Tinnitus Worsened to an Unbearable Level After a Migraine Attack

[Hannahukuk]

Hi

I have suffered from what I would consider pretty low level tinnitus in one ear for a few years but after a recent migraine the level has increased to an unbearable level. I've now also developed this awful condition in my other ear. I'm going through diagnostics at the moment but feel quite alone with this problem, hence sharing my experience with this group.

Hugs
Hannah x

 

[Joe Cuber]

Hi @Hannahukuk - Welcome to the forum. I too had very low levels of tinnitus, in my case mostly in one ear, and my tinnitus spiked up to a crazy level recently 2 months ago. In my case, it's variable by the day and primarily in my right ear (my left isn't variable and it's much lower in volume). So, everyday is a different level in my right ear.

What diagnostics are you going through? Have you seen an ENT and audiologist?

 

[LilCC]

So you developed tinnitus on both ears now? Would you say it is moderate or severe? I'm wondering if maybe you had some type of infection that triggered a spike? Or have you been around loud noise without adequate protection?

 

[Michael Leigh]

Although it reads on your profile cause of tinnitus unknown @Hannahukuk, more often than not something usually causes it. Have you ever had your hearing checked at ENT? If not, I advise that you ask your GP to refer you there so tests can be carried out on your auditory system. If there is an underlying medical cause for the tinnitus then hopefully tests will reveal it.

Some people that are prone to having migraines are also affected with tinnitus. Since you have had tinnitus at a low level for a few years, the sudden increase could be linked to something else. Do you regularly listen to audio through headphones, earbuds, AirPods or headsets even at low volume? I ask because these devices are often linked to causing the onset of tinnitus or making it worse for people that already have the condition. If you don't use headphones that's good and suggest you keep it that way.

Try to avoid being in quiet rooms and surroundings by using low level sound enrichment especially at night. Use a sound machine by your bedside and keep the volume low. More information about this is in the links below that I suggest you read and might find helpful.

All the best,
Michael

New to Tinnitus, What to Do? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Tinnitus, A Personal View | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

[Hannahukuk]

Hi,

Thank you all for your prompt, helpful and informative responses.

I did used to listen to music using headphones, but I put a stop to this when the tinnitus began a few years ago. During this time I had a referral to a specialist who did some tests that suggested there was no loss of hearing, I also had a scan on the side of my head to ensure it was nothing more sinister from what I remember.

But since my recent migraine (kind of embarrassed as to when this happened) I have only just really begun tests because my first GP appointments were trying to get control of my migraine.

I've had a telephone appointment so far specifically for the tinnitus, from my symptoms he said I will get a referral to the audiology department and I need to see my GP on Monday (diagnostics are pretty much at the very early stages this time round). It does seem the health system is completely overwhelmed and getting a GP appointment is slow, I can't imagine how long it's going to take me to see a specialist.

Hugs,
Hannah x

 

[Michael Leigh]

I've had a telephone appointment so far specifically for the tinnitus, from my symptoms he said I will get a referral to the audiology department and I need to see my GP on Monday

Hi Hannah,

Please read the two posts in the links that I have sent you. Tinnitus, A Personal View, explains what usually happens when a patient in the UK is referred to ENT. There is a reason a referral to ENT takes between 4 to 6 months. My advice is not to see a private ENT, as you will get the best help and long term aftercare for tinnitus under the NHS.

If you are experiencing any deafness, dizziness problems with balance or acute pain in the ears, then your GP will probably fast-track you to ENT. However, for straight-forward tinnitus it's best to wait it out. More information is in the links.

Start using low level sound enrichment especially at night.

Take care,
Michael.