ENT Referral

[Bee_2]

Hello everyone, after some advice. My tinnitus started 9 months ago, first 'in my head ' then moved to the right side. I have heard some noise like crickets in my left ear a couple of times for a few seconds, but no buzzing there. Gp did a quick check for wax build-up, none, then sent me for an MRI saying that ENT won't accept referral without an MRI. The scan was clear and now I won't get a referral to ENT. Is this normal practice? Gp gave me the tinnitus website link and I keep reading about ENT appointments, hearing tests, etc. My mum and grandma had hearing loss and my mum had tinnitus and wore hearing aids and I told my Gp this.My tinnitus started after I caught Covid again and my endometriosis symptoms got worse too. Wonder if any of this is coincidental?

Also I had one day when the buzzing stopped waking up with a stiff neck. Couldn't move my neck and it hurt quite bad. The next day the stiffness was gone and the buzzing came back. I mentioned this to the physiotherapist I saw at the time for different reason and he said to wait for my ENT appointment.

Now I started having stubbing like sharp pains in the right ear and some pushing feeling too like something swollen inside but no blockage there. What does it mean?

Sorry for the multiple questions, I'm just lost now, cant afford to go private. Thank you

[Jimbob7]

Hello Bee - sorry to hear about this, that all sounds rather complicated and nasty.

Um, it is, I'm afraid, a bit if a fact of life that once we get clear MRI - or other scans - we tend to be confined to the "untreatable" department. This is wrong and should not happen but we can fall through the cracks between departments - GP/ ENT/ Audiology and Neurology.

The fact that you have - what sounds to me like Type-writer tinnitus in one ear (I have the same) and pressure and build up in the other, as well as the pain you report and the neck-stiffness (which ordinarly is a red flag anyway for other serious conditions) lends me to think you should push for further investigation of these unpleasant symptoms.

One question: Have you had an accident/ fall/ anything - over the last few months?

I'd be pushing for that ENT referral - given what you've said so far.

Navigating investigation in to our problems can be very frustrating as we have a condition which rarely is fatal - and yet it is dibillitating and horrible enough to be life-changing for many of us.

I'd go back to your GP - tell them that a clear MRI is not proof that nothing is amiss and that you want a referral to ENT to investigate further - as additionally, you now have had the MRI.

Good luck and keep us informed of developments.

Jimbob

[Bee_2 in reply to Jimbob7]

Hi Jimbob, thank you for your reply and suggestions.I didn't have any sort of accident, saw physio for a leg problem.

The pressure and pain I feel are all in the right ear where I have the tinnitus, there is no build-up in either of my ears. Heard crickets in the other ear a few times for a few second, but nothing else there. Ear ringing is more like a constant buzzing, it's there all the time and louder with a headache.

[Notreve7766]

Regardless of the MRI results you should have been referred to ENT as per NICE Guidelines. The MRI rules out anything sinister but ENT still have a wide range of tests/support they can offer. I would ask to speak to another doctor.

[Bee_2 in reply to Notreve7766]

Thank you, much appreciated ❤️

[bluedawnstar]

My GP referred me to ENT and audiology as I have T but I also took an online hearing test through RNID, this is free. The test indicated some hearing loss and I took the printed result letter to my GP appointment. My MRI was clear so I was discharged from ENT but my audiologist conducted his own hearing test. I now have HA which help with both my hearing and T. It took a while to get the appointment but it was worth the wait. Given your family history of hearing loss I wonder if you can pursue this as a route to get an audiology appointment. Hearing loss is insidious and others are likely to be aware of it before you are; I took the test as friends commented on the radio/tv volume in my house and car. Good luck

[CamperT25]

Hi BEE, you may have eustacian tube dysfunction. These tubes join the back of your ear to your throat, they cause pressure, changes to hearing and buzzing when blocked. I have this, it causes the pressure build up you mention plus the buzzing. To help stop mine, I use nasal sprays. 1st use the Sterimar Congestion relief spray to clear nasal passages, then the Vicks sinex soother. These should help relieve the pressure feeling and perhaps help the buzzing. It helps mine. Hxx

[MRSDOUBT in reply to CamperT25]

Like others have suggested go back to your GP. Try and see another GP in the practice if possible.I was referred to ENT and had a clear MRI after which I was transferred to audiology. Where my hearing loss (mild to moderate at the time ) was diagnosed and hearing aids supplied. Not a cure for tinnitus but they help alot to cope with T especially during the day.

Good luck and persevere x

[Heremeplease]

Hello Bee, I’m going through a similar thing. I feel that once you’ve been all cleared on the MRI then you’re on your own. Very stressful. I do use YouTube quite a lot, there’s a lot of info on there (Treble Health for one). I’m also looking at the medication I’m taking (blood pressure, cholesterol and beat blocker tablets - can all lead to tinnitus) - got an appointment with my GP about changing meds. Then there’s my diet, meditation/relaxation/white noise, again check out YouTube. Finally, there are tinnitus groups, I’m hoping to go to my first one soon. You’re not alone Bee, even if sometimes you feel as though you are. All the best.

[PointedEars]

My GP gave me a referral to ENT after I had been to the hearing clinic and seen by the audiologist. I had already been referred to them over 6 years ago and my review was overdue. During the hearing test appointment I mentioned about hearing noises was informed its probably T and that I should see my GP. This was about two months ago now. The GP did mention that ENT might refer me for an MRI, but didn't say anything about it being a prior requirement. I was informed, however, that it will take some time before the appointment to arrive.

From what I have heard on here, I shouldn't expect too much from ENT. Will have to wait and see.

[Aesop2]

I too had a clear MRI . The ENT i was referred to said basically there's no cure . After several months of suffering my GP sent me to an AUDIOLOGIST . This was amazing & I received real help . I was fitted with hearing aide in my tinnitus ear . This little gadget also plays white noise . They call it a masker. What an amazing little device ! Keep going to GP or get another one but keep the pressure on them . Lack of sleep and all the other host of problems brought on by persistent incessant tinnitus can be " managed " not cured . It does take guts to live with this shit and I'd say the whole lot of us here have got more than all of the doctors in the world combined !

[Hel_C]

I had referral to ENT and had not had a MRI scan. I did not find the appointment of any use and he did not tell me anything I didn't already know - a good thing really but after a 50 week wait I was hoping he would discuss my tinnitus in a meaningful way but it was only a question. "Do the hearing aids help the tinnitus?" My answer was 'sort of' but I find it helpful if I manage my stress. That was it.

My suggestion to you is get onto some of the online support groups found on this site and booked via Evenbrite they are very supportive and you might gain some helpful suggestions and support.