Buzzing noise in one ear

[s4mmy]

Hello all,

I have a few questions, and I'll break down the details to make it as convenient as possible to answer.

Gender: Male
Age: 25
Medications: 1/4th mg Finasteride for male pattern hairloss.
Alcohol Consumption: socially
Smoker: Rarely, occasional social smoker

Long story short, ever since I was about 13 years old, I think back in 2001, I noticed sort of a subtle buzzing or deep humming in one of my ears (right side). I can't recall if I had on the other side, but it's certainly possible. The sound is most prominent in the morning, upon waking up from a nap, or when sitting somewhere silent. However, at times, the noise is not noticeable at all. Sometimes, i go through a whole day without noticing it at all. Regardless, the noise has never gotten in the way of my daily tasks. As far as I can tell, I don't think I'm experiencing any hearing loss.

As far as other symptoms go, every now and then throughout the day, I feel a quick jab of pain in the ear with the buzzing. In addition, when I shake my head, I feel slight pain on the same side slightly below my ear. Also, when I press on the area where my side burn is (also right side), it hurts a little. I also, sometimes, feel very very mild dizziness. Almost not noticeable. Mainly when I haven't eaten enough. These subtle sensations of pain became more noticeable a few days to a few weeks ago.

I've also experienced a bit of brain fog, and slight decline in short term memory, like the exact specifics of what I did a few days ago. FYI, I'm not entirely sure if my memory has actually declined, or if I've always had the same recollection abilities. However, things do feel foggy at times. I started my Finasteride about 4-5 months ago, and I do recall the brain dog occurring subsequent to beginning medication.

As mentioned before, the buzzing in my ear started back in 2001. With that said, I had a CT scan of my head in 2006, and I believe everything was clear, and good to go. Also, the noises have not gotten particularly worse in the last 12-13 years upon onset. It is, however, more frequent other times than not (worse in the mornings, or upon waking up, laying in her before her, and in quiet places). Furthermore, back in 2006, I also had very large amounts of earwax removed with what felt like high pressure water at the doctors office. I can't recall what level of change took place after this treatment.

I know it's nearly impossible to diagnose anything online, but based off of this descriptive explanation, and your personal experiences, could there be any chance I can be suffering from an acoustic neuroma? Again, the buzzing has been going on for about 12-13 years, and about 7 years ago, I had a good CT scan.

I am a very anxious person, and I've been giving this a lot of thought lately, to the point of feeling very uncomfortable.

I would sincerely appreciate any kind of response back. Also, I am currently not insured, so it is difficult for me to obtain medical advice of any kind. However, when the time comes, would an Ear Nose Throat specialist be the right source to turn to?

Thanks in advance everyone.

[terisandler]

You might want to see an audiologist.  I went for a free audiogram and the audiologist sent me to an ENT based on the results.  An MRI with and without contrast is the most definitive way to diagnose but you mentioned you have no health insurance.  Perhaps there are resources for the uninsured that help obtain necessary diagnostic testing.

[arizonajack]

I am currently not insured, so it is difficult for me to obtain medical advice of any kind.

Look into Obamacare.

Here's the website:

https://www.healthcare.gov/

[s4mmy]

Thanks for the responses!

I will definitely look into some form of medical evaluation or another.

In the meantime, how common are acoustic neuromas? I mean yes, I have mind tinnitus in one ear that's been going on for around 13 years. However, my CT scan 7 years ago yielded a clean result. I know it's not an MRI, but just for the sake of reassurance, how likely is it that I have an acoustic neuroma? I don't think I notice any hearing loss or anything like that. I'm a very anxious person, and I tend to always fear the worst.

Terisandler, where and how exactly did you get a free audiology test? Furthermore, were you eventually diagnosed with a an acoustic neuroma?

Lastly, can anyone provide me with some acoustic neuroma symptoms that require attention asap? I know confusion is one, but to what degree? What are some other conditions that mimic acoustic neuromas or causes tinnitus in one ear?

I would sincerely and deeply appreciate any response.

Thanks.

[terisandler]

Most any audiologist will offer a free initial consultation.  At least that has been my experience.  The ENT sent me for an MRI that confirmed my AN.  I was told it most likely had been growing for 20 years.  I was aware of hearing loss in my AN ear for at least 5 years and thought it was just part of getting older.  Not sure what a CT scan shows diagnostically, but I had both an MRI and CT scan as part of the process of programming for cyberknife surgery (radiation).  That was my treatment modality.

[s4mmy]

Terisandler,

Thanks for the response. How were the results of your treatment? Any adverse effects like hearing loss and/or facial paralysis?

Also, if you don't mind sharing, how old were you when they had told you that it's been growing for 20 years?

Lastly, did you notice any other symptoms other than hearing loss?

Lookin forward to hearing back.

Thanks!

Sammy

[JamesP]

Sammy,

An acoustic neuroma is quite rare.  Conservative estimates show 1 in 100,000 people affected per year.  Tinnitus, in and of itself, is not much cause for alarm.  It can be caused by a multitude of things.  From what I've read, the primary symptom of acoustic neuroma is unilateral hearing loss, which you may not be able to tell without talking to the audiologist.

That said, I've been diagnosed with an AN and have yet to determine unilateral hearing loss.  I'm waiting to meet with an audiologist, but if I've lost hearing, I can't tell.  My symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and ear fullness/pain.  I have tinnitus, but I just don't notice it all that often.  I guess it's just become a part of my life.

However, this of course can't be taken for medical advice.  The advice above about seeing an audiologist is wise.  If your hearing comes back good, or at least even on both sides, and you have none of the above symptoms other than tinnitus, I think you'll be okay.  Good luck!

JP

[s4mmy]

JamesP,

Thanks so much for the response back!

Of course, I would never use any of what you or anyone else on this forum says as a substitute for medical advice.

If I may ask, how old were you upon diagnosis? How long did you experience the above symptoms until seeking medical attention? Also, how bad are the headaches and vertigo? Are they worse at certain times of the day?

Looking forward to your response back!

Thanks!

Sammy

[terisandler]

Sammy, I was almost 61 when diagnosed.  I've had tinnitus for at least 7 years, maybe longer.  In hindsight, I may have had symptoms that I didn't realize we're symptoms - a few falls over the years for no apparent reason, lightheadedness, unsteadiness.  I guess I just figured I was a klutz. 

I underwent 5 cyberknife treatments in May.  Before diagnosis I was aware of some twitching of my eyelid and lip on the AN side.  I still have occasional twitching.  No facial paralysis and I already had hearing loss which I was told is permanent.  My word recognition seems to have deteriorated since treatment.  About 4 months after the CK treatments I noticed some increased balance issues and a constant earache in my AN ear.  My neurotologist said the cause is probably nerve irritation from the radiation.  It is my understanding that radiation side effects like these typically show up after 3-4 months. 

[s4mmy]

Hi Terisander,

Thanks for the detailed information. Seems like you went through a lot. Glad you got things worked out. Can you specify your symptoms a bit more though? For example, how often was the vertigo, dizziness, and did certain times and/or activities worsen or alleviate it? Furthermore, any headaches or ear pain of any sort? If so, was it dull? Was it consistent? I'd really love to know.

I finally went in for an audiogram today, and fortunately, the results were excellent. My Pure Tone Audiogram results were all around the 0 range. Some at -5 range and some at 5 range. At the end of the test, the audiologist told me that my right ear (ear with tinnitus) scored slightly better, but that such slight differences can fluctuate.

With all that said, I'm glad my hearing test checked out okay!

I worry a lot by nature, but judging by this, my chances seem good that I don't have an acoustic neuroma right? I'm not trying to substitute anything here for medical advice, but some assurance would help me sleep better at night. I'm only 25 after all, and this has been stressful.


Looking forward to your responses back.

Thanks!

Sammy

[JamesP]

Sammy,

I was/am 30 years old. Just diagnosed almost two weeks ago. The headaches were the primary cause for concern with my doctor, so I got a CT. Indications from the CT meant I needed an MRI. I'd had the headaches for about 6 weeks. They've stayed fairly constant, it's low pain but always there. I still get some pretty bad headaches, but they're not as common. Full on vertigo had only happened 3 times. The rest has been dizziness. My tinnitus has been going on for at least 5 years, but that may also have been occupational hazard.

[s4mmy]

Hi JamesP

Thanks for the response back. When you mean dizziness, how severe was it? Were they worse throughout certain parts of the day? Did you doctor give you any indication as to how long the acoustic neuroma may have been growing for?

Did you also notice any mental confusion, brain fog, or short term memory loss?

Looking forward to your response back!

Thanks!

Sammy

[terisandler]

I really can't be specific.  I had vague symptoms and did not chronicle them.  I am much more aware of them now.  I started getting a constant earache at about that 3-4 post CK mark.  My balance therapists thought they were auditory migraines but my neurotologist thinks it is nerve irritation from the CK.  I don't see a pattern with the lightheadedness or unsteadiness. 

[ewchisek]

Sammy,

Like someone mentioned above, having an acoustic neuroma is rare. However, with that said, my advice is to follow thru and get an MRI. I had three CT scans (all showed nothing) prior to my diagnosis which was thru an MRI. Once I had my MRI results, (2.5 cm tumor) I had a hearing test and my hearing was perfect in both ears.
I am telling you this not to bring on more worry, just to tell you to get that MRI. More than likely it is nothing, but the MRI can give you piece of mind and will stop your worry.

Good Luck,
Elizabeth

[s4mmy]

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for reassuring reply. I have thought about getting an MRI done, but I was worried about the adverse effects it may have on me.

If I may ask, what initially prompted you to go in for your CT scan / MRI? We're there other suspicious symptoms that warranted such tests? If so, what were your symptoms and/ or concerns?

Lastly, if you wish to share, how old were you upon diagnosis?

Thanks again for the post. I'm still very worried and I hope I will be okay.

Sammy