Had first MRI now need to see ENT specialist

[Ironingboard17]

Hi

I’ve had high pitched Tinnitus in my left ear for a few years now and recently after a few bad hearing tests was referred to an ENT specialist, he checked me and said I have to go for an MRI and hearing test.

I had the MRI and recently received a letter saying I need to see him in a couple of weeks and go 30 minutes early to have a hearing test first.

As I have to have the hearing test first and am not really suffering from any severe dizziness is it possible it’s not a AN?

Also is it possible the specialist might say there is nothing there even though I still have to go to see him?

Thanks for any help.

[whitefishbay]

You won't know until you go. I went and that is how I found out about my AN. Have questions ready as they don't give you much info.

[Kristyll]

I think it’s best to see what is being said. Get all your results to know what is exactly going on, I would think . Good luck

[Ironingboard17]

Thanks both, is it normal practice to have a hearing test after the MRI and before getting results?

[Brightness14]

Did your MRI have contrast? It could be a Cholesteatoma in the ear. You would need a otoscopy and a scan if needed to confirm it.

[Ironingboard17 in reply to Brightness14]

Hi Brightness14 no it was just a regular ear mri without contrast.

I’m not sure about the Cholesteatoma I don’t think I have those symptoms.

It’s just constant high pitched ringing in the ear and it feels a bit blocked.

[Brightness14]

I have just been to an ENT consultant for my problems and he found a huge Cholesteatoma in my ear. I had an Otoscopy which showed up on a large screen and then he sent me for a scan of my ear for which I am waiting results. He stated straight away that I required surgery. I hope that you haven't got one it sounds like something else. To diagnose a AN I think it required MRI with contrast.

[Ironingboard17]

Thanks Brightness14 I hope the surgery goes well for you.

Best wishes

[whitefishbay]

You could just have tinnitus.

[flappers]

Hi, it’s horrid ali the waiting isn’t it? I guess the answer to your question has to be yes it’s possible, but you know that none of us can really answer with any knowledge about what is actually happening. Try to focus on nurturing yourself and distracting yourself at the moment, and know that you are being properly checked out, so you can get advice around the tinnitus and hearing whatever the cause. I had my MRI, then the results ( a 1.2cm AN) 2 days later in a call, then another mri with contrast, then apt with the specialist neurosurgeon, then a hearing test ( and a hearing aid, and I hadn’t realised I had hearing loss, just the tinnitus) So there isn’t a one size fits all process. Let us know how you get on, if it is an AN remember they are benign, most never need any treatment as there don’t grow, and if they do it’s treatable and you’ll get lots of support from us lot! Come back and let me know the results and I’ll point you in the direction of some really helpful resources, but either way, learning to not overthink and worry will be your greatest help! All the best! Lin x

[Rob2563]

In my case I was visiting the ENT specialists for sinus issues and mentioned I have also had tinnitus in my right ear since the sinus issue began which is nearly 2 years, I suspect it’s covid related but whilst I was with the specialist they did the hearing test which indicated my earring was down 50% compared to my left side, this was followed up by a MRI scan and they found a 7mm AN, I am now waiting to see a specialist on this condidition