Really weird tinitus...

[manlymatt83]

I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

 

[bovinda]

You don't have any hearing changes, right? It doesn't have a "pulsatile" quality to it, where you hear it with your pulse, or a rushing, flowing, or humming sound? Is it higher or lower pitched? No dizziness, spinning, nausea or vomiting, that sort of thing?

Some people do have chronic, intermittent tinnitus, like yours. How long have you had it for? It's often described as "benign" in that it's not indicating of an underlying pathology with a worse prognosis. That doesn't mean it's unpleasant; for some, it can get to the point where it can even interefere with function. The American Tinnitus Association has a good website with more info about it.

If you had a brain tumor that was affecting both your vision and your hearing, you would have a lot of other problems. Those areas aren't close enough that a tumor would affect only those two senses and not affect a bunch of other things.

 

[manlymatt83]

You don't have any hearing changes, right? It doesn't have a "pulsatile" quality to it, where you hear it with your pulse, or a rushing, flowing, or humming sound? Is it higher or lower pitched? No dizziness, spinning, nausea or vomiting, that sort of thing?

Nope, I can still hear fine, but yes, it does have a pulsatile quality to it. In fact, I can remember one of my longest complaints since about late College (when I was first diagnosed with hypertension) was that I always had a very "loud" pulse. I could hear it in my ears almost at all times. For instance, right now, the room is very quiet, and I hear my pulse in my right ear a bit. I could tell you how fast it is beating. It's quite faint but gets worse if I lay down and the room is really quiet. Sometimes, if I get to the point where I'm really relaxed, I can't hear it at all. It really gets worse if I climb stairs. Then I can really hear my pulse in my head. But at that point, it doesn't feel like its just in my ears - it feels like my heart is *in* my brain. Sickening. But no, when I hear the tinitus, its a high pitched, loud sound, that blocks out almost all of my hearing in that ear for about 10-15 seconds, then goes away and fades, and it won't happen again for a few days. But, it's only in my right ear, and my floaters are only in my right eye, which concern me.

No dizziness, spinning, haven't vomited in at least 10 years unless it was alcohol related (which doesn't happen often). I feel fine other than symptoms described. Perhaps my eye pulsates sometimes, and I do have twitches all over my body, especially in my calves. Little annoying things like that. Doc thinks it may be an "undiagnosed auto-immune disorder", which I've read can cause eye floaters and ear ringing, etc. too. I try not to read too much into things anymore. But this one has me scared.

Some people do have chronic, intermittent tinnitus, like yours. How long have you had it for? It's often described as "benign" in that it's not indicating of an underlying pathology with a worse prognosis. That doesn't mean it's unpleasant; for some, it can get to the point where it can even interefere with function. The American Tinnitus Association has a good website with more info about it.

I'd say the tinnitus started about a year and a half ago, right around the time of the floaters.

If you had a brain tumor that was affecting both your vision and your hearing, you would have a lot of other problems. Those areas aren't close enough that a tumor would affect only those two senses and not affect a bunch of other things.

That makes me feel better. I guess I had also thought that perhaps two years of symptoms would be much worse if there was a tumor, but then I read that sometimes even the worst tumors aren't discovered for 5-10 years

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

I had these exact same symptoms due to a sleep deficiet. What time are you going to bed? (what time are you REALLY going to bed, not when you'd 'like' to go to bed?) What time are you waking up?

Also, what's your diet like? I get ringing in my ears if I eat a lot of sugar.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

I had these exact same symptoms due to a sleep deficiet. What time are you going to bed? (what time are you REALLY going to bed, not when you'd 'like' to go to bed?) What time are you waking up?

Also, what's your diet like? I get ringing in my ears if I eat a lot of sugar.

You heard your heart beat in your ear? Are you sure? I haven't heard many other people who have had that. I don't get much sleep, I'll be honest... well, I get sleep, but not GOOD sleep. Girlfriend snores a lot, etc.

 

[manlymatt83]

Oh, and diet is also good for the most part. But I'll admit, when I eat a lot of sugar, my heart races like a mofo.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

I had these exact same symptoms due to a sleep deficiet. What time are you going to bed? (what time are you REALLY going to bed, not when you'd 'like' to go to bed?) What time are you waking up?

Also, what's your diet like? I get ringing in my ears if I eat a lot of sugar.

You heard your heart beat in your ear? Are you sure? I haven't heard many other people who have had that. I don't get much sleep, I'll be honest... well, I get sleep, but not GOOD sleep. Girlfriend snores a lot, etc.

Hm, to potentially add something to this: I have insomnia, usually about 3 months out of the year. I had it for several years and sometimes I would hear my heartbeat in my head. Try getting into a better sleeping schedule. Sleep at a set time and wake up at a set time every day, even weekends for like a month. If that helps, then great. If not, what have you lost? Saggy eyes?

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: manlymatt83

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

I had these exact same symptoms due to a sleep deficiet. What time are you going to bed? (what time are you REALLY going to bed, not when you'd 'like' to go to bed?) What time are you waking up?

Also, what's your diet like? I get ringing in my ears if I eat a lot of sugar.

You heard your heart beat in your ear? Are you sure? I haven't heard many other people who have had that. I don't get much sleep, I'll be honest... well, I get sleep, but not GOOD sleep. Girlfriend snores a lot, etc.

Hm, to potentially add something to this: I have insomnia, usually about 3 months out of the year. I had it for several years and sometimes I would hear my heartbeat in my head. Try getting into a better sleeping schedule. Sleep at a set time and wake up at a set time every day, even weekends for like a month. If that helps, then great. If not, what have you lost? Saggy eyes?

True...... So the heart in your headwent away?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I still pop my ears out of habit so yeah, it's gone most of the time. I've learned to ignore it even when it's around unless it's after intense exercise. Try it out, if you can schedule it in your day.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Oh, and diet is also good for the most part. But I'll admit, when I eat a lot of sugar, my heart races like a mofo.

Dump sugar + go to sleep early for 1 week, report back.

 

[Muse]

I have had constant tinnitus for many years, both ears. Occasionally I experience something like what you describe in one of my ears. It happens so seldom I don't know if it's just one ear or both. It happens maybe every few months, I don't keep track. Suddenly and without warning there's a fairly loud ringing that's a fair amount louder than what I continually experience and it subsides and is gone in 10-20 seconds (or below the threshhold of what I experience all the time!). I don't know what to attribute this to. But I think the constant tinnitus I have is probably in large measure due to my exposure to loud noise, probably from a lot of rock shows I attended. Wear eye protection at shows and when you are in environments with potentially ear-damaging noise levels!

 

[bovinda]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Nope, I can still hear fine, but yes, it does have a pulsatile quality to it. In fact, I can remember one of my longest complaints since about late College (when I was first diagnosed with hypertension) was that I always had a very "loud" pulse.
...

Just to clarify...it sounds like when the tinitus occurs, it doesn't have a pulsatile quality to it itself, but generally you are able to hear your pulse, right? If the tinitus itself does have a pulsatile quality, I would suggest to go in and get checked out a little more thoroughly. Pulsatile tinitus can suggest an underlying vascular condition, though it's still unlikely. But from what it sounds like, you have regular ole', run-of-the-mill tinitus.

Agree with others who suggested more sleep. Lack of sleep is thought to contribute to tinitus. And loud sound, as suggested above, is a big risk factor for developing tinitus. Check to see if you're clenching your jaw much, and to try and relax your head and neck as often as you can. (Rest and relaxation also can only help your hypertension.)

Edit: Muse, I like your happiness quotes. (And your tinitus sounds like it is indeed sensorineural tinitus, from loud sound)

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Oh, and diet is also good for the most part. But I'll admit, when I eat a lot of sugar, my heart races like a mofo.

Dump sugar + go to sleep early for 1 week, report back.

really?

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: bovinda

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Nope, I can still hear fine, but yes, it does have a pulsatile quality to it. In fact, I can remember one of my longest complaints since about late College (when I was first diagnosed with hypertension) was that I always had a very "loud" pulse.
...

Just to clarify...it sounds like when the tinitus occurs, it doesn't have a pulsatile quality to it itself, but generally you are able to hear your pulse, right? If the tinitus itself does have a pulsatile quality, I would suggest to go in and get checked out a little more thoroughly. Pulsatile tinitus can suggest an underlying vascular condition, though it's still unlikely. But from what it sounds like, you have regular ole', run-of-the-mill tinitus.

Agree with others who suggested more sleep. Lack of sleep is thought to contribute to tinitus. And loud sound, as suggested above, is a big risk factor for developing tinitus. Check to see if you're clenching your jaw much, and to try and relax your head and neck as often as you can. (Rest and relaxation also can only help your hypertension.)

Edit: Muse, I like your happiness quotes. (And your tinitus sounds like it is indeed sensorineural tinitus, from loud sound)

Generally, I'm able to hear my pulse, but yes, I don't hear the pulse in the tinitus. I just have a strong heart beat a lot so can hear my pulse all the time. That makes me wonder sometimes

 

[bovinda]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Generally, I'm able to hear my pulse, but yes, I don't hear the pulse in the tinitus. I just have a strong heart beat a lot so can hear my pulse all the time. That makes me wonder sometimes

Do you hear your pulse in both your ears, or just one? If both, I wouldn't worry about it. You mentioned you've been given a diagnosis of hypertension, right? The important thing for your future health is to work with that and get that under control as much as you can - that's more key. And do get some more rest and relaxation - that's good for both your blood pressure and your tinitus.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: bovinda

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
Generally, I'm able to hear my pulse, but yes, I don't hear the pulse in the tinitus. I just have a strong heart beat a lot so can hear my pulse all the time. That makes me wonder sometimes

Do you hear your pulse in both your ears, or just one? If both, I wouldn't worry about it. You mentioned you've been given a diagnosis of hypertension, right? The important thing for your future health is to work with that and get that under control as much as you can - that's more key. And do get some more rest and relaxation - that's good for both your blood pressure and your tinitus.

Well, the "hypertension" diagnosis I don't know - to be honest, I was diagnosed with "hypertension" when my doctor would take 140/90 measurements at the doctor. Or that one time I was going in for surgery and was so scared I was 180/90. But when I take my blood pressure at home, relaxing, its ALWAYS 120/65. Whether I'm on medicine (I used to be on Avapro and Verapamil) or off medicine (I stopped everything except half dose Avapro this past year).

I know my blood pressure goes high when I run up stairs, or when I'm very stressed, but for the most part, its 120/80. So do I have hypertension? Who knows.

The heartbeat/noise is back and forth between years. Never both at the same time. Sometimes I feel like the top back part of my head is throbbing, and I can actually put my hand on it sometimes and feel it bouncing up and down when my heart beat is really racing - such as after a lot of sugar, or after I drink a few beers, or after I Just got done running 5 miles. Otherwise, if the room is quiet, I can usually hear my heart beat - either in my right ear, my left ear, or the "center of my head" (a really weird description). It's never everything at the same time though, but most of the time I feel like my heart is in my head and just wants to come out. And that isn't just when I'm stressed or anxious - it happens when I get done running, or when I eat a lot, or drink beer, or any combination.

 

[KoolAidKid]

Floaters and tinnitus should not be related.

I have had tinnitus since I was born. In addition to the constant low-level background ringing I occasionally (once every couple of months) get a loud tone that starts soft, increases in intensity, peaks and then subsides. I have always called them 'messages from the mother ship' for no particular reason. They sound a lot like modem handshaking tones if you can remember what those sound like. I have been to an audiologist & an ENT for my tinnitus; they both told me that it was nothing to worry about.

 

[eits]

get your bp checked. if it's ok, see a chiropractor. if that doesn't help, see a chiropractor. it could be an free floating ossicle or tension in some of your deep neck muscles. if that doesn't help, see an ent or a neurologist to check for something more serious.

 

[ibex333]

I always thought tinitus was something that was constant. I get ringing in my ears, but its only sudden, usually lasts for about 10-20 seconds, and goes away after I swallow and move around a bit. I asked a doctor and she said "Don't worry about it", but it really has me concerned.

I think the tinitus is triggered by constant noises unexpectedly changing. For instance, I was just sitting in bed, and the fan right next to me was on. There was also a low hum in the background from the heater, but that turned off. The second that turned off, my right ear began ringing, almost to the point where it was blocked. Left ear was fine.

In fact, I think it's usually only my right ear. It scares me, because I also have floaters in my right eye, which started around the same time. Of course, it makes me paranoid of things like brain tumors (if I have floaters in my right eye *AND* tinitus in my right ear, then perhaps something is wrong with the right side of my brain?) But who knows... eye doctor says floaters are benign, ear doctor says tinnitus is benign, so what do I know.

Any suggestions?

Any doctor that says "dont worry about it" to a patient complaining about tennitus(ringing in ears) instantly loses any respect from me. This condition may in fact be "nothing serious" as it stands, but can often be a warning for things to come in the future. Sadly a doctor will usually not bother running serious tests because that is expensive and time consuming. Besides, when you get real sick, you'll come back, and you can then be drained for even more money. It is a "vascular" condition, and can result from a large hoast of things. It can be anyhting from physical to mental stress, to chronic conditions to anything in between. More often than not, a change in lifestyle, diet, and addition of exercise can bring good results.

In my particular case, what really helped was Vitamin B-Complex. Note, that's "Complex" not just some vitamin B! Take it religiously, every single day for at least 2 months. Only then can you possibly see any stable results. Many people get discouraged after a week or so, and say... Hey! This stuff is useless. Not so, as I have personally found out.

Because ringing in ears is often directly related to cardiovascular and nervous system, it is extremely beneficial to add exercise, and keep a certain "regime/regimen" throughout your day. Try to eat and go to sleep always at the same time. Just following these simple tips can make a huge difference! I know it's ahrd to go to sleep at the same time every day when friends are calling you to party or boss asks to stay at work late, but really, all you need to do is stick to the plan as best you can, you dont have to be a maniac about it.

There are "white noise" CDs and tapes avaialble online that help many people with your condition. Google it. Also try meditation/relaxation techniques, try taking valerian root and maybe even sign up for a tai-chi or yoga class if funds allow.

 

[edro]

Floaters and tinnitus should not be related.

I have had tinnitus since I was born. In addition to the constant low-level background ringing I occasionally (once every couple of months) get a loud tone that starts soft, increases in intensity, peaks and then subsides. I have always called them 'messages from the mother ship' for no particular reason. They sound a lot like modem handshaking tones if you can remember what those sound like. I have been to an audiologist & an ENT for my tinnitus; they both told me that it was nothing to worry about.

I have the same thing. The random high pitched tones always catch me off guard.

It's an extremely high pitched tone in one ear that cascades down and disappears over 10 seconds.
For that 10 seconds, I look around, twisting my head like a dog hearing a dog whistle.