ENT APPOINTMENT

[sun_1234]

I can’t do my hearing test yesterday because I can’t tolerate the sounds. they give me another appointment next week. I don’t know how to do my test and my head MRI. I’m really scared. Any advice please.

[Suz_2]

have u had a hearing test before - the hearing test for tinnitus sufferers is not loud at all . I had an MRI recently and had ear plugs and a thick piece of foam against ears , then the usual foam - they also slowed the mri machine to reduce the noise - all this helped but it is still noisy - u have to call or email the MRI dept and tell them that u want these extra precautions because u hv tinnitus, so that they know in advance. An ENT brain scan is quite short 15-20mins and u can have break if u want to. My ENT MRI scan of Sept 21, I only had the ear plugs - yes it was elevated for a while after this but settled down again.

[sun_1234 in reply to Suz_2]

yes suz I did first left ear It was okay but still I feel uncomfortable . when thay try to my right I can’t tolerate the sound. It’s so loud. I feel the sounds goes inside my head.

[Suz_2 in reply to sun_1234]

Is it a tinnitus hearing test ? sounds like Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) - does everything sound louder as well - I had this when my T first started for months but has eased off now . What did the Audiologist say ? MRI scan is the first procedure that ENT do just to see if they can detect particular problems - I know this is a worry as it is quite loud - but with the precautions that I mentioned , this makes it more tolerable. You could wait a few months before doing scan to see if the sound sensitivity eases off a bit - depends if u have other symptoms like headaches, nerve pain in limbs etc etc. No matter which dept it is ENT or Neurology , they would want to do MRI scan first

[sun_1234 in reply to Suz_2]

I don’t know suz. they just said hearing test. My gp referred me first MRI. Its nearly 7 weeks start tinnitus and hearing lost. After my hearing test and MRI doctor will see me again. doctor already told me I need hearing aids and for tinnitus I have to manage it.😥

[Suz_2 in reply to sun_1234]

did the tinnitus and hearingloss start sort of 'out of the blue' suddenly ??

[sun_1234 in reply to Suz_2]

yes suz. it’s start suddenly middle of the night. but before I have tinnitus but it’s unnoticeable very mild .

[doglover1973]

Hi sun_1234 Try & do the hearing test if you can. It's helpful to know whether you have any hearing loss. The test is a little uncomfortable but it doesn't hurt you or make your T any worse. Have the hearing test first before you think about the MRI scan. One thing at a time. Good luck next week 💛

[sun_1234 in reply to doglover1973]

Thank you doglover. My right ear totally deaf and start tinnitus same time.

[doglover1973 in reply to sun_1234]

I have the same problem sun_1234 Very little hearing in my right ear . This makes the T seem loud because it's all I can hear. If you go for the hearing test they'll give you hearing aids. I'm waiting for mine at the moment. You don't have to go for the MRI if you don't want to. I haven't yet.

[777john]

The earing test does have some low hight pitched sounds which can be a bit scary but you will be ok i refused a MRI scan because of the noise it makes theres no doubt it is loud. My tinnitus was so loud i couldn't take the chance in case it made it worse so instead i had a CT scan which is almost as good and there is no sound at all. I know what you are going through these are really scary times nobody understands apart from us tinnitus sufferers what you are going through but you will get through this.

[sun_1234 in reply to 777john]

777jhon It’s not only high pitched. they use some loud sounds and then try beeps sound. I can’t do my MRI today. I have to do CT scan I think. Thank you .

[noisynora]

I can't tolerate MRI in spite of precautions so my ENT consultant opted for me to have a CT scan instead. It was painless and quiet. please discuss your anxieties with your ENT team as they are very helpful. I attended swindon ENT department and they are very caring and highly skilled.

[sun_1234 in reply to noisynora]

Thank you noisynora.

[doglover1973]

777john noisynora Thanks for the info. I didn't realise you can have CT instead of MRI. I'm going to ring ENT and ask if I can have CT. The thought of a quiet scan is very appealing.

[Doxiemom1]

I hear you. I’m afraid to do MRI too