Pulsatile tinnitus

[OrangeElephant1215]

I’ve had Pulsatile tinnitus now for 2 years. Some days it’s worse than others. I don’t hear it 24/7 but I do for a lot of the day.

I am waiting to see ENT as my GP feels it’s to do it my inner ear. This is because my symptoms started after an ear infection and I cannot equalise that ear (where I have the PT) - when I try then air just comes out my eye on that side!

I have had bloods done which show everything is normal but I do have low folate levels.

I’m just looking to hear other peoples stories. Google has told me ENT maybe isnt where I need to go, but my GP seems adamant that is the only place I need referred too.

[Nonstopnoise]

Hi,I have been told my folate levels were too high then too low.Told to take vit b supplements then not to.Am at screaming point sometimes ...but of course that would set the damned T off even more.

Oh the frustration.

[Minsky]

hello. I too have had terrible PT 2 years and after scans etc finally on a waiting list for inner ear Otosclerosis procedure as inner ear bone has become malformed apparently. Consultant said 90 percent success rate plus improved hearing if it works. PT is terrible as the pulsing day and night is dreadful. Waiting list is 18 months. No other remedies, pills, or habituation had worked for me. Try to see a decent ENT consultant if you can, not an audiologist! I do hope you find some answers and relief. Best wishes.

[SueX in reply to Minsky]

Hiya , can I ask how they diagnosed that your inner ear bone became malformed? I guess it was via the scans? 18 months is a long wait with with PT in your head!

[Minsky in reply to SueX]

Yes it was the scan along with me feeling off balance a lot of the time and very bad hearing loss in that ear as well as the constant thumping of pt. Told consultant the PT was completely debilitating and quality of life zero. He then agreed an operation might help both hearing loss and PT. No guarantees of course but I will try anything to rid myself of the constant noise. Best wishes.

[PABLR]

I have had pulsatile tinnitus off and on on both sides. For your peace of mind you need an MRI. I had this done and nothing was turned up. It finally disappeared when I got a Cochlear Implant (obviously not because of the CI, but a nice side benefit!) It has also been mainly absent from the non-implanted side which was never as bad anyway.

[SueX]

Hiya, my problems started after an infection. The GP has to be guided by the NICE guidlines and local commissioning protocols so an ENT doctor is the usual first line of investigation (though you may also have scans and potentially see a neurologist). Interesting that you had bloods done though. I've had a whole load of scans (MRI CT both with and without contrast and doppler) but no one mentioned bloods!