Tinnitus Has Invited Hyperacusis to the Party in My Ears

I've had Tinnitus a relatively short time. It first appeared last October 2014. Over time the loudness and intensity grew. Hyperacusis made it's way onto the scene in late December, but only briefly.

Since then I've experienced what I call cycles of T and H. I'll have a few days of T, some louder than others. That will settle down for a day or two and then I start getting a burning feeling along with pressure and lots of popping in my ears. The H creeps in then. All sounds are painful, but lower sounds (like road noise in the car) and higher pitches sounds (bells and dings) are the worst. After a day or two the H fades and the cycle starts over again.

My "cycles" were about a week and a half to 2 weeks, but recently they have been just a few days.

I had gallbladder surgery on Friday and I woke up in recovery is severe ear pain. They moved me to a private room because I couldn't handle all of the sounds. Since then my H has not faded much. I also have intense burning pain in my ears. The ringing is there but it is higher and thinner (not sure if I'm explaining it well). There also seems to be a throbbing in my head, but not my ears.

I woke up this morning to such intense pain I think I had a panic attack. I've never had one before, but I felt like I couldn't breathe and my heart was pounding. Prior to my ear problems I've never had anxiety.

Since this started, I've had MRIs, a CT, EKG, Lyme tests and other blood work. So far, everything is normal. I've seen 2 ENTs, 2 Audiologists and a neurologist. I've has my LDLs tested and they show in the 60-70 range. I have an appointment with Dr. Meltzer in Illinois. She is the only person listed on Dr. Jastreboff's TRT list of practioners in Illinois. I know this doesn't necessarily mean he recommends them, just that they have done his training in some form.

I can't see her until 2/17. Any advice for me until then? My husband is sick with some sort of head cold and part of me wonders if I'm coming down with something which is making me ears worse. Considering going to the doctor today to have them look in my ears and see if they see any infection.

If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate the help.

 

Hi HThom,
Firstly I know it's been awhile since you wrote this but i do hope you are doing well. About the ear infection I really hope you didn't get it. Because you posted this awhile ago it'd be nice if you posted a new post to let us know how you are doing and then we can see what tips and advice we can give you.