So, I Finally Went to the ENT...

[The Red Viper]

With regard to the T in your left ear but slight dip in your right ear, I would hypothesize that they are linked. The nerves from each ear meet up and then later split on their way to each individual auditory cortex.

 

[Sam Bridge]

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What ear conditions can be solved to cure tinnitus? Me personally, I haven't seen much data that suggests resolving ETD cures tinnitus. People can have ETD blockage repeatedly throughout their lives without tinnitus.

I didn't say anything about a cure.

 

[stophiss]

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I didn't say anything about a cure.

You might see my point in this Sam. A guy or girl develops tinnitus and freaks out. Goes to their GP and looks in their ears. Remark is, everything looks normal (common) Some GP's...maybe a hand off to a friend, says, I suggest you go to xyz ENT. ENT looks in the patience's ears and says, yup, just like your GP said, everything looks normal in ears. Oh and btw, you may have some ET blockage. I suggest you stop by the drug store and try xyz nasal spray. Nasal spray never cures tinnitus....didn't in my case.
A complete waste of time and money. Never heard of an ENT doing anything positive for tinnitus...certainly that a GP can't assess. Best thing someone who contracts tinnitus can do is visit their GP and have a complete physical with blood work up...measure blood pressure etc.

 

[Vinnitus]

With regard to the T in your left ear but slight dip in your right ear, I would hypothesize that they are linked. The nerves from each ear meet up and then later split on their way to each individual auditory cortex.

Could be, but I looked up my audiogram from 2010 and the 2KHz seemed to be at the same level for the right ear. I guess it has been like this for quite some time already... In 2010 I had a first onset of Tinnitus, which went away after about 3 months, hence I made this audiogram during that time. I've attached my 2010 audiogram here. Strangely enough they only took it till 4KHz.

All in all it implicates the 2KHz dip might not be responsible for the Tinnitus, because for the 6 years in between I had no Tinnitus at all.

 

[PaulBe]

ENT looks in the patience's ears and says, yup, just like your GP said, everything looks normal in ears. Oh and btw, you may have some ET blockage. I suggest you stop by the drug store and try xyz nasal spray. Nasal spray never cures tinnitus....

People don't like paying for opinions. They like to leave with something tangible in exchange for their hard-earned. We really hate it when the opinions are crap.

 

[stophiss]

People don't like paying for opinions. They like to leave with something tangible in exchange for their hard-earned. We really hate it when the opinions are crap.

Not sure what your point is Paul. Do you believe visiting an ENT has benefit? My GP didn't think so.

 

[PaulBe]

Not sure what your point is Paul. Do you believe visiting an ENT has benefit? My GP didn't think so.

It wasn't well worded was it. Its one of those things about medicine though. As an example, a lot of people get shitty if they go to the doctor with a cold and don't get anti-biotics, regardless of whether they need them. Its just that when you find yourself paying a lot of money to hear nothing new, especially when you find they know less than you do it is damn annoying and you are left wondering what right they have to charge you for knowledge they don't possess to give. I actually think that for the most part ENT is the wrong discipline to send us to. Much of what they look for can be found by a competent GP with an otoscope and good history-taking skills, and any well-schooled radiologist can read and report on imaging. In Australia much of the billing and rebating is based on processes that entrench the Specialist at the top of the tree, regardless. I can't really work out what an ENT brings to the table for the T & H cohort for the money they make. Neurology would be better, Otoneurology even more so (though still rare). I'd like to see a smart ENT hook into arrangements with audiology, psychology/counseling etc to provide a proper holistic service, and I'm sure some do somewhere. I know of one in Brisbane who co-owns a chain but they are heavily wedded to the Neuromonics marketing system and products.

 

[Michael Leigh]

His parting words were 'just try hard not to focus on the noise and all the best to you'
And that is that. There is nothing they can do . End of.
I feel so angry , upset and alone.
I now can only go back to my GP .

@fedup @Sam Bridge

Fed-up.
Your consultation with the ENT doctor wasn't good and I know just how you feel. Sambridge, this post might help you since you also live in the UK.

My first consultation with an ENT doctor wasn't that great either and that was twenty years ago. Don't despair because not all doctors are the same and my current consultant and hearing therapist that I've had for many years are excellent in my opinion.

Fed-up: Your tinnitus and hyperacusis was caused by loud noise exposure (headphones) exactly the same as mine. The best treatment for you is TRT (tinnitus retraining therapy) in my opinion. Not all NHS hospitals practice it because the treatment is expensive and last 12 to 24 months. Click on my profile picture and read some of the started threads, there's plenty of information about TRT, hyperacusis and using a sound machine.

I am surprised that your ENT doctor hasn't referred to you to a hearing therapist, as that is the usual practice in most NHS hospitals for the treatment and management of tinnitus. Please understand: ENT doctors treat the ear medically or surgically; they are not therapists or counsellors, as this requires a different set of skills. However, that doesn't mean they shouldn't show some understanding and empathy towards their patient.

Have a word with your GP and tell him or her about your experience at ENT. Ask if it's possible that you can be referred to a hospital where TRT is practiced. If you are able get this treatment I feel it will help you but remember, TRT is not a quick fix. It involves wearing white noise generators for up to 10hrs a day and having counselling with a hearing therapist, which is a very important part of the treatment, and I can't express that enough.

CBT: cognitive behavioural therapy is also good and involves counselling with a hearing therapist. This treatment is also done at some hospitals but first try for TRT.

If you are not using sound therapy at night then I advise you to do so ASAP. Use a sound machine by your bedside and play it throughout the night until morning. The pain in your ears and sensitivity is all to do with hyperaucisis. Your auditory system has suffered noise trauma the same as mine did many years ago. It will heal in time but you must use sound therapy and never use headphones again even at low volume.

I believe by following my suggestions and having a word with your GP, and using sound therapy things will improve for you. It will take time but you must persist.

All the best
Michael

 

[Sam Bridge]

@Michael Leigh

I just wanted to mention something that now makes me laugh. In July i went to my GP as i thought I had an ear wax build up. Anyway, whilst i was there i asked if she knew about any support groups. The next thing she did was go patient.co.uk and printed off there page about tinnitus. I was shocked but i didn't say anything. Like i haven't read that kind of info a million times.

As i say thinking back to that makes me laugh now. At the time i was having real sleep issues, even before t i would have on and off sleep issues occasionally and i think i really focused on the t on my sleepless nights. Luckily now i am back into a good sleep pattern but just wanted to share that gp experience.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Sam Bridge Thank you for sharing that experience with your GP. I know how daunting tinnitus can make a person feel, and when we reach out to health professionals we want them to be fast and furious with: diagnoses, treatment and understanding. When this isn't forthcoming it can leave us thinking why did I bother? However, please understand the human body is very complex and GPs are under a lot of stress. A condition like tinnitus which GPs know can't be cured probably feel at a loss what to do.

Again, not all GPs are the same. My first GP 20 years ago said to me: "you have tinnitus, nothing can be done just ignore it". However, I saw another GP in the practice and it was a totally difference experience. Understanding, empathy and above all listening and wanting to help.

I never forget asking that I would like a referral to a private clinic or hospital for treating my tinnitus - in the hope of getting better treatment. My GP looked at me with care and consideration and said:
" You will get the best help and aftercare by waiting for your appointment at ENT" That was 20 years ago and my doctor was right. Twenty years on and I'm still getting very good treatment.

Michael