MRI scan or TMJ

[boilingbogwo]

Hello, I’m after some advice I’ve had T for over two years, a mild hissing in both ears which started in 2020 just before the first lockdown. This was ok and I’d gradually got used to it, went to see the ENT who found some high frequency loss in my left ear which accounted for the tinnitus apparently, but not enough to warrant hearing aids. Had an MRI scan, found nothing blah blah, usual “there’s nothing we can do for you” type statement. Then in October last year I suddenly noticed new sounds in my right ear, and the hissing in both has become much louder and more noticeable. I was struggling at first and found it a challenge, it still is, but I’m trying to deal with it. Anyway I also get funny spells of pulsatile tinnitus which seems to come and go. My T changes pitch when I jut my jaw out, or bend my head to the side (becomes more intense). So I’m thinking is this TMJ related? And should I try to get another MRI scan which will look at blood flow for the pulsatile tinnitus. Any advice would be most appreciated.

(I know I shouldn’t be too hung up on root cause and just get on with trying to accept it/habituate but I figure it’s worth getting stuff checked out)

[Hidden]

Hi it is so frustrating. I don't know if NHS would give you another MRI so soon? What about asking for another type of scan in the ear, jaw and neck area?

I feel your frustration. I had an MRI in 2014 when I first had hearing loss but at ENT in 2021 they kept saying your MRI is fine and referred to it as though it was recent!

The message was clear that I wouldn't be getting another... Keep pushing to find out what is going on. Take care. x

[boilingbogwo in reply to Hidden]

Thanks good shout, I didn’t think of just getting a scan in that area. My thought was they can do MRI scans like a routine thing like taking your blood pressure probably a bit wrong on that.

[Happyrosie]

I’ve heard of people seeing their dentist about this, and benefitting from it, and there is a full page on the British Tinnitus Association website devoted to TMJ probs.

[boilingbogwo in reply to Happyrosie]

Yep going there tomorrow

[Hidden]

Good point about the dentist, Rosie. 👍

[ViHayhurst]

An MRI is done to check for tumors and other issues dealing with hearing loss, mostly sudden hearing loss. With pulsatile tinnitus, the vascular system both veins and arteries should be evaluated. Both CTA - neck and head and/ or MRA are done preferably under an interventional neuroradiologist for further assessment.

[mmmgggsss]

Hello, I also have pulsatile tinnitus in just my left ear and developed it in May 2020. Here in the US I had 2 ear DRs evaluate me as well as an MRI and other typical scans which were clean but then also had a more evasive angiogram which is a test where they place a probe in your groin and send it all the way up through an artery into your neck area. They then release dye and take an X-ray video of that dye and evaluate how the blood flow looks throughout the head and neck area. They can see the flow, look for leaks and other irregularities. Its a great way to eliminate anything bad and really see what's going on. Mine was all healthy and normal which I was grateful for but also a bit frustrated that I am still undiagnosed. I also had my wisdom teeth taken out - at 50 years old but that did not do anything right away to relieve it.

The good news is that in the last year or so it has really diminished greatly, now I would even say its 90% gone and Im back to base line. I can't say exactly what did it maybe getting the teeth out but I also do take Lipo Flavinoid which is a vitamin mix which is healthy for the nerves in the ear and has no downside but may have possibly helped...can't really say. So just keep in mind that there is a chance it can go away this is not a life sentence, but I did struggle with it for like 1 1/2 years and am very grateful it is now gone. Hang in there and try to be positive about it, at worst you will indeed habitualize to it, at worst.