Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Nas on December 27, 2020, 10:01:35 AM
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Hi all,
Has anyone developed tinnitus during their menopausal journey? Mine started last week, it’s like an electric current sound in one ear, came totally out of the blue.
I’ve got a GP phone appointment next week re something else, but this noise is driving me mad!
I haven’t had a cold, infection etc as far as I know, so what an earth could be causing this noise? I’m scared it’s permanent 😢
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Yep.
As oestrogen levels drop so muscles may become lax which can include the eustachian tubes. I often ask DH if he can hear the whistling in my ears ...... ::) and sometimes when I lay on a pillow I can hear my blood pumping through my body via my ears .........
It's a matter of learning to live with it. When I notice the ringing I do wonder how long it's been playing ....... but it seems to come from the back of my head for ages then I become more aware of it in the ears.
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There's a few things that cause tinintis and its not always permanent. I developed it in one ear after covid and ive got a ENT appointment the end of this month. The doctor said usually its in both ears but as its just one she wanted to investigate further.
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Mine is only in one ear but started after an infection. I'm not sure there's anything they can do about it, they couldn't for me. The brain does seem to adjust though so it becomes less intrusive. I find it worst when I'm trying to listen to something quiet and all I can hear is the :-X tinnitus. I hope yours settles.
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Mine varies - not always both at once, well I don't think it is :-\
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Hi Blitzen5, tinnitus is a common symptom in many different conditions besides infection. It can be caused by loud noises or specific sound frequencies, age-related hearing loss, Meniere's disease (vertigo), earwax or fluid build-up, migraines, weather changes (low atmospheric pressure), temporal-mandibular joint issues, bruxism (clenching, grinding your teeth), hormonal fluctuations and other rarer causes (anaemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, head injury, diabetes, reaction to drugs like NSAIDs, ABs, diuretics or aspirin). Can you think of any of these situations that may apply to you? Hope you get better soon and good luck with GP phone appointment.
Have a look at this article https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/tinnitus#about-tinnitus
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I got tinnitus in July in one ear after micro suction for ear wax at Specsavers. Then the same time I got it in the other ear after using Otomize prescribed by my gp for long term ear pain. I can live with it but don't want it to get worse. Been waiting to see ENT for months as I still have pain in the right ear.
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Thanks everyone
The noise is still there and very annoying.
It feels like it’s in my head almost.
As far as i am aware, i have not been exposed to any major load noises l haven’t had an ear infection etc. Suppose it could be fluid or wax, although how am I meant to know if the GPS are not seeing patients face to face at present? I do feel it requires some investigation nevertheless.
Thanks Uptick for the link, I shall read that now.
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Mine feels in the back of my head ........ until it gets into my ears. Like a low buzzing noise >:(
Our Practice Nurse is doing ears ;-)
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My gp practice is doing face to face appointments if you persevere! I record symptoms on line and get a call back, did this a couple of times then got appointment at designated hubs. I can't complain because they did their best. Still waiting for ENT but I am not a serious case and can wait. Everything is such a mess isn't it! Roll on spring or something!
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I’ve had a low hum in one ear for the last few months, like blood swishing around. It’s got better the last few days in that the deep hum has gone but now replaced with a noise a bit like a fridge hum. I think it’s a blockage in the inner ear as when I blew my nose my ear popped and squeaked. Annoying!
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That sounds like fluid and blocked eustachian tube, mine used to squeak too. Doctor prescibed nasal spray, apparently its all connected and it worked. Still got tinnitus but not so bad now and the fullness in my ear has gone.
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Looks like I may have to persevere with the GP and try and get ears looked at I think. Really hoping it’s just wax or blocked eustacian tube.
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Hello Blitzen5 and welcome to the forum.
I happened to watch a YouTube video from Liz Earle recently. She was talking about her menopause and said that when she started HRT her Tinnitus disappeared. It appears that hormonal changes were definitely the cause in her case.
Wishing you well.
K.
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I have had back ground buzzing 4 days now. Annoying!
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I developed tnnitus in left ear years ago along with violent attacks of vertigo...Menieres Disease...
Tnnitus can be caused by a whack of different issues including seasonal allergies, BPPV, fluid build up in ear, infection, stress, Menieres...etc. ENTist will probably perform a few tests to rule out Menieres or another chronic condition but from what I have learned over the many years dealing with Menieres, that tinnitus is usually brought on by allergies.
Good luck and hope you get it sorted.
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It's been with me for years. Sometimes I tune in to it and wonder how long my ears have been buzzing ::)
The biggest cause of tinnitus is a miss-spent Youth - all that loud, pulsating music! I didn't go 2 my first Festival until I was 30. I also have allergic rhinitis which won't help.
Having had episodes of vertigo usually following a head cold, you have my sympathy. :-\
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Thx CLKD. Yes absolutely horrid. After each attack, you feel totally brain dead. Good news treatment worked and haven't had an attack in over 25 years!🙂
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PHEW! It's a hidden disability, Menieres. I knew with vertigo the moment I opened my eyes in the morning that it was there :-\
Interestingly: no noises this morning. Yet ;D
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My tinnitus from microsuction in one and otomize in the other is no better. I have been waiting for an ENT appointment since last August. The noise has been getting me down lately. Interesting about the hrt improving it. Is there no end to the negative health implications of the dreaded menopause! Aaargh!
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Would you ring the Dept to make sure that your name is on the list?
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I need to do something. I will check with my doctor's soon. My right ear has an ache in it for ages, it's what I got the otomize for which then gave me tinnitus.
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Suzysunday....do you have fullness in ear similar to having departed from a plane? Dizziness? Balance issues? If so possible Menieres or BPPV. However from what you describe, almost sounds like infection. Do you have urgent care where you can pop in and have it checked?
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No fullness really, some dizziness but not bad. I have had 2 courses of antibiotics and the otomize for an infection but no good. I have had 2 appointments with gps last August and September who looked in my ear but could not see anything untoward. Then I was put to see an ENT. I have had this problem 2or 3 years. As I said the otomize made it worse and the antibiotics did nothing.
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It could be simply the eustachian tubes narrowing - another menopause issue ::) which causes pressure. Mine are buzzing, slightly behind my head, today ::)
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I know the tinnitus was caused by the microsuction and the otomize. I don't know what is causing the pain in the right ear that has been ongoing for a while.
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I've had tinnitus now for about 5 years. Started with the peri-menopause.
Nothing else to possibly explains it but the menopause. It's get worse than better than worse again.
I've learned to live with it although at times it is quite unbearable. It is tiring.
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Certainly is tiring. 2day I'm busy and it doesn't seem to be present :-\.
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I have this almost constant buzzing slightly behind my head on both sides. :-\ it's more than 'white noise'. It's there constantly becoming more noisy occasionally.
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Nas, when did you have your jab as mine got much worse after it. Really bad pulsing fir about 3 days too. That was back in March. According to yellow card scheme it’s a common side affect >:(
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I have buzzing, ringing, mine is definitely from Estrogen deficiency. Once the HRT is optimal it should go.
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I get tinnitus on withdrawal from antidepressants.
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Ah, I've been on ADs since 1988. Perhaps ?
My left is active this morning ::)
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Well, I had to go back on, ahem 😳 the withdrawal was so vicious.
It's always my right ear, for some reason.
Use of headphones or loud music seems to give some people tinnitus, there was an article in the Guardian the other day.
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Remind me - what did you have to resort to?
Loud music is the main reason for tinnitus. Friends of mine in the industry have suffered to various degrees, as have those of my age who went to concerts ::). Other than sudden shocks with noise is another cause.
I have noises behind me ........
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I didn't realise that tinnitus could take that form, CLKD. Must be infuriating, or have you got used to it? Must have been to lots of gigs/concerts! Mine is generally a high-pitched whine in one ear. Just had one on the left for the first time ever! It's brief though, a few seconds.
I resorted to citalopram. I'm scared of the side-effects from the others, but if it fails I will need a new one. Maybe I'll write a list and close eyes and stick a pin in it to choose ;D would be as good a method as any.
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>:(. >:(. >:(.
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Hey Nas did you start the mirtazphine in the end. I believe tinnitus can be a side effect of this medication. I started to withdraw probably too quickly as felt like a zombie on it now experiencing all manner of awful side effects as well as menopause and not absorbing estrogen. Wish I never started the AD now but what's done is done.
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Yes I’ve developed tinnitus over last couple years. Initially I found it debilitating but your do habituate too it. I had a scan as one ear but all ok. Since upping my oestrogen some days it’s very slightly better but it’s still with me every day and would love silence agsin rather than the orchestra of crickets in my ear daily!!
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Oh! you've got crickets ;D. My ears sound like high pitched whistling slightly behind my head ::)
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R sided whistling slightly behind my head >:(
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I got tinitus after covid in March 2020, went to a specialist as it was in one ear only and apparently that needed checking. Either it's getting better or Ive got used to it but it doesn't bother me anymore. I used to have to listen to white noise at night to get to sleep, rain on a caravan roof was the best one.
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I do wonder how long my ears have been buzzing B4 I notice ::)
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I once got tinnitus just when I was lying down with my head to one side and it sounded a bit like a car alarm in the distance. I had been wearing earplugs quite regularly for years and I think it might have pushed the wax on to my eardrum. It lasted months but I stopped wearing earplugs and it went. So it can be only temporary. My u dressy ring is it can be permanent if it’s due to long term exposure to loud noise.
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* my understanding, not dressy ring! ;D
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I had Covid three weeks ago and have heard my heart beating in my left ear ever since. At first it was enough to keep me awake at night, but I’ve weirdly got used to it. Practice nurse gave me a spray but it’s made no difference which makes me think this could be a lovely additional meno symptom…. Seriously when does it end? You have my sympathy
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Hi Nas
Yes I noticed tinnitus as another symptom of the gift that keeps on giving - aka menopause when I first started this journey. It’s returned with a vengeance recently as I don’t think my oestrogel is cutting it. It definitely lessened when I started HRT so I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
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Sometimes my ears won't stop buzzing >:(
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I had Covid three weeks ago and have heard my heart beating in my left ear ever since. At first it was enough to keep me awake at night, but I’ve weirdly got used to it. Practice nurse gave me a spray but it’s made no difference which makes me think this could be a lovely additional meno symptom…. Seriously when does it end? You have my sympathy
I had tinintis in one ear aftèr covid, the doctor said covid was the cause, its not too bad now.
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It's there. Constantly. Slightly behind and to the left of the back of my skull. 'white noise' doesn't help!
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Seems to be a common problem with ageing >:(
Last night I was unable to sleep because my L ear was loudly doing it's own thing :-\
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I developed Tinnitus after Covid, only slight but I know it will get louder now that it's there!
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Mine was quite loud for a few weeks but it wasn't permanent. I've still got it slightly but don't notice it now. Hopefully yours will improve in time. Not all tinitus is permanent, i think it depends on what caused it.
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I had a lot of ear infections as a child. When I started going through the menopause I noticed the onset of Tinnitus. My GP checked my ears for infection & noticed I had an upper attic retraction :o & a perforated ear drum. So I was sent to the ENT dept at the hospital.
After a scan they noticed something called a Cholesteatoma:
" A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear. They're rare but, if left untreated, they can damage the delicate structures ..."
I had to have an op to remove it & have a scar behind my ear.
So ladies be aware, as Tinnitus maybe masking other more serious ear conditions.
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:o. :thankyou:
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Some ADs can cause it too
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Yes for me tinnitus is definitely peri menopause related. It comes and goes but has definitely got better (less frequent) since I started HRT.
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I have had tinnitus for the past 5 weeks. I had had it occasionally before but only for short periods associated with an ear infection. It has never carried on for this long. It isn't Covid related because I only had that very mildly last December.
This is the first time that I have lost hearing with tinnitus and it hasn't come back. I was referred to ENT at the local hospital nearly 2 weeks ago. The doctor was sure that I did still have an infection and gave me a different ear drop with steroids added. I have all but finished that (2 week course) but it hasn't made any significant difference. I am really hoping that I will get my hearing back. That is bothering me more than the tinnitus at the moment. If I try to listen to my iPod, the sound on the left is quite muffled/distorted but more on some days than others. The hearing went suddenly not gradually which is why I thought it was an ear infection. :(
The hospital doctor said that I would be called back the following week for a further appointment but I have heard nothing so have just let the GP practice know that I haven't
I really don't know whether it is meno connected or not but I am on HRT Evorel Conti.
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Hi Katejo.
I would contact the ENT dept at the hospital directly. You should have their contact details on your appt letter.
The fact that the meds they gave you haven't helped needs to be mentioned to the consultant.
Did they give you a hearing test (in the closed room with headphones & the button to press when you hear the tone)?
Don't let the idea that HRT is the cause - your hearing is very precious.
Phone them tomorrow & explain all you have on here.
Cazi
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Hi Katejo.
I would contact the ENT dept at the hospital directly. You should have their contact details on your appt letter.
The fact that the meds they gave you haven't helped needs to be mentioned to the consultant.
Did they give you a hearing test (in the closed room with headphones & the button to press when you hear the tone)?
Don't let the idea that HRT is the cause - your hearing is very precious.
Phone them tomorrow & explain all you have on here.
Cazi
I have no number to phone because I had no letter. The original appt was arranged through A &E with a letter to give to the doctor who saw me. I was told that their ENT depression would contact me. Then the GP rang me and asked me to let him know if I got no follow up.
I had done a hearing test at a local clinic for removing ear wax. I showed the ENT doctor the results but he wanted to do a further test.
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I would hate to lose my hearing :'(
If U ring the Records Dept they will know who you saw in the ENT Dept., or ring the secretary directly so that she can look up your notes.
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I have no number to phone because I had no letter. The original appt was arranged through A &E with a letter to give to the doctor who saw me. I was told that their ENT depression would contact me. Then the GP rang me and asked me to let him know if I got no follow up.
I had done a hearing test at a local clinic for removing ear wax. I showed the ENT doctor the results but he wanted to do a further test.
Any news Katejo? hopefully you have been contacted by now but if not ring the hospital's main telephone number & ask for the E.N.T. departments extension number & take it from there (i.e. kick some asses ;D)
Cazi x
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I have no number to phone because I had no letter. The original appt was arranged through A &E with a letter to give to the doctor who saw me. I was told that their ENT depression would contact me. Then the GP rang me and asked me to let him know if I got no follow up.
I had done a hearing test at a local clinic for removing ear wax. I showed the ENT doctor the results but he wanted to do a further test.
Any news Katejo? hopefully you have been contacted by now but if not ring the hospital's main telephone number & ask for the E.N.T. departments extension number & take it from there (i.e. kick some asses ;D)
Cazi x
Not good news! I have still got nowhere with the hospital despite asking my GP to chase it again. My attempt to ring ENT got no answer. This week I paid for a private appt. with an ENT consultant on Harley St. My suspicion was confirmed. The GP or hospital consultant should have given me a steroid course but this has to happen within 2 to 4 weeks of the hearing loss. I am taking the steroids now but it is probably too late. I am fairly sure that I have a permanent hearing loss.