I am new to this. I was referred to this site by a doc I just saw at Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, MA. My main complaints are sinus issues/allergies and terrible tinnitus and hyperacusis. I have always had allergies even as a little child. 27 years ago I moved into a new house and developed chronic urticaria (hives), chemical sensitivies, food allergies in addition to my environmental allergies. 10 years ago I had my sinuses scoped and I think I had an allergic reaction to whatever they numbed me with because I felt like my head was totally swollen. After dealing with this for a month, taking antibiotics and other medications with no relief, at the suggestion of my PC I did a sinus rinse called NeilMed. I felt a slight pulsing at the back of my right ear and stopped and when I stood up from the sink I had a ringing in my right ear that went all the way around my head and it has never stopped. 2 weeks later I developed hyperacusis which is a sensitivity to sound. I used to be a singer but had to stop. I feel this tinnitus is definitely related to sinus issues but haven’t been able to calm either down. The doc I saw yesterday thinks I might have a form of migraine even though I don’t get migraine headaches. I do have sinus headaches exasperated by allergies and barometric pressure changes. My head feels full, my nose is runny, I feel like I have a really bad cold and my ears are ringing and hissing and buzzing and the area above my ears and temples and around the back of my head all feel weird - kind of swollen. I have a lot of neck pain as well. I’m not sure what to think. I am on such a limited diet now that I could very easily go on the migraine diet and would do anything to get rid of these symptoms. I’d miss my avocadoes and bananas and black beans but I’d rather not be suffering like this. Anyone else have similar symptoms? If so, any luck with the migraine diet or anything else for that matter? Thanks so much. Judy
Migraine … ugh … bucket diagnosis alert! lame reason. Sounds like your ear is upset/injured somehow … I’d definitely try to get some additional opinions wrt to your sinus issues. My friend suffered tinnitus and dizziness for nine months. After the sinus issues went away all her symptoms disappeared.
Tinnitus is often cause by increased pressure in the ear (aka Secondary Hydrops). Once you successfully treat the root cause SH generally goes away.
I’m also a singer, Judy and have hyperacusis. I’ve had to stop doing that and playing the piano too. So annoying! I get where you are coming from and may be feeling on this.
Hi turnitaround!
Thank you so much for your reply. I am definitely going to keep trying to get some help with this and a sinus specialist is my next stop. I understand why the doc threw me into his “migrainer” theory…there are issues of chemical sensitivities and inability to take medications plus a strange numb, tingly sensation I occasionally - maybe a few times a year - get on my right side. But I just don’t think so. My whole family has sinus issues and allergies and I have them the worst. And I have always felt there was an issue with the pressure experienced while using the neil med sinus rinse and am always baffled when docs disregard it.
Hyperacusis is challenging and a real life changer. I took to using ear protection quite a bit but I understand there are differing theories about whether or not that is a good idea. I find when I don’t use my ear protection when I have to be out and about my tinnitus roars. It was a real heartbreak to give up being a musician as I’m sure you know, but I haven’t given up hope and I really like your “turnitaround” attitude. I thank you so much for sharing that with me and wish you all the best.
Thanks again, Judy.
My pleasure.
Maybe its just a passing phase and ear will calm down.
There are lots of different experiences on here, but most people find the disruption pretty life changing for a bit, but there are a lot of success stories too.
Wishing you all the best too,
James