Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Tinnitus refers to any sound heard within the ear without any external source. Tinnitus can be continuous or intermittent. Intermittent spells are precipitated by movements of head, yawning, blowing a balloon, sneezing and so on. Though abnormal, it usually doesn't mean anything serious. It is usually occurs due to minor disturbances within the middle and / or inner ear and should settle down in few weeks time.

I would be concerned only if you have the following symptoms as
- Ear ache or fullness of ear
- reduced hearing
- Dizziness
- Ear discharge
- Fever, sore throat, nasal congestion

An ear examination is warranted if "whooshing" like sound is associated with the aforementioned symptoms.

You need NOT be concerned if what you have is only this sound and nothing else.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other queries.

Regards

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Hi and thanks again,

Before I address your doubts, let me try to make you understand what this annoying sound actually is:

1. Vestibular apparatus - a structure associated with balancing system of the body is located in the inner ear. Any structural or functional pathology (vestibular dysfunction) of this apparatus results in dizziness as well as ringing sensation (tinnitus)

Any cause located both within the ear and outside ear can result in vestibular dysfunction. Cymbalta and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of drugs can cause metabolic changes which affects vestibular function - resulting in tinnitus.

2. The ear is connected to the pharynx (throat) by a tubular structure known as Eustachian tube (ET). This tube remains closed. Whenever there are pressure changes within the ear, this tube opens up. At most times, ET opening is asymptomatic. But when the pressures changes are severe, this opening is associated with "whooshing" sound heard between the ear (temple) and neck.

Middle ear inflammation (otitis) is the most common condition where there is severe pressure changes resulting in symptomatic ET opening - thus the "whooshing" sound

Presuming you've had earache and sore throat recently, it is highly that you might be having otitis and thus this annoying sound. And as explained in my earlier reply this should settle down in a few weeks as you recover from earache / sore throat.

I would not relate the symptoms you have to cymbalta for the following reasons:
1. The symptom you describe is more likely to be due to ET tube opening and not vestibular dysfunction.
2. You have an associated ear ache and sore throat.
3. Drug induced tinnitus are usually seen while on medication. It doesn't occur when you are off medications.

The bottom line is,"after having read through your query, the symptom you have does not concern me. It should settle down gradually in a few weeks."

Hope I clarified your doubts. Please close this discussion if all your queries are addressed. Yet, should you have any more queries, I will be glad to guide you.

Wish you good health

Regards

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