I have had very mild tinnitus for a few years - probably the inevitable result of having played in music groups all my life. Thankfully it is only mild, just a high whine when it is quiet, so not an issue.
However, about three months ago, I also started to get what is more like a buzzing when I hear certain frequencies, a bit like something vibrating in a broken speaker. It isn't constant, only when I hear those frequencies.
I went to the doctor, who didn't even look at my ear, and just said it is tinnitus and nothing can be done.
If so, well, OK. But it is a problem, as it is affecting my ability to listen to and play music. So I was wondering if anyone can confirm whether this is a normal symptom of tinnitus, or if it might be something else?
There is no pain, and using a wax removal kit didn't dislodge anything.
Many thanks for your help.
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mcxg46
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With the proviso that we’re not diagnosticians here - as you know already - from what I’ve seen on this site over the years tinnitus can vary.For instance, mine is a permanent poorly tuned radio louder than a car travelling at 60 - then I get a steam-train whistle which always goes after a minute or so (well trains do don’t they …) now and again. Sometimes birdsong in the background.
If you are concerned then your doctor should be able to refer you to the Ent clinic or Audiology dept. After all we are entitled to some answers to our queries. As you know tinnitus does vary in so many different tones and some are lucky enough to get it mildly and some people are unlucky and go through horrendous noises . Think I’m about in the middle range . I also suffer some balance and head pressure issues. So your not alone with all this and I wish the doctors could take more interest in us , after all it’s quite stressful and we are told stress increases tinnitus so we end up solving our own issues to try and help ourselves.
I would suggest you go back to your GP and ask to be referred to ENT. The least ENT can do is send you for a MRI Scan, just to check there's nothing else going on. Just be aware that they will probably tell you the same as your GP, that there's nothing they can do. This is what happened to me. Was sent for a MRI scan and that came back clear...I was then discharged, which believe me was a smack in the chops!!
You can always go and get a free hearing test to see if there's any hearing loss. If there is, then let your GP know and then ask to be referred to Audiology. Don't be fobbed off and stand your ground. I have an appointment with my GP in the next few weeks and I'm going to ask to be referred to Audiology (I do have slight high pitched hearing loss in my T ear) and when I'm at Audiology I'm going to ask about T management. I'm determined I'm going to get the help I deserve. It's all too easy for GP's and Consultants to tell us there's nothing they can do. We all know it can't be cured, but we should at least get the help to manage it.
Yes push it further. Even to get it confirmed. It will put your mind at rest. I’m currently seeing an ENT consultant but he’s only interested in taking notes. Going back in 2 weeks to see results of my hearing test.
Today I struggled from morning to night with nausea and motion sickness. I think tiredness affects me but it’s a viscous circle!
It sounds like you are describing menires disease. Have a look at it, as menires disease comes with motion sickness (vertigo) and tinnitus. If that's the case, there is medication you can take. Jessie J the singer has it. She's very open about it. Worth having a look.
But it describes it as attacks and then lasting a few hours. An good example is how I’m feeling now. Last 4 days I feel like motion sickness from morning to night. Tinnitus yes but no fullness. It’s constant.
I think that some people have it for longer than a few hours. But there are many other conditions that can cause you to have the same site effects though. My nephew is currently in hospital with severe vertigo caused by a viral infection which delated the ear nerves. I had never heard of it before. The hard thing for me is to find a doctor which is willing to dig into it and find the route case. I hope you find some answers soon. 🙏
If you encounter a GP who says that there is nothing that can be done about tinnitus - and I acknowledge that they are numerous in number - that's more of a sign that they have no clue what they're talking about than any expertise on the matter.
We have a webinar available on the BTA with Dr Emma Dickson, who does know what she's talking about:
GPs are actively advised not to give that 'there's nothing you can do' line to patients but still they persist with it. As many folks here will advise, NICE's 2020 guidance for tinnitus gives GPs options and advice for referral routes.
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