnitus (caused by tympanic membrane retraction)?

How to relieve anxiety and sleep deprivation?

Thank you.

 

[Lisa Harrington]

Hello everyone.

I read quite a few posts and thought I should share my story too.

In August 2019 I had tympanic perforation right ear (probably due to cotton ear buds). I had it checked by ENT doctor. There was a small perforation and he told me it would heal itself. I did take antibiotics and painkillers for that for a few days. I got the perforation regularly checked and it was healing well. After 1 month it was all healed when I started feeling pulsating sensation in my right ear. It was irritating and it made me anxious. I got it checked and was told about pulsatile tinnitus. My audiometry was normal. Tympanogram was type C in both ears.

Within weeks I got used to it. It wasn't regular and I was adjusting to it well.

Now a week ago I started having regular tinnitus sensation in my left ear (not pulsatile). It is making me anxious and unable to sleep. I got it checked too and ENT doctor told me I had retracted tympanic membrane in my left ear. Audiometry/PTA was normal. Type C tymponogram in the left ear whereas right ear had type A tympanogram. I have been given steroidal nasal spray. I hope tinnitus recedes.
The tinnitus is usually ignorable during day time. But nights are difficult to pass by. It's hard to concentrate on studies and my exams are approaching too.

I am looking for extra help and info you guys can provide regarding tinnitus (caused by tympanic membrane retraction)?

How to relieve anxiety and sleep deprivation?

Thank you.

Hi Dawn, if you're looking to relief anxiety and sleep deprivation I'd highly recommend that you start seeing a therapist. Find someone who specializes in pain management. I started seeing someone about 6 weeks ago to deal with the stress of my condition and I'm now sleeping through the night again. It's so important to have support outside of friends/family. Hugs... wishing you luck!