Hello, Newbie Here!

[Baz1050]

Hi Everyone,

I have been pointed to this forum from 'Dannyboy'.

I believe I am suffering from Pulsate Tinnitus and I think its been at least 5 years. Hard to remember as I thought it was normal to begin with and that it would go away...how wrong was I?!

Anyway, I'm 24, live near Bristol in the UK and work as a PA and Avon Representative. I have been on Medication for Depression and Anxiety since last September. Currently on 40mg Citalopram however I am weaning off of that and changing to Sertraline, just been prescribed Propranolol too for anxiety.

I spend most of my days with headphones in which often masks the tinnitus, however I now have an attachment to having some sort of noise/music on and feel lost without it. I worry that I come across rude too having them in as I am a PA to a Business Manager of a large NHS organisation so often have to talk to people to problem solve etc.

S0me times the noise is minimal and I can easily mask it however other times I literally can't here what the person next to me is saying which I find embarrassing and I think this contributes to my problems with concentrating.

So that's a little 'about me' bit!!

Sam x

 

[jimH]

Welcome to TT, Sam. You'll find that there are a lot of supportive people here that fully understand what you have been going through. Additionally, there's a lot of information here as well. There are currently a couple of products being tested that may eventually provide some relief, if not a cure, in the not too distant future.

That said, you might want to begin by reading some of the threads in the Pulsatile Tinnitus and Success Stories sections.

Good Luck!

 

[Karen]

Hi, Sam, and welcome!

I certainly understand what you're describing. because I have pulsatile tinnitus, too. I've had it for a little over five years now, and it is only in my right ear. In addition, I have regular tinnitus (a high-pitched hissing tone), and sometimes it is hard to hear people because of it.

A question: Has your diagnosis of pulsatile tinnitus been confirmed by a physician? And have you had any diagnostic tests to determine the cause? There are certain tests that may be ordered to rule out any physical causes, such as fistulas or tumors. The tests include MRI, along with MRA and MRV, CT scan, Doppler of carotid arteries, and in cases where it is warranted, an angiogram.

Also, have you had a hearing test, to determine whether you have hearing loss? You might benefit from trying a hearing aid (in the U.S., we can try them free for 30 days), to see if it would help you. Some hearing aids come with masking sounds as well. In my case, I tried a hearing aid, but it seemed to amplify my pulsating, so I ended up returning it. But, for you, it's possible that it might help.

We're glad you've joined us. There's lots of information and support here. And, as Jim H suggested, you might want to check out the Pulsatile Tinnitus section on this forum.

Best wishes,
Karen

 

[Baz1050]

Thank you both for your replies. I am looking forward to looking properly around the site this weekend when I have a few days off work and have access to my laptop!

I have to admit I have not been to my GP to discuss this. Sadly, because I am often there for my depression/anxiety I feel like I cannot keep going as I don't want a reputation of being a trouble maker or a hypochondriac or something!! I have seen the masking download so will have a look at that too this weekend.

I have not yet had a hearing test but this is something I will be booking in for. I have been told I can get a free one at Specsavers so I will look into that, quite often though because I work I have to pay for things that others will get for free. That's another job for this weekend!

I often find myself cringing at TV volume levels that other people say are not loud, maybe this is also a symptom? I avoid loud places because of this and also my anxiety. Feeling pretty low at the moment as my health has always been fantastic but I can't help but feel a little 'doomed' at the moment.

Sam x

 

[Danny Boy]

Thank you both for your replies. I am looking forward to looking properly around the site this weekend when I have a few days off work and have access to my laptop!

I have to admit I have not been to my GP to discuss this. Sadly, because I am often there for my depression/anxiety I feel like I cannot keep going as I don't want a reputation of being a trouble maker or a hypochondriac or something!! I have seen the masking download so will have a look at that too this weekend.

I have not yet had a hearing test but this is something I will be booking in for. I have been told I can get a free one at Specsavers so I will look into that, quite often though because I work I have to pay for things that others will get for free. That's another job for this weekend!

I often find myself cringing at TV volume levels that other people say are not loud, maybe this is also a symptom? I avoid loud places because of this and also my anxiety. Feeling pretty low at the moment as my health has always been fantastic but I can't help but feel a little 'doomed' at the moment.

Sam x

That would be hyperacusis my fair lady.

 

[Karen]

@Baz1050 ,

I agree with Danny Boy about the hyperacusis. We have a whole section (on our home page) for hyperacusis sufferers, and you might want to check it out. Hyperacusis is hypersensitivity to sound. For some people, hyperacusis does fade with time. However, that depends on the individual.

Also, I wanted to let you know that a GP may not be the best doctor to go to for help with tinnitus and/or pulsatile tinnitus. These doctors are not trained specialists regarding conditions of the ear.

Here in the U.S., I ended up going to two ENT's, and three different neurotologists to get the proper testing for my pulsatile tinnitus. If you are concerned about your PT, you might want to have testing done, such as an MRI, plus MRA and/or MRV (which they can do at the same time), and a CT scan. If there is anything detectable, it will hopefully show up on one of these tests.

Good luck, and please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Best wishes,
Karen

 

[Danny Boy]

@Baz1050 ,

I agree with Danny Boy about the hyperacusis. We have a whole section (on our home page) for hyperacusis sufferers, and you might want to check it out. Hyperacusis is hypersensitivity to sound. For some people, hyperacusis does fade with time. However, that depends on the individual.

Also, I wanted to let you know that a GP may not be the best doctor to go to for help with tinnitus and/or pulsatile tinnitus. These doctors are not trained specialists regarding conditions of the ear.

Here in the U.S., I ended up going to two ENT's, and three different neurotologists to get the proper testing for my pulsatile tinnitus. If you are concerned about your PT, you might want to have testing done, such as an MRI, plus MRA and/or MRV (which they can do at the same time), and a CT scan. If there is anything detectable, it will hopefully show up on one of these tests.

Good luck, and please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Best wishes,
Karen

You know what we forgot to mention? Keppra. Haha. But seriously, you'll get more advice on here vs doctors. I mean what doctor found a cure for hyperacusis? None. Us one lol.

 

[Kathi]

Welcome to TT Sam. You will find members here are very supportive and there is a lot of information. If I can ever help or answer a question, please don't hesitate to ask.