Tinnitus Spike and Ear Symptoms After MRI with Contrast

[Emmadx]

I had an MRI with contrast one week ago today. I didn't want to do it, but it was crucial for my diagnosis. My tinnitus was fine afterward, but the next evening it increased.

I have TMJD and have had tinnitus along with ear clicking, clacking, and banging when swallowing for three years. I also have hyperacusis, but both that and the tinnitus had recently reached a bearable level that I could ignore and still feel somewhat happy.

It was a 1.5 T MRI machine. I had to drink mannitol and have contrast dye injected. I wore earplugs and earmuffs, but the machine was still excruciating. Now my ears are clanking much more, and the tinnitus is making me severely depressed.

My GP checked my ears and said they look fine (even though they're retracted, lol). Please, can anyone shed some light on how long this spike might last?

 

[Jammer]

I've had many MRIs that helped diagnose medical issues; very similar to dental appointments. You have to take care of yourself and not worry about your tinnitus. Control what you can control, which is your reaction to the tinnitus symptoms.

 

[Emmadx]

I know I'm finding it very distressing, and I'm not sleeping. I'm autistic, so that doesn't help with the sensory side of things. I just want it to settle back to baseline, and then I'll be happy and able to accept it.

 

[Meinz89]

I had an MRI with contrast one week ago today. I didn't want to do it, but it was crucial for my diagnosis. My tinnitus was fine afterward, but the next evening it increased.

I have TMJD and have had tinnitus along with ear clicking, clacking, and banging when swallowing for three years. I also have hyperacusis, but both that and the tinnitus had recently reached a bearable level that I could ignore and still feel somewhat happy.

It was a 1.5 T MRI machine. I had to drink mannitol and have contrast dye injected. I wore earplugs and earmuffs, but the machine was still excruciating. Now my ears are clanking much more, and the tinnitus is making me severely depressed.

My GP checked my ears and said they look fine (even though they're retracted, lol). Please, can anyone shed some light on how long this spike might last?

Hi, I just replied to your comment on my thread but thought I'd respond here as well. I forgot to mention that I also had an ear fullness and pressure sensation after my MRI. My tinnitus spike and that pressure feeling subsided after about two to three weeks. The ear pressure went away first, then the sound sensitivity gradually improved (I also have hyperacusis), and finally, my tinnitus began to decrease in overall loudness and returned to its usual level.

I believe it was mostly due to nerves and panic, and my auditory system was definitely fatigued after the MRI.

Give it a few weeks, and I have a feeling your spike will subside too. Keep me posted!

 

[Emmadx]

Hi, I just replied to your comment on my thread but thought I'd respond here as well. I forgot to mention that I also had an ear fullness and pressure sensation after my MRI. My tinnitus spike and that pressure feeling subsided after about two to three weeks. The ear pressure went away first, then the sound sensitivity gradually improved (I also have hyperacusis), and finally, my tinnitus began to decrease in overall loudness and returned to its usual level.

I believe it was mostly due to nerves and panic, and my auditory system was definitely fatigued after the MRI.

Give it a few weeks, and I have a feeling your spike will subside too. Keep me posted!

Thank you so much for your response and your comments. They give me some hope. I'm worried because, although I'm sensitive to the TV, other things seem quieter than usual. I'm very hypersensitive at the moment and aware of every little thing because I'm anxious and scared. Did yours bang loudly every time you swallowed? I feel the ear pressure may be better today, so I'm hoping that's a good sign that I'm heading back toward my baseline again.

 

[LukeYoung]

Thank you so much for your response and your comments. They give me some hope. I'm worried because, although I'm sensitive to the TV, other things seem quieter than usual. I'm very hypersensitive at the moment and aware of every little thing because I'm anxious and scared. Did yours bang loudly every time you swallowed? I feel the ear pressure may be better today, so I'm hoping that's a good sign that I'm heading back toward my baseline again.

Give it a good one to two weeks before worrying too much. Most of my spikes haven't lasted longer than that. Easier said than done, I know.