I Might Have Pulsatile Tinnitus

Hi, Jenny,

I just wanted to offer you my support and understanding. I've had pulsatile tinnitus for almost five years now, and I haven't found the cause, despite having a number of tests. I also have a high-pitched, hissing tinnitus in the same ear. Do you have that, too?

It's hard to say what caused your PT; for most of us with this condition, it starts suddenly, out of the blue. Or at least, it did for me. I will say that you're not the first person I've heard of whose PT started during their pregnancy. My daughter had tinnitus (not PT) during her pregnancy, but it went away a few months after her baby was born.

However, it's also possible that your condition might have something to do with your ear issues, and the ear vacuums. That is also a possibility.

Most of us with PT don't have a serious condition, but it's still a good idea to get checked out by a doctor, just to rule out any problems. I first went to an ENT, and he referred me to a neurotologist. The neurotologist first had me take a course of prednisone, which didn't do anything to improve my condition. He then ordered a CT scan of the temporal bone for me, which was negative. I've also had an MRI and MRA with contrast, and a Doppler of the carotid arteries. To date, nothing has been found.

One good thing that I'd like to pass on to you is that mine has gotten somewhat easier to live with over the past year. It's still very much there, but I'm able to sleep again, and I'm functioning pretty normally these days. I'd still love to get rid of the PT, but I have somewhat habituated to the condition, so it's possible that you can, too.

Have you been checked for benign intracranial hypertension? That is sometimes a cause of PT, and there are drugs that can help with that condition.

If you decide to go to a specialist, I'd like to hear what he has to say.

Take care, and please keep us updated on how you're doing.

Very best wishes and hugs,
Karen