Hey people.
I’m still waiting to see an ENT specialist. My tinnitus isn’t getting any better. Whoooosh. I do have an MRI scheduled for this month.
Even if they MRi shows nothing would the ENT still me to see if it could be anything else that the MRI couldn’t find?! Like ossicualr bone problems etc?
Thanks
Mark
Hi ‘Mark
I had an mri after I saw an ent specialist so I can’t 100% confirm the case for having one before. However, there’s still other things to check - e.g hearing test, potentially optical fibre cable to check things seem okay in your nose and throat. Also the results of your mri would likely be interpreted by your ent to help see if there’s any diagnosis.
In my case there was nothing of any note from all of the tests and I’m now seeing a neurologist.
Hi, Yes the ENT should still see you, my MRI was clear and I saw the ENT afterwards. In regards to Tinnitus care paths please have a look at the National Institute of Excellence Guidelines, these are care paths all clinicians should follow nice.org.uk/guidance/ng155 .
To reinforce what other posters have said - BUT it does depend on local protocols so no absolute guarantees. And some docs don’t seem to be aware of NICE guidelines .
Hi Mark,
After a hearing test and then an MRI which didn’t come up with anything I was discharged from ENT. I went back to my GP and was referred to audiology at the hospital. I have had an initial consultation with them and have a second meeting at the end of the month to consider which therapy would be best to help me manage the tinnitus. I have been very impressed with audiology they really understand tinnitus and give you hope.
Hello. Sorry to jump on but what's the difference between the two? X
In my limited understanding: ENT are essentially surgeons. Audiologists are hearing specialists. ENT look for problems that can be corrected whereas audiologists look at options for managing the condition such as hearing aids etc.
Hi Mark. Sadly I had the same experience. Two years down the line, loud screaming T and no diagnosis. Good luck with everything.
Hi Maxi,
I`ve been down the same road as you, told I have moderate hearing loss, after waiting a few months I had a MRI scan which came back clear. I was still having problems coping with the Tinnitus so the audiologist at Calderdale Royal hospital gave me hearing aids with a Tinnitus masker built in (ocean waves). I have had these for about 4 months and I am now hopefully coping with my Tinnitus quite well.
It is hard but you have to try and not let Tinnitus rule your life, also take some ear plugs for the MRI scan as it is very loud.
Good Luck Alan
I now have more noises..
Ear protection during MRI ?
What to expect at an ENT appoinment
Unilateral tinitus and Urgent MRI refferal 
