"Reactive" Pulsatile Reverberating Tinnitus/Hyperacusis — Anyone Else Experienced These Symptoms?

Hi all

In the year and a bit since I first contacted tinnitus I've failed to find anyone who has experienced these exact symptoms; I initially assumed they were a form of hyperacusis (which they may very well be), but it would be a relief if there were anyone who has experienced anything similar to clarify.

Essentially, I've got tinnitus which spikes in reaction to all sound to some degree, serving to distort it; however, it differs from what I've seen on here in that said distortion is sort of rhythmic/pulsatile in nature. For example, a short impact sound like me clapping my hands will produce a reverberation of two distinct and sharp hits of tinnitus, one after the other (sort of sounds like WA-WA). Though the level that this affects me varies from day to day, on bad days it will noticeably overlap the sound of my breath (so, WA-WA on repeat until I'm done blowing air through my nose). Perhaps the biggest detriment to my quality of life has been the way it can affect music; sections where a note or instrument is being held for a while (so a continuous sound) become choppy and start to metamorphosize and resemble the WA-WA sound while simultaneously sort of sounding like the song is being stopped and started over and over. In essence, it's as though my ears (or brain) can't properly process the sound, causing it to become garbled.

I have a few prevailing theories over what this could be; I have TMJ and 99% have TTTS, so I'm thinking it could be an aural distortion or symptom of hyperacusis produced by my ears contracting. I've also entertained the thought that it could be conventional pulsatile tinnitus, but I haven't found anything on here that suggests a relationship between pulsatile tinnitus and distorted sound, so I'm just not sure. Any ideas or suggestions on what this could be would be appreciated, I'd really just like to have a decent idea of what it is I'm experiencing before I go see another ENT next month. The fact that the level to which I experience this varies gives me some hope that it can be overcome.

Thanks.

 

@Brock WS

I understand your reasons for wanting to know if anyone has experienced similar symptoms to those you have mentioned in your post, as this can give a point of some reference and hopefully find a solution and possible treatment for what you are going through. No two people will experience tinnitus the same although they may share similar symptoms. Your tinnitus could be linked to TMJ as this condition can cause it. Therefore, seeing an Orthodontist/Dentist maybe helpful.

You have mentioned that you are going to see another ENT doctor, so I'll assume that you have previously seen one and tests were carried out? If this is the case and no underlying medical problems were found to be causing the tinnitus and no treatment was recommended. Seeing another ENT doctor may not highlight anything new that is causing your tinnitus and associated symptoms you mention.

I have suggestion and please give it some thought. From what you describe, I suspect your tinnitus and oversensitivity to sound which you refer to as hyperacusis, is caused by exposure to loud noise. Prior to the onset of your tinnitus, if you were a frequent user of headphones, used a headset for computer games. Regularly attended clubs, concerts where loud music was played, or worked in a noisy environment then your symptoms are all a result of Noise induced tinnitus. Therefore, seeing another ENT doctor is unlikely to help you because this is not usually their area of expertise. They deal with underlying medical problems within the auditory system that is causing the tinnitus, and will try to treat them medically or surgically.

Tinnitus which is noise induced a patient should see an Audiologist that specialises in Tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment and management. If this is what is affecting you the treatments required to help you with habituation are varied. Those used are: TRT, CBT, Counselling, Mindfullness, Medication and Sound therapy. One or a combination of these therapies may prove helpful. I think this is the route you should explore. Please click on the links below and read my posts. I have included quite a few, so take your time and read them thoroughly to help you make a decision on what next to do.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/what-is-trt-and-when-should-it-be-started.19024/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

 

I kinda have a similar thing.

 

Thanks for the advice. I've been trying sound therapy on and off for the entirety of the time I've had tinnitus; my problem right now is that I hear the noises of distortion to some degree in all of it, and it seems to make things worse. My tinnitus isn't noise induced, it started when I was blowing my nose and my ears popped. Not sure if this changes your advice somewhat? Or are you suggesting it could be noise induced despite the onset?

I think if nothing else I'll try to get an MRI done for my TMJ through the ENT appointment; maybe see if I have any issues with the eustachian tubes as well.

How so? Does it feel kinda like a muscular reaction?

 

I do get a whooshing sound/sensation with every input. It got worse and it's completely physical. Like having water in the ears constantly. It's very uncomfortable.

 

Is it possible to get an MRI with reactive tinnitus and wear ear protection to not go crazy for the 45 min?