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.

 

[Ken219]

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.

When you say "age-related," how old are you? I am 76 and have had tinnitus for 35 years. I had spinal surgery on January 20, 2025. Two weeks after the surgery, my tinnitus spiked. It has been almost five months, and I am trying to habituate. Does anyone think my age might be a factor?

 

[davidamee86]

There is also a current clinical trial for one-sided tinnitus using a device that is showing promise.

What device is that?

 

[Mjm66]

When you say "age-related," how old are you? I am 76 and have had tinnitus for 35 years. I had spinal surgery on January 20, 2025. Two weeks after the surgery, my tinnitus spiked. It has been almost five months, and I am trying to habituate. Does anyone think my age might be a factor?

I'm 67. My unilateral tinnitus was mild—or at least it didn't bother me—for over 35 years. However, three months after turning 65, my tinnitus began to change for no apparent reason, as I mentioned earlier.

I've read repeatedly that most people's hearing declines to some degree by their 60s. Yet, according to hearing tests, mine hasn't significantly changed in over 30 years. My left ear has had severe hearing loss at 4500 Hz for at least 30 years, and my right ear has shown moderate loss at the same frequency.

I can't imagine the cause being anything other than age-related. Visits to an ENT specialist, along with MRI and MRA scans, showed no issues.

 

[hey]

There is a clinical trial by Cochlear for tinnitus that involves ear stimulation. The trial lists having tinnitus in one ear as a requirement, but if you have it in both ears, the worse ear is the one that gets implanted.

There is also Dr. Carlson, who is working on an implant for one-sided tinnitus, along with two or three other groups developing tinnitus treatments using implants.

 

[delta784]

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.

It is dysacusis. It was caused by Prednisone.