Newbie consultant advice please

[bobpants]

Hi there, first time post here so hello !

I have had slight ringing T in my right ear for a long while now, but a few weeks ago I developed a new version (PT) in my left ear which is like constant drumming. I only had it so far for a few days on and off, but to be blunt, it scared the living ***** out of me. The idea I could have this forever just freaked me out.

I was previously on anxiety / OCD medication (which I know can cause T) but I had been off it for a while when the 'attack' happened. As a result I have gone straight back on it due to the sheer worry and needing to calm down and carry on working.

I am lucky enough to have Bupa with my work, so have started to try and find an ENT consultant through them but frankly have no idea where to start. They have a 'finder' directory where they have more than 200 consultants listed who mostly all say they specialise in everything ENT wise.

I am based near Bournemouth, Dorset and wondered please if... a) anyone has any ENT consultant they would recommend for PT and b) what to ask / say when hopefully I can get an appointment with one. Trying to stay positive but this one has knocked me for six on the anxiety front :-(.

Thanks in advance

[Austen17]

Hi bobpants , I've had PT since December 2022 and I completely understand your anxiety, I found it very difficult. These days I understand it (and myself) better and occasionally gets moments of respite so, as everyone here says, you learn to cope.

My understanding with Pulsatile Tinnitus is that you should always get it checked out in case there is an underlying condition. My GP was actually really good at the start and I've had all sorts of checks to exclude all sorts of problems. In my case they could not find an underlying reason but having that thorough MOT did provide me with some reassurance because in the first weeks I felt very scared. Now I can tell myself "it's fine, there's nothing wrong" with some certainty and it helps.

I've seen ENT consultants that are experts in PT (both NHS and privately) but I've not found them any more able to offer a solution. Having checked for a physical problem and not found it, they all say that unfortunately I have to habituate.

Perhaps choose someone who lists PT in their list of interests and do get checked out. I don't have any advice about questions because they need to be about what you need to understand what is happening to you and what would reassure you. So I would make a list and take it with you. Very best of luck!

[bobpants in reply to Austen17]

Thanks Austen, that is really helpful. My GP has been pretty rubbish really but maybe they looked at some other test results recently I had, and decided I didn't need any more! I will have a further poke around the consultants and see if I can see something more specific as they all list T as part of their credentials. I guess it is just the 'waiting to see if / when it happens again' that is getting me. Hopefully with a check from a consultant that may give me a bit more re-assurance to worry less about it ! Thank you again for your reply.

[Happyrosie]

adding to what Austen says. We’re not allowed to recommend specific consultants here so it could be a question of “do your own research”.

Saying that, are you familiar with the website of Tinnitus UK?

[bobpants in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi Happyrosie, aha OK I wasn't aware of that thank you. I have seen Tinnitus UK as this linked the forum here from it, but haven't done a deep dive yet. I'll be honest, the main reason I haven't, is I was starting to read scary stories !

[Happyrosie in reply to bobpants]

Yes DONT go down any rabbit holes on Facebook - you emerge baffled and confused! There is no “cure” but there are many ways to habituate - to get to the point where it just doesn’t impinge on your life. But Tinnitus UK is a great resource and many people here have praised their helpline.

[bobpants in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you - I will dig in a bit more !