Anyone suffer from tinnitus?

[ajwalsh33]

Hi all - I was diagnosed with CMI just about 2 years ago after a particularly symptomatic bout.  In addition to CMI, I was found to have a 4.5 CM posterior fossa arachnoid cyst, which may be the cause for the CMI.  Since diagnosis, I have been dealing with it symptomatically (managing headaches, mostly).  However, I was recently found to have significant high-frequency hearing loss, and have been suffering from significant tinnitus for 6+ months now.  

Continuing to consult with ENTs, but am curious if others with CMI have had similar issues, and if surgery helped remedy?  The ringing is driving me crazy!!  

Thanks in advance for your feedback.  

[bookworm79]

I have the high pitch radio frequency, changes in pressure (like just sitting on couch and suddenly hear as if I'm in a plane and they popped or like I'm in a tunnell with really loud white noise) and I hear my heart beat in my ears sometimes.  Most often when I hear my heart beath it's when I lower my head, like when I bend down to put a towel on my head or to dry hair.

[actressmouse]

YES.  I have "pulsatile tinnitus" in both ears.  One ENT told me "it's just the way you're made" after an MRA and dismissed me with no further investigation/explanation.  Unfortunately, that was 15+ years ago and I, being naive, didn't question it any further.  I wish I would have now...because maybe the CM1 would have been found earlier and some of my hearing could have been saved.  I have learned a valuable lesson....no question is a stupid question.  

[blondeballerina07]

Can anyone hear their heart beat? I have heard mine non stop for as long as I can remember but never knew this wasn't normal until a few weeks ago. It is related to the chiari but was wondering if anyone else had this?

[actressmouse]

YES. YES. YES.  I have had tinnitus in my left ear ever since I can remember....I thought everyone "heard" this, so never thought to question it until it became "pulsatile tinnitus" (the kind where you can hear your heart beating in your ear along with the "tones"). As a result, I too, have lost a lot of hearing in my left ear (speech range to high freq.) and now have a hearing aide.  I recently learned that my right ear has high frequency hearing loss and it's started with the tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus, too.   I've been told by several ENTs that there's nothing I can do about it and that it's not related to CM1; however, TCI Docs told me that there's a high correlation between CM1 and hearing loss (referred me to an article published in the late 90s by Sperling et al) and that there's no guarantee that I will regain any lost hearing after surgery or have the tinnitus problem resolve.  SO, I have learned to ignore it....which can be very challenging at times....but such is life!!  I am hearing (no pun intended!) of a lot more people that DO experience the hearing issues with CM1, so I don't think it's as uncommon as once thought...just under reported or misdiagnosed.

[selmaS]

  LMAO...well I enjoy seeing ur replies ....u do have valuable info to share...so no more lurking....lol....

[rod44]

I have been lurking in the background, you know you cant get rid of a bad thing LMAO

[blondeballerina07]

I also have high frequency hearing loss and tinnitus. The tinnitus lessened after surgery originally and then has come back and at this point I would say mine is probably worse than before my first surgery.For me soft music or the tv always helps drown it out for some relief!

[selmaS]

  Thanks Ray for that link : )

Good to see u back too !!!


   "selma"

[rod44]

I have had Tinnitus for many years along with Vertigo (Tinnitus is worse with or after an attack of vertigo) and was advised by my ENT to try a white noise device to help with this problem. I agree with Selma, drugs can cause this as can stress and/or anxiety.

This web-site has some useful help :)  
http://www.noiserelief.com/

[selmaS]

  Jenn keep in mind pain meds may also be contributing to it as well...so as u no longer use meds and those nerves heal it may no longer be an issue.

[Jenn444]

I had very mild tinnitus prior to decompression that worsened after surgery. Everyone thinks it is due to the nerves in the area being inflamed and aggravated from the surgery and that it MAY get better in time. However, I find that I am getting used to it and not noticing it nearly as much anymore. It is amazing how the brain adapts over time.

[linnielou232]

I have never had a problem with tinnitus, just bit's of ringing  but it is so short of episodes I don't notice it much.  My sister deal's with tinnitus daily and just a suggestion that help's her is listening to soft music at bedtime or having the tv on it kind of drown's out the noise.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Unfortunately tinnitus and ringing in the ears is a symptom of chiari...I too have been dealing with it...it went completely away post op and slowly returned...I do not have it as often or does it last as long.....

  Certain meds can cause this issue even OTC pain meds...so check ur meds for side effects.....

     "selma"

[ajwalsh33]

Thanks for your response -- have you had surgery for your chiari, and did it help moderate the hearing issues and / or tinnitus?

[sandy629]

  i have had it for 4 yrs now. i fell 3x's banging my head each time. instantly got it.  i have a 60% hearing loss in my left ear and 30% in my right.  after awhile u get use to it. it drove me insane at first  and every once in awhile i go crazy with it.