pulsatile tinnitus

[Pinkbarbi]

hi I’ve had pulsatile tinnitus for almost 2 years. It came on all of a sudden not long after I’d had covid and had been a bit unwell with migraine for a week or so. A nurse said I had an ear infection but antibiotics made no difference. I was quickly sent for an MRA which was clear. I also had an ENT referral which took 18 months. During these 18 months I regularly checked with my GPs if they could help but they just said there was no specific cause.

finally saw ENT in December and he was worse than useless just giving the usual tinnitus talk then sent me a letter summarising my appointment saying I had non pulsatile tinnitus. He sent me for MRA which was clear and has now discharged me.

I’ve just done blood pressure monitoring but that was Ok.

I’m 46 and female so possibly peri menopausal which could be relevant.

Am at a loss now really what to do as I can’t help but still believe there’s a cause. Thank you

[Eviz33]

I don’t know when my PT started as I think it’s been going on quietly for sometime without me really noticing it. A few months ago it just got really loud on one side especially at night. I’m post menopause and have heard it could be that. But I think mine is aggregated by exercise and having a very stiff neck when I do lots of computer work. I’ve been seeing an Osethopath for the neck pain and stiffness and the PT is getting better. I also had an MEI which showed nothing and saw an ENT doctor, had my hearing checked etc etc nothing showed up.

On a side note I have also been getting swimmers ear (without swimming) & had lots of antibiotics drops for them. Apparently there’s not connection according to the doctor.

You could try cranial osteopath- it might help.

[Philip6]

sadly your experience with ENT is typical. I suppose they can do something’s but I’m not sure what.

[Happyrosie]

if you haven’t already, read the website of Tinnitus UK.

There may be no cause, so I’d suggest you don’t spend valuable brain time trying to search for one. It’s happened. The trick is to find ways of helping yourself.

[nelliebligh]

I found the following Facebook group really helpful : facebook.com/groups/Whooshers/

[Tanney]

do you have allergies? If so, they could be causing your PT. If you do, it's important to manage allergies every day with a good antihistamine nasal spray. Also, I've found that taking Lorazapam (prescription only) in a low dose such as 0.5mg will decrease the "loudness" of PT. Lorazapam will also lower your stress level which certainly will help lower the PT.

[MickJF]

Hi Pinkbarbi. I have T constantly and intermittent PT as well and have been through every test similarly to you. I am convinced there is some skeletal issue as my T changes pitch when I turn my neck.

I know I have muscle wastage down right side caused by sitting at a pc for 40 years with a right hand mouse. Slouch to the right.

I have this week started on some weight training with the aid of a trainer so that I know what to do. The hope is that I can build up muscle down my right side to straighten my spine which may help my T.

Never lose hope but on the other hand try and not let it take over your life.

[OceanSun]

Hi Pinkbarbi,

I've had pulsatile tinnitus for over 4 years now, along with some neuro issues that started at the same time. Nothing identified by an MRI scan.

How would you describe the PT that you experience?

[Non-Leaguer]

I have just picked up on your message. Have you tried a CT scan? It was found after this that it was a tortuous blood vessel in my neck. This was after extremely intense woodcutting that the extra exercise had tweaked something in my neck and started my pulsatile tinnitus 3 years ago. Just a thought!