acupuncture and tinnitus

[Kellyc]

i went to acupuncturist who very aggressively needled around my left An ear and it is ringing much worse now and my left side has been twitching which worries me if he aggravated a nerve. This tinnitus is the pits the loud ringing is so stressful and then stress makes it act up that much more. One doctor said I have an AN and another says I have a nerve or lesion where AN is. No medicines really help not even anti anxiety ones. I think the worst thing was using the ketamine which i truly believe excited some of the nerves in my brain has anyone had this reaction or after covid vaccine since both were around same time????

[flappers]

Hi Kelly, what a horrible time you’re having. I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad experience with acupuncture, it sounds like whoever you saw really shouldn’t be offering this treatment! I had a acupuncture administered by a very experienced physiotherapist to help with headaches and tension, caused by the diagnosis of the AN. It helped hugely. I believe the main thing we need to focus on is help to come to terms with having the AN and learning to manage the symptoms and stress of it. Finding what works for you is the key. I have had the vaccinations for covid and flu, no increase in any symptoms, which are screaming tinnitus hearing loss and the odd twitchy lip and numbness. Try to find someone who can support you ( join AN support group?) and only see practitioners who are recommended. Hopefully your symptoms will settle down soon. Good luck!

[Kazgau]

I’m sorry you are struggling with this. I struggled for a long time too and have been given amitriptyline for nerve pain down my face (as it’s on my facial and hearing nerves) This has also significantly reduced my tinnitus. I still have low level fuzz in my ears and I often wake up with screeching in my ears but it’s so much better then it was . Apparently it can take up to 8 weeks to work and you can up the dose too. Hoping this may be helpful to you. Mindfulness and swimming have been helpful for me too to help with anxiety. Take care