Unilateral Roaring Tinnitus and Morse Code Sounds After Sudden Hearing Loss — Seeking Advice

[ErnieRo]

Hi everyone,

I am dealing with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear, specifically in the lower frequencies. I went to the ENT the day after it started and began taking Prednisone right away. Since then, I have developed unilateral roaring tinnitus that fluctuates. At times, it sounds like a car engine. When I take a shower, I hear Morse code-like beeping sounds. I have also noticed that pressing my fingers against my ear reduces the tinnitus somewhat.

I am feeling very depressed and unsure about what to do next. Has anyone experienced something similar? Did the roaring tinnitus improve over time with Prednisone or other treatments? Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

 

[GregCA]

Hi everyone,

I am dealing with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear, specifically in the lower frequencies. I went to the ENT the day after it started and began taking Prednisone right away. Since then, I have developed unilateral roaring tinnitus that fluctuates. At times, it sounds like a car engine. When I take a shower, I hear Morse code-like beeping sounds. I have also noticed that pressing my fingers against my ear reduces the tinnitus somewhat.

I am feeling very depressed and unsure about what to do next. Has anyone experienced something similar? Did the roaring tinnitus improve over time with Prednisone or other treatments? Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

Nobody can predict how it is going to evolve, but you did the right thing by treating this as urgent and also receiving the typical treatment for it.

I would not be surprised if you hear many unexpected and strange noises from that ear, and I would not interpret that as a bad sign at all.

Just hang in there. The next few weeks will be important. I would try to avoid loud noises if I were you. Stay calm, stay quiet, and take it easy.

Good luck!

 

[hey]

I agree with everything @GregCA had to say. The only thing I can add is the possibility of trying oxygen therapy as well. Some people have reported success, and there is some research to support that. There is also a current clinical trial for one-sided tinnitus using a device that is showing promise. Take care of yourself.

 

[Mjm66]

I developed reactive typewriter tinnitus in my left ear suddenly in June 2023. The MRI looked fine. I have had severe hearing loss at 4500 hertz for years, which was not an issue except for a mild to moderate ringing tinnitus. I decided to get hearing aids, and six months later, the typewriter tinnitus was gone. I am not sure that was the sole reason, but it was far more bothersome than my long-term ringing tinnitus, which has now worsened significantly. However, that may be age-related. My right ear also has tinnitus and hearing loss, but to a much lesser degree.