Whooshing in right ear

[Haz58]

Hi. Hope you are all doing ok. 😊Question...I've had a whooshing pulsating noise in my right ear for over a week now. I'm on 50mg benepali jab once a week (3rd one last night) and 3g sulfasalazine ( been on full dose since June) . I know sulfasalazine can cause ear problems and wondered if anyone else has had this and what you did about it. Unsure weather to see GP first or call Rheumy nurse.

[rmros]

I've had this off and on for many years, was not caused by Benepali or any other medication.

It's called pulsatile tinnitus and I believe it's caused by a problem in the blood vessels near the ear. It's very annoying and sometimes keeps me awake.

I paid to get my ears syringed thinking it would help but the audiologist said I had no wax and I should see a doctor about the issue. I've lived with it so long I didn't bother.

[Haz58 in reply to rmros]

Thanks rmros! I really didnt want to have to stop either meds as they are working 😊. I'll see how it goes and maybe mention it to gp next time I see them.

[rmros in reply to Haz58]

The audiologist was quite adamant I should see a doctor and get an ENT referral, so I'm definitely not recommending you ignore it like I have - it's just mine has been around so long I reckon if it was going to harm me it would have by now!

[Madmusiclover in reply to rmros]

Me too.

[Runrig01]

sounds like you have pulsatile tinnitus. I would contact your GP for an initial assessment and then inform gp. I had it when I had GCA, mine was caused by inflammation of the carotid artery, but there are other causes. Which is why I would call gp asap. Mines settled down initially with Azathioprine then later changed to Methotrexate

[Jackie1947]

I have tinnitus not caused by Benipali as it started way before then. Mine was attributed to Amitriptyline.

[Haz58 in reply to Jackie1947]

That's interesting I'm on amitriptyline. Now the benepali has been added and lots of my pain has diminished I'm trying to slowly decrease it.

[Jackie1947 in reply to Haz58]

After 18 years of RA Benipali got me to being in remission and it's changed my life. Good luck

[Haz58 in reply to Jackie1947]

Great to hear! Fingers crossed 🤞

[wilbertjellyfish]

I'd call the nurse. I had side effects with baracitinib...GP said he'd not be worried rheumatology nurse straight away said it was a side effect.

[cyberbarn]

I have had pulsatile tinnitus on and off since I was 12 (now in my 60s). I have never bothered to tell medics. Last time I was referred to ENT I had a telephone appt and he just told me I was getting old, so I didn't bother telling him.

But if it is something that has just suddenly come on, then it might be worth mentioning.

[Haz58 in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks. I have an appointment early December so I will mention it then.

[Portinatx17]

Sulfasalazine caused the same problem for me too, within weeks of starting, the drug helped my RA as a triple therapy for 18months. Despite changing meds combo , I still have. ENT Dr said pulsating tinnitus. It doesnt bother me in day as am busy. Quiet periods I notice it but much worse in bed. I try to lie on that side but invariably you move pisition. Wakes me up numerous times so I understand what you are going through! No treatment ! One of the many side effects of RA and its meds. I have nocturnal itchy skin and Sjogrens which affects both eyes. Osteoporosis too now to add to mix! Its lovely that we have this forum were people get you as they are going through same issues. X

[Haz58 in reply to Portinatx17]

Thanks Portinax17. I too itch at night! Drives me mad when I first get into bed. The joys of meds and RA...not. x

[AnnieJ123]

I have had tinnitus in both ears for at least 20 years and sadly accompanying hearing loss. It is not the pulsating kind. I have been on sulphasalazine for longer than this, and I have been on benepali for just under a year . I have no idea if the medication triggered it or made the condition worse. I hope you get an answer to your question. I try to ignore the tinnitus but it is not easy to do.