questions

[Healthymetoday]

In the summer, I noticed sporadic noises in one ear. It only happened at night, when lying down to sleep. It was almost like a deep and faint squeak. It lasted 2 days and went away. Months later, after developing a sinus cold, it returned. I did not react immediately as I thought it would pass. After about a week, I went to the doctor and was prescribed a nasal steroid spray. Around this time, I noticed a more persistent sound in my other ear. I stopped the spray. Since then I have seen 2 Ent doctors, have tried physiotherapy, a chiropractor, B 12. I find when I do saline rinses my ears seem more sensitive. I was recently told it might be Eustachian tube dysfunction or blockage due to persistent sinus infections and a recent bout of Covid. I was put on another spray. Dymista. I am finding that whether I use saline or steroid spray, my ear sounds get worse. Over holidays, I felt improved without doing or using anything, but then decided to proceed we with saline rinses and dymista as I felt the sounds were more prevalent. My hearing is apparently excellent, so wondering what is behind this. Facial and neck pain, recent bout of Covid? I was tested for autoimmune illness due to mild swelling of parotid glands. Tests were negative, but could swelling of such glands be causing ear sounds? I also wonder about medications. I was using Restasis eye drops for dry eye issues, and wonder if they could be part of the problem. I have a follow up with my Ent doc soon, but nervous to continue with saline rinses and steroid spray in case they are making things worse. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Healthymetoday]

Of note, I have had tmj for over ten years. However, tinnitus was never an issue for me before.

[Ana20]

Hi! I’ m sorry about your discomfort. I’ve been suffering from T for over 17 years. It got worse in 2017. It hasn’t gone away.

I think that T has smth to do with sinuses infection. I’ve had problems with them since 2011 and it gets worse every five years, I use the same Dymista but no improvement in T.

Good health!

[Happyrosie]

it’s very hard to say what might cause tinnitus. And indeed it can be caused by nothing at all.

ENT might be able to get a handle on this but maybe not, or they might suggest you try different things and see what happens as tinnitus is such an individual thing.

Rather like an unpleasant neighbour whom you constantly meet in the street, there isn’t much you can do about it but ignore it as much as possible.

If you haven’t done so already, have a look at the website of Tinnitus UK is very helpful.