Older adult with tinnitus suddenly

[Shika1945]

I am a healthy 79 year old woman who still runs one marathon a year. Had tinnitus suddenly occur in both ears. My question is does anyone associate tinnitus with HRT or dementia?

[Happyrosie]

never heard of this personally

[Beesmac]

Hi Shika1945 - Tinnitus is usually associated more with hearing loss. Have you had your ears tested lately? If it is bothering you it’s probably worth getting it checked out. I will be 79 in a few weeks and my tinnitus was caused just over 3 years ago by hearing loss literally overnight by a bout of Labyrinthitis. It was explained to me by an audiologist that your brain suddenly realises you are not hearing noises as you should so decides to put some noise there. As for dementia, I watched my sister slowly deteriorate over 7 years and promised myself I would do everything in my power to try to prevent it happening to me. Well done for keeping yourself so fit.

[Shika1945 in reply to Beesmac]

Thank you! Yes, I have seen an ENT,audiologist,dentist and allergist! However, nothing really has helped. I think grief and stress from major losses in my life is probably the root cause so I have returned to therapy and trying to be resilient. I am definitely going to get another professional opinion regarding the hearing loss because I was told it is minimal. I appreciate you sharing your own experience.

[Beesmac in reply to Shika1945]

That’s good that nothing sinister has been found. Tinnitus just loves stress!!! Sounds like you will get on top of it - good luck x

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Shika, the hearing loss may absolutely be minimal and age-related - what may make it more noticeable to us and difficult to cope with are issues like stress, grief and emotional upheaval. These things can take a relatively benign noise and turn up the volume on it until it becomes a major problem or source of anxiety for us.

We can be generally healthy in most respects and still develop tinnitus, but understanding what it is and what it isn't is key (The link between dementia and tinnitus appears to have more to do with more significant hearing loss and isolation, experienced over a long time period).

I hope that you're able to find some relief and respite from tinnitus soon and perhaps even some answers.

[Shika1945 in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thank you! Your words especially related to dementia are helpful! I am blessed to have healthy relationships in my life and to be full of gratitude for the many years I had with those I lost. I need to work on improving my sleep which perhaps will help my tinnitus. Again, thanks for your response.

[FriSoph in reply to Shika1945]

HiI have tinnitus for 7 years with no hearing loss but mine started in menapause, I was thinking about taking HRT does anyone know if this will help.