Pulsatile Tinnitus with Ear Pain, Ear Fullness and Weird Sensations: So Scared!

Hi all,

I've had pulsatile tinnitus for at least a year because I thought it was impacted wax from wearing earplugs nightly and it actually soothed me to sleep. It wasn't until a casual internet search during lockdown in March that I realized it could be life threatening. I have seen an ENT who has confirmed hearing normal, no bruit from physical examination, no wax and no ear tumor which can be seen via physical exam. I now have an MRI with contrast dye scheduled for September 16 with results to be confirmed September 24.

Symptoms: I have ear pain and weird sensations on the right side of my face which is the side of the pulsatile tinnitus. Also, I have pain in the bony part of my head behind my ear. Ear fullness.

I'm terrified that I'm going to die if I sneeze, exercise, drink, sleep etc. I am terrified since I can only see one other member here who has mentioned pain with pulsatile tinnitus and Whooshers is an enigma as far as how to navigate the site so I do not find it helpful. Anyone experienced anything similar to me? Just a voice would be helpful now... I feel terrified and like I'm losing my mind and I need to continue to work just for a distraction..

I can't focus at work and I can't stop thinking about dying...

 

More than likely it isn’t anything to worry about in terms of dying. It could just be you have a slight ear infection and pulsatile tinnitus. I’ve gone in for an MRI, possible acoustic neuroma, because I had an abnormal BAER test and everything came back normal. I know it’s hard. But try not to worry about it.

 

Please read my thread on the subject:

If You Have Pulsatile Tinnitus, Here's the First Thing You Need to Do to Get Answers and a Diagnosis

 

Thanks, the only phobias I have in life are cancer and flying so I am worried about finding out about anything on the scans. It is so nice to hear from someone who has gone through this as I only have my husband to talk to and he can't help since he's never experienced it and Google is a scary thing. Thank you so much for replying - it means the world to me x

 

Hi there, and thank you very much. I did have a read and suspect if the MRI with contrast and CT come back 'normal', then further investigations will be warranted via ENT or neuro specialist. I live in England so the process is different but seems to lead to the same conclusion especially as I'm paying out of pocket. Thanks for replying and hope you're well

 

Hi,

I have these exact symptoms... I was putting it down to hyperacusis.

My right ear is always full, my jaw and cheek on my right side always ache. I also have weird sensations in my face and ear. The only thing I don't have is the pulsatile tinnitus.

MRI came back clear. Apparently I have some hearing loss.

Has this got any better for you?

Shaun

 

Hi Shaun,

Unfortunately, it's gotten worse. I had an MRI today without contrast, even though I was supposed to have one with contrast according to ENT, and results next week.

 

Hello! Good luck on the MRI! Ive had pulsatile tinnitus on my right ear for a bit over a year and a half, and at times I do get a pressure feeling there. For example I had COVID-19 in early August and it became more loud and more pressure, but as of now the pressure tuned down. It also happens if I get a cold or anything like that. I also got tested for IIH but came back good so I do not have high intracranial pressure. Try to get seen by a Neuro whom can order an MRA and MRV as well, since those tests will look at the veins and arteries as well.

 

It’s ok to feel that way. I did at first, five years ago. Now I have a constant sizzling, air pressure sound that can get louder or quiet down. My PT and T has a pattern. I know it’s all about blood flow intensity and my body position. I am 66 and I can also hear my blood flow, like water in pipes. It’s annoying now but I know I will never die from it. I did get hearing aids and they are a huge help in hearing sounds I was missing.

 

This is helpful as well, this site is maintained by some of the best neuro interventional radiologists in the world, and the ones who treated me:

http://neuroangio.org/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-pulsatile-tinnitus/

 

Hi I have had the same symptoms for over 7 months , it felt like a bleed inside my inner ear , ever since I have severe stabbing pain in ear and head constant headache flashing lights in eyes ear fullness, numb right side of face, I’ve had MRI normal I’m also now struggling to swallow but literally have the exact same problems. No one can give me answers no sound seems to mask it I hardly sleep anymore I can barley get out of bed. If I stretch it feels like a vein is going to explode in there so
I feel your pain my friend if you find anything out please do share it’s getting to the point I no longer want to live anymore I’m completely isolated and that doesn’t help. If I touch the right side of my head
It gets louder and more painful. Tramadol doesn’t help pregablin paracetamol
CBD etc I just can’t shake the pain very sensitive to light as well it’s soul destroying but I’ve been trying to find someone to speak to with similar symptoms but not found anyone as of yet. I saw your post and thought I’d reply something sinister is clearly going on for sure Bless you I understand