Cotton buds , MRI scans and depression - Tinnitus UK

Tinnitus UK

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Cotton buds , MRI scans and depression

LuverlyLucie profile image
7 Replies

Hello Lovely People

It's been a while since I either actively contributed to this group or asked for help. First of all I really hope that you are all having more good days than bad.

Unfortunately I have another health condition which flared up and resulted in four hours of excruciating pain, a trip to A&E and left me feeling exhausted and terrified. Thankfully the condition is now getting better. It will never be completely resolved.

Barcelona: my husband and I had a fab time celebrating our 25th in Barcelona. It's great, noisy city and most of the time the tinnitus didn't really trouble me. We used audio guides at Gaudi's buildings and I found that putting one head phone in my good ear really helped my bad ear which has the tinnitus.

Cotton buds: since coming back my tinnitus has got quite bad. It seems to have worsened since I used cotton buds in my ears and I wonder if cotton buds can make tinnitus worse?

MRI scan: on Friday I have an MRI scan and i'm terrified that this will make my

tinnitus worse?

Any help as always very much appreciated.

Love

Luverly Lucie x

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LuverlyLucie
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7 Replies
JohnJopp profile image
JohnJopp

Hi Luverly Lucie. Glad you enjoyed Barcelona. I've never been but my wife loves it there.

Cotton Buds: I don't think they would have any effect on your tinnitus, assuming you used them sensibly and didn't push them in too far.

MRI Scan: I'm having one on my head this afternoon. I have an acoustic neuroma and I have one every year. This will be the 4th on my head with another 3 on other bits of me. It is a noisy machine but you are given ear defenders to protect your ears and it's not too bad. I think some people use there own earplugs as well but I've never bothered. It's never affected my tinnitus. Don't worry about it.

John

berry76 profile image
berry76

Oh dear you really shouldn't put ANYTHING in your ears - like cotton-buds. If there's wax in the canal you could be pushing it towards the ear-drum and, therefore, not allowing the wax to make its way forward out of the ear. Blocking the ear canal will definitely make the T sound louder. Yesterday I thought I would have a Boots hearing test - but this wasn't possible because there was too much wax in the way to even see the ear drums ....so, fortunately, we have an ear clinic (unfortunately Private) in Caterham and I was able to get the problem sorted by micro-suction (much better and more thorough than siphoning). Now I can get the hearing test which is a back up for hearing aids with masker supplied by the Tinnitus Clinic in London.

As far as the MRI scan is concerned - I am very claustrophic and worried when I had to have a second one.....but it really wasn't anything like as bad as I had expected and didn't affect my quite intrusive T. We are so lucky to have these diagnostic devices - so go for it.....and be strong.

Lastly don't forget that Tinnitus is a neurological problem between the ear and the brain usually - so cotton buds cannot touch it.

Lynne-H profile image
Lynne-H

Hi Luverly Lucie,

I have had an MRI Scan and my tinnitus was not affected. I`m sure you`ll be fine.

Take care. Love Lynne xx

JohnJopp profile image
JohnJopp

Just to clarify on the use of cotton buds I do agree with berry76 that they shouldn't be used to try and remove wax deep in the ear canal for the reasons he/she gave. If you think you have a wax build up in your ear get it checked out with your gp.

JohnJopp profile image
JohnJopp

Just got back from my MRI scan with no Ill effects. Only issue I had was they offered to play some music through the earphones which when it came on was too loud and horribly distorted. They said they couldn't turn it down so I opted to turn it off. I've had music playing with scans at other hospitals and it's been fine.

John

Jellybeanz_ profile image
Jellybeanz_

Hi Lucie, I am new here. I have heard Barcelona is marvellous and I would love to go someday. I had an MRI and it is noisy but they do give you headphones. I found relaxation and visualisation really helped. I walked my way down to my favourite beach only to be disturbed by the technician calling to me....They thought I had stopped breathing!!!!! I have unilateral tinnitus and did find it flared a bit, but wasn't aware of it making it worse in the longterm. Went back to its usual bothersome self in no time.:)

I would not poke buds down your ears.

Ears are so sensitive and best to use olive oil drops 2-3 times a week.

Love glynis

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