I am 64 (retired) and started with a hissing sound in my head about 4 months ago. It makes a hiss... hiss... hiss sound exactly in sync with my heartbeat. I did the usual google search so I have an idea that it is pulsatile tinnitus.
I saw my GP who told me that before anything further could be done I would have to see an ENT specialist, to see if there is any hearing loss, which I don't think there is. My appointment is late January 2020 although I contact them regularly for a cancellation.
Early on, there were short spells when the sound would stop but recently it has been 24/7. It goes louder if I lean forward with my head below my waist and if I lie down. It also raises to a higher pitch if I press between my temple and my left ear. It also decreases greatly if I pinch my nose and blow, this leads me to believe it is the left ear where the problem lies. I have had congested sinuses for most of my life and I have worked in noisy environments although I have always used ear protection.
Without wanting to sound self pitiful, it has had quite an effect on me. I now hate bedtime and prefer to go to bed when I am absolutely tired out, usually 2am. If I wake in the night I usually end up lay there listening to the noise until I drop off again. I struggle to concentrate on things, it's made me short tempered and occasionally I have a funny turn when a wave of depression seems to come over me where I am frightened in case I can't handle it in the future, angry because it has ruined my retirement and extremely anxious. I have not shared this with my wife or family in case it worries them.
When I take part in activities such as cycling, swimming or other physical activities I get some relief from the noise so I know that there are ways of blocking it, but I am unable to do this at will yet.
I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and can give me an insight on what to expect when I see the specialist.
I saw my GP who told me that before anything further could be done I would have to see an ENT specialist, to see if there is any hearing loss, which I don't think there is. My appointment is late January 2020 although I contact them regularly for a cancellation.
Early on, there were short spells when the sound would stop but recently it has been 24/7. It goes louder if I lean forward with my head below my waist and if I lie down. It also raises to a higher pitch if I press between my temple and my left ear. It also decreases greatly if I pinch my nose and blow, this leads me to believe it is the left ear where the problem lies. I have had congested sinuses for most of my life and I have worked in noisy environments although I have always used ear protection.
Without wanting to sound self pitiful, it has had quite an effect on me. I now hate bedtime and prefer to go to bed when I am absolutely tired out, usually 2am. If I wake in the night I usually end up lay there listening to the noise until I drop off again. I struggle to concentrate on things, it's made me short tempered and occasionally I have a funny turn when a wave of depression seems to come over me where I am frightened in case I can't handle it in the future, angry because it has ruined my retirement and extremely anxious. I have not shared this with my wife or family in case it worries them.
When I take part in activities such as cycling, swimming or other physical activities I get some relief from the noise so I know that there are ways of blocking it, but I am unable to do this at will yet.
I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and can give me an insight on what to expect when I see the specialist.
