Tinnitus Began Feb 2016 with Other Symptoms

In February, 2016, I began hearing a low hissing sound in my right ear. It is now much louder and in both ears. I also awake every day with a severe headache, as though someone is squeezing my head. I'm congested with a sore throat and blowing my nose and clearing my throat at least 200 times a day. I also usually have an earache, fatigue, insomnia, and lethargy. Early October, I began having tingling and numbness in my hands and feet.

Seen by ENT Specialist. All checks out fine. Not allergies or virus. Given hearing tests. 10% loss in left ear and 20% loss in right ear.

Very nervous this could be more than Tinnitus. Being passed around between doctors.

 

@Sam Dee Many things can cause tinnitus, have you been tested at ENT yet?

 

Sounds more like a virus or bug than anything else. I would ask for a thorough examination including a full blood work-up. There is something going on there. What are your daily habits?? ( drinking? smoking? drugs? bad diet? ) and have you ever been diagnosed with any other issues in the past. The only way we can begin to guide you here is if your completely honest.

 

Seen by ENT Specialist. All checks out fine. Not allergies or virus. Given hearing tests. 10% loss in left ear and 20% loss in right ear. Diagnosed with Tinnitus and referred to neurologist.

Also had blood workup done. Results showed all okay.

I am being honest about my symptoms, tests, and diagnosis.

 

@Sam Dee:

It sounds like some sort of systemic infection. Have you looked into yeast overgrowth? Check this website for info:
https://www.thecandidadiet.com/candidasymptoms.htm

 

What about imaging? MRI, CT-SCAN, etc...

 

Not yet... insurance issues... awaiting referral for neurologist then will wait for an appointment. I most-likely not have those tests until next year.

 

@Sam Dee The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Before the onset of the tinnitus did you listen to music through headphones at high levels or for long duration? Did you listen to music through them regularly? Did you regularly attend clubs, concerts or other venues of entertainment where music was played at high level?
If you are sure you weren't exposed to loud music, then something else is causing the tinnitus and many things can be responsible. Getting an MRI scan will be a good idea.
Michael

 

Hi Michael. I don't own or use headphones, nor have I been to a concerts or clubs. I'm not as boring as I sound (trying to keep my sense of humor). I'm not exposed to loud noises at home or at my former job. What started out as a low steam hissing noise has turned much louder since February. My primary care doc and ENT specialist stated the same about there being other possible reasons. That's why I'm worried. Thank you.

 

@Sam Dee I understand your concern Sam and hope the tinnitus calms down soon
Best of luck
Michael

 

I get those symptoms as well. not sure what it is. perhaps some kind of Autonomic Neuropathy?

 

Thank you, Michael. I will post my next steps.

 

Whale, I'll have to look up that term. Thank you.

 

You could mention the possibility of Lyme's disease to a doctor. Lyme's disease has the characteristic to go undetected at any test we currently have and causes flu-like symptoms like you described (and also Tinnitus). A tick-bite might have gone undetected while being outside.

Discuss it with your doctor as possible cause and see what he or she says.

 

Thank you Vinnitus (like what you did there). I will mention it to him.

Side note: I see you are a bookworm. Ever heard of the website Goodreads? It's great!!

 

Sounds a lot like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or a chronic infection. The other people on this forum are right in that you should get looked at for Lyme disease, get an MRI, etc to rule out any kind of neuropathy or something going on in the brain. Have your doctors also done an autoimmune panel for you?

 

Hi Coyotesheaven, No autoimmune panel done, or test for Lyme. We use tic preventive on the dogs, but one could have gotten a ride indoors and hopped on me, I guess. My doctor did not return my call today. I'll have to call him tomorrow. Thank you.

 

@Sam Dee

Ok, good luck!

 

Thank for the tip, Sam Dee! I wasn't familiar with that site, but I have been more focused on "offline reading" and reading scientific studies about Tinnitus lately (got a nice Kobo here as well where I can read stuffs). I will definitely check it out though!