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Does anyone have Tinnitus here....does Bisoprolol make it slightly worse? I'm wondering if PAF med isn't helping?

Julia7 profile image
44 Replies

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted for a while as I am a little calmer and settled with my PAF diagnosis during June last year and have only had two episodes since then due to being careless with caffeine intake. I really appreciate the support and advice you gave.

Anyway, I was just wondering if Bisoprolol is known to make Tinnitus worse over time? I'm 45, fit and healthy but have had Tinnitus for years - probably since my 20s. I've noticed recently that I am more 'tuned into' it. It may be caused by more anxiety (due to this strange time) or the fact that I'm listening for it! The noise in my head/ears sounds like the noise an electricity pylon makes or one of those electric cat deterrents. I can obviously hear it more at night and in the morning when I'm quiet but have recently been hearing it in the daytime. My daughter, who is 14, says she has it too but it doesn't seem to bother her (and lots of other people I know say they have it on occasions - although I don't think it comes and goes).

I take a baby dose of Bisoprolol (2.5mg), which I don't seem to have any other side effects from, but I'm wondering whether to contact the nurse I was referred to, to see if she could change my med to something else if the Bis is affecting the noise. I just wanted to see what you lovely lot think?

I hope you are all well,

Julia

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44 Replies
bantam12 profile image
bantam12

I have tinnitus and it's possibly worse since I've been on Bisoprolol, some days better than others but it does drive me mad 😖

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply tobantam12

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it....and yes, it's very annoying. Like the sound of a high-pitched electricity pylon. I can here it now as I am thinking about it (writing this reply).

I had antibiotics a couple of months ago and it seemed to get worse after that.

Goodness knows! If the Bis was defo making it worse, I would stop taking it.

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1

I no longer take Bisoprolol but continue to take a cocktail of other medication.

I have suffered from the most awful tinnitus for more years than I can remember. It is so loud it is often much louder than any other sound around me. It comprises a very loud wining noise with occasional high pitched whistles in one ear or the other.

I suppose I have sort of learned to live with it, what else can I do ? I cannot climb out of my body!

The tinnitus gets even louder when my heart races or a run of Ectopics. Also when my blood blood pressure is high or in stressful situations it is also much louder.

Pete

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply topottypete1

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it. Yes, I occasionally get a high pitched whistle which suddenly happens and then fades out about a minute after. I think stress is a major factor for people who suffer with it. So, for example, when Covid started hitting the headlines, it made me VERY anxious and I noticed my tinnitus got louder (and hasn't quietened down).

Julia

I'm not on Bisoprolol but I've had tinnitus for a few years and it's pretty loud and constant, louder than the TV. I'd say that if you think it's the Biso then ask for a change, it has to be worth a try.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply to

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it....and then I can't stop thinking about it. I think it's very common?

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66

I've had tinnitus a few years, mostly down to my profession being heavily involved with loud cars and dynos .

I was also on 2.5 bisoprolol last couple of years before my successful ablation last year , particularly the last months since I've stopped the bisop I've found the tinnitus has lessened to quite a large degree, and now no longer bothers me and also I can't hear my heartbeat constantly like I did whilst taking it, among a lot of other benefits since stopping.

I asked the gp last year if the bisop was making it worse and got laughed at, but it seems it did, not the first time they have got effects of bisoprolol wrong, especially the fatigue and low mood which I didn't even think was that bad until now I'm free of it.

Ian

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1 in reply toIanp66

My tinnitus was most probably caused by standing too near Pete Townsend’s speakers in 1969.😜

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply topottypete1

Haha nice one pete 🤣

saulger profile image
saulger in reply topottypete1

I was there also ! 1964 The Who at the Marquee, every Tuesday.

And, yes, I also have tinnitus !

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1 in reply tosaulger

My venue didn't quite have the same ring to it - Worthing Pier Pavilion😂 but I was probably only 3' from the speakers.

I can remember going to many a night club at that time and my ears ringing for a day or two afterwards. As a 21 year old it somehow didn't matter. It does now sadly.

saulger profile image
saulger in reply topottypete1

Hi Pete. I have the identical recollections, but have learned to live with the hum.

Sometimes its more disturbing and at other times in the far background.

I notices that many people on the AFib site also suffer with tinnitus.

Just age and 60's living ?

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toIanp66

Wow, Ian, it is odd you say about fatigue and low mood. I've ALWAYS been a very energetic, happy-go-lucky type of person and have noticed in the last year, my mood has been slightly lower and I feel slightly more 'sluggish'. I've put it down to getting older and working in the teaching profession, which is BUSY! Maybe it's the Bis then? Plus, making my Tinnitus worse!

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply toJulia7

I put it down to the same thing, but after coming off it altogether ,clear a full month now, I can confirm it was the bisop and the pulsile tinnitus has mysteriously left, of course if and when I see my gp am sure he will do the usual roll eyes and smile saying oh well if you think you feel better. He didn't even think I would need to titrate off the 2.5mg and said the 1.25mg wasn't even worth thinking about, yes it was, and for a fortnight or so it was awful, all good now, feel like my old self and fitness and stamina had gone through the roof.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toIanp66

Right, I'm going to look into this and ask the nurse specialist about coming off it. What happened as it left your system (or don't I want to know?)

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply toJulia7

I took 1.25 every other day julia for a week, then stopped. First two days felt much better, for a week it for sure increased adrenalin, flushed, a little higher pulse 75-80bpm at rest, now back at 64-67bpm. Had a few little moments sort of Xmas excitement type of thing a few days, but totally OK now, and we'll worth it coming off.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toIanp66

I've only ever had two Afib episodes - last June when I exercised vigorously and then drank way too much Diet Coke. My heart began to skip beats and then sped up to 190bpm for a few hours. Taken into hosp where they said Afib.

The second time was last November (when I had a hangover) and again, drank lots of Diet Coke to try and make myself feel better. I had also forgotten to take my tablet.

I'm scared I will have another attack if I stop taking the Bis. Could I use it as PIP?

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply toJulia7

I had to stop drinking 5/6 years ago as it ended up twice in fast tachy at 180-200 and afib. I'd ask to see an EP, as its usually progressive and I wouldn't stop taking it I'm not medically trained or can comment on your personal health , there are alternatives to bisoprolol though with much less reported problems than bisop.

The ablation was the jest thing I've done, no more fast tachy or afib.

Pita profile image
Pita

I also have tinnitus i both ears for many many years, my right ear(partially death in this ear) is the worst, I get very loud continuous high pitch sounds 24/7 in both ears and sometimes drums playing in the left ear. It has got worse over the years but I have put this down to medication ie Antihistamines and Tildiem. I try not to let it bother me, there is not much you can do really as I already been checked out by the ENT consultant last year.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toPita

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it. It's not driving me mad but just annoying at times....makes me anxious. I was checked out by the ENT and he said my hearing was fine and lots of people have Tinnitus. I wish there was something we could take!

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I'm not on bisoprolol now but have tinnitus. I think it could have become worse when I used the drug but overall I feel that it worsens - or becomes more apparent - with sinus congestion which I seem unable to be rid of.

Steve

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toPpiman

I'm wondering if Hayfever makes it slightly worse as I sometimes get mild Hayfever. I need to try and tune out of it because, when I'm not busy, I'm listening for it!

Rosemaryb1349 profile image
Rosemaryb1349

My Tinnitus did get worse when on a gradually increasing dose of Bisop but didn't improve when I weaned off it. I am now on a calcium channel blocker instead which whilst improving my state ie no longer zombified has done nothing to improve my Tinnitus. I keep background music on at all times, Classic FM works for me, but I notice it most when waking after a daytime nap or if I am particularly tired, it's as if my brain cannot tune it out when overly tired.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toRosemaryb1349

Thanks for you reply. Wow, another comment stating that Bis makes you feel 'zombified'. I am only on 2.5mg but have noticed I don't have the energy I had before I started taking it. I might try something else....although I haven't had major side effects with Bis (apart from suspecting my Tinnitus slightly worse...)

Ebenezeer1938 profile image
Ebenezeer1938

Have had tinnitus for about 15years following ear infection.Take bisop and flec for PAF. Read in an article that a hearing aid can make a difference as it enhances other sounds, Saw GP who referred me to local hospital. Heari ng test showed that I did not qualify for a NHS aid but the consultant authorised them anyway. If the noise gets too annoying I wear the aids and it certainly makes a positive difference. Ebenezeer 1938

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1 in reply toEbenezeer1938

They gave me white noise hearing aids, to me it was as bad as the tinnitus.

Pete

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toEbenezeer1938

Thanks for your reply. It is strange how something just triggers Tinnitus and then it never leaves. Interesting about the aids also - thanks for this!

easygoer13 profile image
easygoer13

Hi Julia,

Interesting I developed Tinnitus about 2 years ago now after dealing with AFIB and the medications for about five years. Mine comes and goes on for 3 days and off for 1 and the cycle repeats.

Do you know of anything that can be done for this?

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toeasygoer13

Well I know that there isn't a type of med that prevents it. However, lots of people have told me that CBT therapy really helps and also wearing a device which drowns it out. It's strange how yours works in cycles? Mine is there all of the time - I just don't notice it when I'm busy. I can hear it now as I am typing this because I am thinking about it. It never leaves me - I just 'tune in' when I'm quiet. Someone else also recommended meditation and Yoga to relax more?

Wombat51 profile image
Wombat51

I have recently experienced an increase in my tinnitus and like yourself take Bisoprolol although only 1.25mg. I am unsure whether it is caused by the medication or just anxiety and stress which l have in barrow loads. I spoke to my GP and am now taking Amitriptyline to help with anxiety. Not seen any improvement as yet but hopefully it will help.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toWombat51

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it. It's always there. Yep - as I am getting older, my anxiety has increased. I wonder if this is to blame. Someone recommend CBT therapy...it's meant to be very good in helping relieve anxiety and Tinnitus.

Anxiety hits me at different times of the month, depending on my hormones.

Ericmax profile image
Ericmax

I used to have Tinnitus in both ears.After a dental exam where the X-ray goes from one side of the head to the other Tinnitus was gone.Somehow the X-rays affected the ears or brain to give me peace.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toEricmax

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it....I am now going to demand an x-ray, lol!

Mity3 profile image
Mity3

Hi Julia,

I developed afib last august and it became worse for several months to several times per day with hr up in 180's at times. Worse when lying down. Has disappeared since March 29th of 2020 and was replaced with severe tinnitus!

I believe there is a connection but I am starting to look at the wi-fi and other EMF as both having created the afib as well as the tinnitus. I got rid of the smart meters off both sides of our home. I also forced my husband to remove the "ring" from the doorbell (this worsened the afib, nevermind the invasion of privacy). We have determined that there are numerous things related to the wi-fi, including the roomba's, modem's, etc. that our bodies (electrical beings) are being bombarded. I have shut off all electronics from my bedroom (even the tv had so much coming from it). I checked all outlets for dirty electricity and put filters on the outlets (expensive but so worth it!). I am learning a great deal about 5G. I consider myself a canary in the coal mine. I was in great health and all of sudden everything came crashing down in August of 2020. I did several tests and many things were abnormal. I also went gluten free (paleo) and have stuck with that. No AFIB and supplements only. Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin D were a big need for me. I feel great again!

Lots of people getting tinnitus now and the easiest thing to notice is the wif-fi. Its everywhere! I notice worsening in our kitchen (where modem is) and bedroom (above the modem in the kitchen). Disappears when I go hiking in the mountains, worsens in a doctors office (with an MRI). Start keeping a diary of the type of sound and where it is worse. Then check around for the hidden electronics!

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toMity3

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it....

So your Afib calmed down and your Tinnitus took over - what a pain!

It is so interesting in what you say about the Wifi and EMF. A music teacher once told me a few years back, to try turning off all electrical appliances to see if it helped. I just thought he was talking nonsense and didn't even try it. I am going to give it a go. Does it calm the tinnitus down straight away once the Wifi/appliances are switched off?

This is fascinating - I am defo going to make a note of when and where it is worse.

The noise in my ears/head sounds like a very high-pitched electric tone.

Ericmax profile image
Ericmax in reply toMity3

I used to live on a farm and didn’t have wifi ,microwave or any electronics and still got Afib and tinnitus.

Mity3 profile image
Mity3 in reply toEricmax

That is a bummer. Of course there are numerous etiologies for health issues. The fact that you said an xray at a dental office made it go away kind of goes along with what I am saying. An xray is radiation and is electrical. While the frequency you received it at made your tinnitus go away, if our homes and those around us are being bombarded with multiple different frequencies, who knows what that might do to each of us.

shawnner profile image
shawnner

I've had permanent AFib since I was 35ish and didn't pay attention to how long I've had tinnitus, but it's been many years. I always blamed the ringing on shooting thousands of rounds of rifle & shotgun as a youth. We were country boys, so no hearing protection. You've got me wondering if it could be meds. Otherwise 56, fit, perfect health.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toshawnner

It's great to be in good health, isn't it? The Tinnitus is just very annoying at times. I think mine is from listening to very loud music in social events from my twenties.

Anxiety and stress don't help - although I don't suffer from this all the time. Meds I am questioning along with too many appliances on at one time in the house.

Rowanberrie profile image
Rowanberrie

Hello Julia I’ve had tinnitus since around 1984 and it has remained at the same level until I started to lose my hearing and the it got worse and became very invasive, until I received my hearing aids and they filter most of it out. I’ve also been on a ‘baby’ dose of Bisoplorol for 5 years and it has not affected my tinnitus at all. Although I have found my tinnitus is worse at night when I take my aids out

Jeni

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toRowanberrie

Thanks so much for your reply. I find, when I'm busy, I 'tune out' of it. When I am quiet I listen for it....

It's good to know that there is something that can help if it does get worse. Yes, night time I can hear it the most!

Challiefan profile image
Challiefan

I'm on 10mg Bisoprolol, and have occasional, not very loud tinnitus. I have noticed no difference pre and post starting to take Bisoprolol.

Julia7 profile image
Julia7 in reply toChalliefan

Thanks so much for your reply....maybe it is not the Bis then (I'm only on a small dose).

jeroglu profile image
jeroglu

Hi Julia

I was prescribed Bisoprolol two weeks ago after a nasty episode of AF in the shower after swimming in our local pool, not great as I was stark naked. Lol!

The drug has given me ringing in the ears and the beginnings of tinnitus even after this short time. I feel as if my ears need to pop, like being in a plane and I have noise in my right ear like wearing dodgy headphones.

Added to the side effect of exhaustion it’s a horrible drug. I had Cordorone four years ago after my first attack but even on the first month it upset my thyroid and kidneys so I had to come off it. In fact I came off all drugs and hoped that I would escape with just the one episode if AF but sadly not.

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