Sudden Unilateral Tinnitus Onset During Early Pregnancy

[Meinz89]

I am currently 12 weeks pregnant. About six weeks ago, I suddenly developed loud, intrusive ringing, buzzing, and beeping in my left ear. Just when I thought it might be improving, it spiked dramatically. I ended up losing sleep for two nights, which I fear only made things worse.

Since then, I have seen two ENTs and a few general practitioners. I also have upcoming appointments with both my OB-GYN and a chiropractor. Despite all of this, I am still searching for answers and hope. This experience has been incredibly difficult, taking a serious toll on my mental health. I was not feeling stressed before this began—in fact, I had been overjoyed about my pregnancy—but now that joy feels lost.

None of the doctors I have seen so far have been able to connect the sudden onset of tinnitus to my pregnancy. It has been consuming my daily life, and unfortunately, sound masking offers no relief.

I joined this community in search of support, guidance, or similar experiences—anything that might offer comfort or a path forward.

Has anyone experienced tinnitus that developed in early pregnancy? I am truly struggling to cope, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

 

[Samy]

There are many similar cases, and in most situations I read about, the tinnitus went away after a few months or after childbirth. It is probably hormonal.

 

[Meinz89]

Hi @Samy, thank you for taking the time to read my long post.

Since posting, I found out on June 10 that I tested positive for early or acute Lyme infection. At some point, I was bitten by a tick, but I do not know when.

While sudden unilateral tinnitus can be a symptom of Lyme disease, it is quite rare for it to appear as the only symptom. Typically, tinnitus occurs in late-stage neurological Lyme disease, yet I only tested positive for early Lyme.

So, I am not sure whether what I am experiencing is due to pregnancy, Lyme, or mild TMJ (though I find it unlikely that I have that as well). I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and have started to notice more "quiet days," although my tinnitus is reactive to external noise and tends to fluctuate frequently.

I am still hopeful that once my pregnancy ends and the Lyme infection is fully resolved, the tinnitus might go away too.