Hi Dr. Nagler,
I am about three weeks into high pitched persistent tinnitus in my right ear (started January 2, 2016).
Background: I have had my hearing tested and appear to have a small amount of high frequency hearing loss in the affected ear, in one "notch." It may have been noise induced (I fired two shots lefthanded from a shotgun outdoors on December 12th, 2015).
Prior to the tinnitus, I had a difficult molar extraction on the right side followed by a skin infection and 5 weeks of hives and swelling all over my body. I was prescribed Amoxicillin, then Bactrim and Prednisone. The hives, though improved, are still coming in, mostly on hands and feet.
On January 18, I was looked at by an ENT's PA. It seemed rather cursory, only about half an hour. He looked up my nose and in my ear. No sign of infection, and he indicated the Eustachian tube didn't appear inflamed. He advised me to try Claritin D and Flonase, and that if it's still here in six months it's probably permanent. Since beginning these meds, the intermittent feelings of fullness, pain, and itchiness in the afflicted ear have mostly disappeared. And the hives and swelling are mostly gone. But the ringing remains.
Should I get an MRI? After some research, I am surprised the ENT PA didn't bring up the possibility of acoustic neuroma, vestibular schwannorma, AIED, SSHL, etc. I suppose he figures the ringing was caused by NIHL, and I can't really blame the guy for given it seems the simplest cause. That said, given the other health problems I have had recently, are there any other tests I ought to consider at this point or over the next few months? I am terrified of losing more hearing or my tinnitus worsening.
Thanks for any guidance you may provide. At this point, I just want to eliminate as many underlying medical issues as I can, particularly those that may worsen my condition. I reviewed "Tinnitus for Newbies" and some of your other materials, and found them helpful. I truly appreciate the time and care you have put into helping those afflicted with this problem.
Best wishes,
S
I am about three weeks into high pitched persistent tinnitus in my right ear (started January 2, 2016).
Background: I have had my hearing tested and appear to have a small amount of high frequency hearing loss in the affected ear, in one "notch." It may have been noise induced (I fired two shots lefthanded from a shotgun outdoors on December 12th, 2015).
Prior to the tinnitus, I had a difficult molar extraction on the right side followed by a skin infection and 5 weeks of hives and swelling all over my body. I was prescribed Amoxicillin, then Bactrim and Prednisone. The hives, though improved, are still coming in, mostly on hands and feet.
On January 18, I was looked at by an ENT's PA. It seemed rather cursory, only about half an hour. He looked up my nose and in my ear. No sign of infection, and he indicated the Eustachian tube didn't appear inflamed. He advised me to try Claritin D and Flonase, and that if it's still here in six months it's probably permanent. Since beginning these meds, the intermittent feelings of fullness, pain, and itchiness in the afflicted ear have mostly disappeared. And the hives and swelling are mostly gone. But the ringing remains.
Should I get an MRI? After some research, I am surprised the ENT PA didn't bring up the possibility of acoustic neuroma, vestibular schwannorma, AIED, SSHL, etc. I suppose he figures the ringing was caused by NIHL, and I can't really blame the guy for given it seems the simplest cause. That said, given the other health problems I have had recently, are there any other tests I ought to consider at this point or over the next few months? I am terrified of losing more hearing or my tinnitus worsening.
Thanks for any guidance you may provide. At this point, I just want to eliminate as many underlying medical issues as I can, particularly those that may worsen my condition. I reviewed "Tinnitus for Newbies" and some of your other materials, and found them helpful. I truly appreciate the time and care you have put into helping those afflicted with this problem.
Best wishes,
S
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