Update: What a Hectic Few Weeks.

Long story short: Diagnosed with Meniere's Disease in 2013 (18-years-old) due to having loud permanent tinnitus in both ears. Two years later, not happy with diagnosis, set out for answers.

Two doctors & an audiologist have agreed, I've been misdiagnosed with Meniere's Disease. My hearing is brilliant (no, really, it's great), no hearing loss, ear drums are perfect. Scans showed no problems on the brain, ear area, or facial area. Nerves are fine. Now we're left with me having tinnitus but no evidence as to why. The doctor is sending me to a really good ENT specialist but it can take up to six months to get an appointment. But I can wait. It's been two years, what's a few more months. All the other tests that were done haven't showed anything abnormal either.

I'm also going to get checked for TMJ. I'm sure that's not the cause but may as well rule it out, as well as get my wisdom teeth checked. Some are impacted in my jaw & were meant to be surgically removed a month or two after the tinnitus began actually, so may as well get that checked too since no one knows what's going on anymore.

I feel it's good news & bad news. Good because I'm a step closer to maybe finding relief. But bad because there aren't many steps left to be taken. Fingers crossed something shows up! I won't get my hopes up though. I've been put on a medication that's meant to increase blood flow so we'll see how that goes.

 

Can I ask what part of Australia you're in? I do so because I'm in South-East Queensland and would love to see a decent ENT myself!

I sympathise with you over your misdiagnosis. It's really difficult to get doctors to understand the crux of the issue.

 

I'm in Tasmania so unfortunately the ENT won't be brilliant but he at least has experience in this area unlike the last one I saw (who tried telling me I had MS or a tumour - I have neither). I hope you can find a decent one soon! Sadly tinnitus is not a top priority

 

I'm going to be in a well-known Australian magazine talking about this! Hopefully someone out there sees it & can help

 

Ah. I'm actually a trained journalist! Though like all media professionals with a mortgage and half-a-brain, I now work in a slightly different (read: 'less extinction-bound') field.

Can you tell me what mag? I'd love to pick it up!

 

I'll let you know closer to when I'll be in it, as I've signed an agreement to not talk about just yet (in case the story gets out & whatnot)