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Suggest Treatment For Tinnitus And Distortion In Ear
Question: Since using an "earpopper" device in the hope of improving my tinnitus and sound distortion in my right ear, the tinnitus has become much worse, turning into a loud hissing sound. Could the earpopper have caused some sort of damage?
Further to my previous question regarding the earpopper, another thing that has happened since using it is a "fluttering" in the right ear when I burp without opening my mouth. If I press my ear flap closed then it doesn't happen.
Medications Tried: haven't yet seen doctor about the fluttering or hissing. Previously the ear noise was not that intrusive and didn't consist of this loud hissing I have now, nor did i have the "fluttering". The distortion was more distressing than the tinnitus. But now the Hissing is so loud that it is hard to sleep. Some days are much worse than others
Further to my previous question regarding the earpopper, another thing that has happened since using it is a "fluttering" in the right ear when I burp without opening my mouth. If I press my ear flap closed then it doesn't happen.
Medications Tried: haven't yet seen doctor about the fluttering or hissing. Previously the ear noise was not that intrusive and didn't consist of this loud hissing I have now, nor did i have the "fluttering". The distortion was more distressing than the tinnitus. But now the Hissing is so loud that it is hard to sleep. Some days are much worse than others
Brief Answer:
possibly cause worsening of symptoms
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that there was some damage due to the device but if the pressure of the popper is low then this damage should be minimal.
It is thought to help with any dysfunction (abnormal function) of the eustachian tube by forcing air through it.
Since the worsening and additional symptoms occurred after the use of the ear popper , it would be best to discontinue it.
Tinnitus can cause a large number of auditory disturbances and sensations. It can progress as well.
It is most common related to hearing loss though there are other causes.
It can be very difficult condition to have to live with.
In terms of treatment for tinnitus: (1) biofeedback- 80% find some relief and 20% find total relief. It involves using different relaxation techniques taught by a psychologist.
Used for over 25 yrs
(2)transcranial magnetic stimulation- this involves stimulating neurons to help treat the tinnitus
(3)neuromonic- the use of modified music to help. Some medically studies have supported it, others have said ineffective
May or may not help you
(4)melatonin-there was a study looking at this and tinnitus. It was effective in some persons
You may want to consider speaking to your neurologist to see which method is best for you
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
possibly cause worsening of symptoms
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that there was some damage due to the device but if the pressure of the popper is low then this damage should be minimal.
It is thought to help with any dysfunction (abnormal function) of the eustachian tube by forcing air through it.
Since the worsening and additional symptoms occurred after the use of the ear popper , it would be best to discontinue it.
Tinnitus can cause a large number of auditory disturbances and sensations. It can progress as well.
It is most common related to hearing loss though there are other causes.
It can be very difficult condition to have to live with.
In terms of treatment for tinnitus: (1) biofeedback- 80% find some relief and 20% find total relief. It involves using different relaxation techniques taught by a psychologist.
Used for over 25 yrs
(2)transcranial magnetic stimulation- this involves stimulating neurons to help treat the tinnitus
(3)neuromonic- the use of modified music to help. Some medically studies have supported it, others have said ineffective
May or may not help you
(4)melatonin-there was a study looking at this and tinnitus. It was effective in some persons
You may want to consider speaking to your neurologist to see which method is best for you
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor. If there is damage from the device, can it be treated? Can eustachian tube dysfunction be a factor in my symptoms, and can eustachian tube problems be detected by MRI? I realize I likely have inner ear damage but wonder if ETD is a factor (hence my use of the earpopper which I now deeply regret). I have an MRI scheduled for Dec.27. I have often used Melatonin for help in sleeping in extremely small does (I open the capsule and take some of the powder from it) and it's great for sleeping. However I have found that it seems to make the tinnitus worse when I awake. The MRI has been ordered to check for other possible causes such as acoustic neuroma. I had similar symptoms about 10 years ago, including distortion, but they eventually subsided and I concluded then that it was taking Lecithin that did it. So far that hasn't helped this time. Interestingly my wife had suddenly come down with the same set of symptoms this past April (4 months before me) and was given 40 mgs. of prednisone a day for 8 days and she fully recovered. I was given 10 mgs. a day for 10 days to no effect, by a different doctor. I only found out about the dose discrepancy much later. Since I have nothing to lose is it worth trying a higher dose of prednisone? I've been told it's too late now. Your colleague at Healthcare Magic, Dr. Naveem XXXXXXX said I should take at least 100 mgs. a day for 5-7 days along with steroid nasal spray for several months for the ETD. By the way I've learned that my friend's wife recently had the same symptoms and as in my case middle ear pressure was normal. She was given Benadryl and an antibiotic for ETD and was cured.
Brief Answer:
dose of prednisolone is above XXXXXXX allowed
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Eustachian tube dysfunction may be a factor in tinnitus but since your tinnitus is so long term, there are also other factors that would be playing a part.
The ear popper may have aggravated any issues with the ear but because it should have exerted too high a pressure, the damage should not be severe.
The MRI is a great idea. It would rule out any underlying issues
I agree that the use of prednisolone is unlikely to have a significant effect at this stage
Prednisolone 100mg is a very high dose. The maximum dose for any adult, no matter the age or weight is 60 mg.
Your wife's friend likely had eustachian tube dysfunction due to acute respiratory tract infection (cold). This is one of the causes, it usually follows the cold or allergic rhinitis or infection to the ear.
The use of an anti histamine, antibiotic (if there is evidence of bacterial infection) and in some cases decongestants, can be very helpful in these acute conditions.
Because the ETD was due to an acute problem which could be treated , the symptoms would have resolved.
Normally this is the case but in rare cases, for eg if an ear infection is involved which may have spread, there may be long term problems.
please feel free to ask anything else
dose of prednisolone is above XXXXXXX allowed
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Eustachian tube dysfunction may be a factor in tinnitus but since your tinnitus is so long term, there are also other factors that would be playing a part.
The ear popper may have aggravated any issues with the ear but because it should have exerted too high a pressure, the damage should not be severe.
The MRI is a great idea. It would rule out any underlying issues
I agree that the use of prednisolone is unlikely to have a significant effect at this stage
Prednisolone 100mg is a very high dose. The maximum dose for any adult, no matter the age or weight is 60 mg.
Your wife's friend likely had eustachian tube dysfunction due to acute respiratory tract infection (cold). This is one of the causes, it usually follows the cold or allergic rhinitis or infection to the ear.
The use of an anti histamine, antibiotic (if there is evidence of bacterial infection) and in some cases decongestants, can be very helpful in these acute conditions.
Because the ETD was due to an acute problem which could be treated , the symptoms would have resolved.
Normally this is the case but in rare cases, for eg if an ear infection is involved which may have spread, there may be long term problems.
please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, doctor. Will the MRI reveal any issues with the Eustachian tubes?
Brief Answer:
this area would also be seen
Detailed Answer:
HI
The MRI which is being done to check for any other contributing factors would also take a look at this area.
An MRI for acoustic neuroma would be taking a close look at the ear and therefore would also be able to assess the region of the eustachian tube.
If anything else is unclear, you can let me know
this area would also be seen
Detailed Answer:
HI
The MRI which is being done to check for any other contributing factors would also take a look at this area.
An MRI for acoustic neuroma would be taking a close look at the ear and therefore would also be able to assess the region of the eustachian tube.
If anything else is unclear, you can let me know
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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