Tinnitus nightmare !

Hi eleftherio, Many thanks for your reply.My tinnitus attacks happen a number of times throughout the day, but evenings do seem to be worse ! The attacks can sometimes last for up to an hour, quieten, and then return quickly. I don't have vertigo, or I believe, hearing loss. I do get a feeling of fullness in the ears, along with the ringing and hissing, which appears to be in both ears. The tinnitus does not appear to be pulsating, it is a continuous, one tone. I strongly feel that the attacks could be Amlodipine induced . I took one 5mg tablet, and had ringing in one ear, within six to seven hours. My GP persuaded me to continue with the medication, which I did for six weeks. I then took myself off the tablets, which I have been off for almost five weeks, but the dreadful tinnitus continues, probably worse than it was whilst on the medication ! Obviously, I don't know for sure if the Amlodipine is responsible, but I had never had any sort of hearing problem before . I do have a balance problem but, am unfortunately, suffering from a broken ankle as well, so think that is probably causing the balance issue. Would be most grateful if you could offer any advise, I would just like to see some light at the end of the tunnel ! Many thanks.

Indeed, it may be the medication, as the symptom of tinnitus is very isolated.  However, I am assuming that you have to take it or the consequences will be worse. Switching to another similar drug will probably have the same effect.

All things being equal.  I would recommend first seeing a specialized ENT to give you advice on the tinnitus, and to comfirm that indeed the medication is to blame.  If it is and it is nothing else, he can advice you on how to manage the tinnitus.  Usually it is with background noise or a hearing aid.  The next step if this is not satisfactory is to see if there is a specialized tinnitus clinical near where you live.  There are some centers that specialize in this problem.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Thank you for your advise. I wondered if you could just tell me, if the tinnitus is Amlodipine induced, is it likely go away eventually,and when, or will it now be a permanent condition ? Also wondered if you could explain the action of Anlodipine on the ears, and which part of the ear is affected by this drug. Had I have been aware that tinnitus could be a permenent condition, I would never have taken it in the first place ! I have now stopped taking the medication, and am monitoring bp, before deciding which way to go. Thank you once again.

It appears to work by changing communication within the cochlear.  It may be reversibie.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Please could you tell me why my tinnitus gets very bad when II  watch TV, or use my laptop ? It can be reasonably quiet, and as soon as I go near either of them, it becomes almost manic. I am pleased I have realised what is happening, as it may help me to be more control over the condition. I hope I am not a nuisance !

Usually your form of tinnitus gets worse in a quiet environment.  I do not have experience as to why it would get worse when watching TV or near the laptop.  If I were forced to guess, I would say that the tinnitus may be resonating with a specific frequency from these devices.  But I cannot confirm.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

 my tinnitus seem to be resonating with a specific frequency in my house. The most powerful is in my bedroom.  even if I cut the power off.  I do have overhead power lines, and power lines close by.  I just move in so I can't just move out? what can I do?

Have you tried having a low intensity sound humming noise playing in the background in your bedroom?  This may cancel the outside noise. 

I previously suggesting finding a specialized tinnitus clinic in your country.  Have you had any results with regards to this?

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

I've tried a few noise. the shower running works a bit but thats not something I can run for long.  I'm going to a clinic that has tinnitus as one of their things. The Dr. is an Audiologist should he be an Neurophysiologist?

Audiology is okay.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Yes, I found a clinic in a town close by, thank you, they fit acoustic neuromodulations for suitable patients ! The GP has suggested that firstly I should book an appointment with a Specialist in the Neurology Department at the local hospital, just to check out all is well elsewhere ! I feel 100 pc sure that my tinnitus was caused by Amlodipine, as I had only taken the first tablet six hours , when the nightmare ringing etc began ! I remain hopeful it will subside, but the longer it goes on, the less hopeful I become ! The instruction leaflet didn't state tinnitus as a side effect, and my GP was also unaware - I should certainly have checked the Internet before taking the medication, but unfortunately I didn't . Just one tablet has caused the problem! Thank you for your help.

Anytime!

Thank you for your reply Raji. Unfortunately, the Instruction Leaflet didn't state tinnitus as a side effect, and my GP was also unaware.! I really should have checked the Internet first. I had only taken the first tablet six hours when the nightmare began ! You give me hope by saying that there is a chance of the tinnitus subsiding, it has now been a couple of months, but I will remain hopeful ! Thank you.