ENT Today: Thoughts

[dfw]

Went to a sporting event last Thursday. Extremely loud for about 5 minutes. Not sure if it was too loud or my hearing in one ear was really sensitive, as ringing started within 30 minutes. (We left after noticing the music being so loud) The next day (Friday) I had a severe headache based in my temple, left ear and cheek. All this on one side. Not much of an issue on the right side. Just the T on left side continuously, no change in tone or volume, although standing outside seems to not be as loud.

The pain has been unbearable on the one side, now I do have a history of TMJ, which I know can cause T for the period of flare ups. If that is the cause, I know it will settle down, but the timing is very suspicious. In addition an urgent care facility, on a Saturday, suggested I had fluid in my ears, another common occurrence for me, although not sure how much I trust his diagnosis, hence the ENT today. Started claritin, mucinex, z-pak, and a steroid pack on Saturday.

All this and the timing of the loud arena, seem suspicious and of course I am now a google certified expert on T (LOL)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated and calming. It has been a challenging 4 days

 

[Lorac]

@dfw ,
I don't know if I can provide any insight but I would like to welcome you to the forum and wish you well with your ENT appointment. Your tinnitus could be temporary and hopefully, that will be the case. Please keep us posted.

 

[MikeL1972]

Hello dfw,

Welcome to the site!

Hopefully your T will settle down on its on with the meds and rest.

Let us know what insights the ENT provided.

The key is to stay calm. I know it is very difficult because by default we want to fix the problem or find a way to fix it, ASAP. This causes us to become anxious and lose control. Once you lose control of your emotions and nervous system, you become easily aggravated, upset, angry, and despondent. The noise will not kill you. It will at first annoy you, especially if you put up a resistance to it and try to fight it. Please do not, because you will come up on the losing end.

Again, hopefully the T will go away. If it does not, your mind will gradually adjust to the noise and file it into the 'not important' file of your brain.

Best of luck!!

 

[MikeP505]

Careful on what you google my friend. Hopefully in time this noise will decrease and you can continue on without many issues. Always speak to your doctor about these issues and see an ENT if possible. Never hurts.

The problem with tinnitus is no treatment is available that helps everyone. Some people find relief with some treatments and others experience no relief with the same treatments. This is a hit-and-miss game now until a cure or treatment comes down the pipe.

Best read some of the threads and go from there. Never hesitate to ask anyone about what they tried for relief. And REMEMBER, use caution with google!!

Check out this 2 second google cure!!

http://johnhartstudios.com/ckennelstrips/2016/october/ckn100616dc.jpg

 

[Dominic1955]

Is your Tinnitus associated with hearing loss?
Did you have an hearing test at the ent doctor?
If you have tinnitus associated with hearing loss
Steroids may help you, you also need to know if hearing loss is conducive or sensisoneural?

 

[dfw]

Thanks for the replies. It's great to know there are people out there to talk to.

The ENT states no fluid in ears and no other issue with them. Hearing test was basically the same as 8 years ago with some high pitch loss in left ear.

Was determined TMJ is back with a fury, so the tightness and pain in and around ear is still there. There is still a slight chance the T is a result of the TMJ, but not sure. I guess only time will tell. I did continue with the steroid pack, although everything is basically the same as the first night.

This is a super heavy challenge and right now it seems an impossible fight.

 

[MikeP505]

Nothing is impossible if you have the right mind frame. Hang tough and carry on living. Keep stress low and get the sleep you need. Have some fun in your life while taking a little time to research treatments.

It's not the end of the world.

 

[Dominic1955]

Thanks for the replies. It's great to know there are people out there to talk to.

The ENT states no fluid in ears and no other issue with them. Hearing test was basically the same as 8 years ago with some high pitch loss in left ear.

Was determined TMJ is back with a fury, so the tightness and pain in and around ear is still there. There is still a slight chance the T is a result of the TMJ, but not sure. I guess only time will tell. I did continue with the steroid pack, although everything is basically the same as the first night.

This is a super heavy challenge and right now it seems an impossible fight.

How loud is your T, can you hear it above Tv , traffic, shower, on jet plane? When I first got it I was thinking suicide but after 7 months my anxiety is gone and just feel annoyed100% of the time, I lost 60% of my hearing and I feel aural fullness, I had a few good days hopefully I will habituate. you will too

 

[dfw]

Yes, I am really trying to settle down. It has been a difficult 5 days but if I get more days like today, then I know I can make it either way.
I have noticed it off & on for most of the day. Numerous times I wondered where it was, just noticed it wasn't there or I just didn't care at the time. Although laying in bed it has come & gone numerous times in varying degree.
Not sure if the on again off again is a good thing or just part of it, but I will consider it a good thing for the time being.

Thanks again!!!

 

[dfw]

Well, the next morning arrived.
Very loud most of the night and this morning. Today has been the complete opposite of yesterday. Pain up and down the left side of face to temple, behind eye, below eye and in front of ear. Massive headache that only abated for the one day yesterday. Feels like got punched in that side of the face.
Don't know if it's the chicken or the egg. Tinnitus causing headache & pain or the headache and pain causing the tinnitus.

 

[MikeL1972]

@dfw

Have you seen an oral surgeon re: TMJ?

From the sound of your situation, you need to rid yourself of the pain first and foremost!

 

[dfw]

Yes, went there yesterday after the ENT on Monday. Stated I was a perfect candidate for TMJ therapy.
I'm just really confused & scared right now.
I'm sure it's T, but with all the pain, I just don't know & I can't seem to find an answer.
Has anyone had severe week long headaches with the onset of T. And pressure in the temple.

 

[Ecip]

Do you suffer from Bruxism? As in, do you clench your teeth at night and wake up with sore masticating muscles, temples, etc?

 

[dfw]

Thanks Ecip

Interesting theory. My temple headaches have been severe the last week. I'm thinking I will get fitted with a mouth guard at this point.

Long flight yesterday with not much issues, Bose headphones on. Unfortunately, upon arrival headache and T returned.

 

[dfw]

Well.......after a "good" week or so, it came back with a vengeance yesterday. Two days of complete desperation to somehow rid these horrible feelings. I've tried to do as y'all say, as not to pay attention, but seems to be really difficult right now. Finally decided to take half a clonzapam tonight, so hoping that will help settle me down. My other ear is starting to feel full as well. Feel like I'm going into full panic mode at this point.
Can't believe this is so terrifying, normally I'm a pretty stable person, but this is just pushing me to the edge.