Ringing in my ears

[kpmom313]

Hello, today I was given my MRI Results which read '2-3 mm of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia. I originally went in and saw the doctor because of a constant ringing in my ears.  After a fun filled question and answer session my doctor ordered an MRI thinking I might have MS.  Now the results are back and I am told it could be Chiari Type 1.  I am waiting to see a nuerologist that specializes in Chiari.  My question that has yet to be answered is why the ringing in my ears?  Is there any connection?

[linnielou232]

Having tinnintis is agrivating.  I have to say for myself.  I never had the ringing until after I had my surgery.  Now I have it in my left ear all the time.  I have read somewhere to put a little vinegar in the ear and it helps, but have to say I haven't tried it.  I do wear earplugs when I'm around more than 5 people and it does seems to help.  Otherwise all the noise seems to flow together and it brings on a HA.  If I get brave enough I'll try the vinegar and let you know how it works.  I can't inmagine having this in both ears.  Wishing you the best.
Linda :)

[Reneedc]

In doing some research for tinnitus, I ran across this site. I had decompression surgery almost 2 years ago. The ringing in my ear started about a month ago. I never imagined that it could be related to the Chiari, but when the ENT learned about my Chiari, he connected the 2 right away. I need to ask, did the vinegar help? The ENT isn't sure if there's anything he can do, and this ringing is driving me nuts. Just looking for a shred of hope :)
Thanks!
Renee

[actressmouse]

Yep...know what you mean.  I noticed the hearing loss shortly after the HAs got really unbearable.  It played a big part in deciding to have the surgery.  However, my ringing is still with me....and now starting up in my other ear...UGH!!!

[kpmom313]

Thanks for all the information.  This site has been really helpful.  I am still waiting for the referal to the doctor for further testing but the PA that I saw thought that they might try starting with a strong diuretic to see if they can get rid of the fluid.  Kinda makes sense but from what I am reading doesn't sound like it would be too successful.  Last thing I want is surgery.  I am a PE teacher so my day is filled with constant noise.  When I get into any place that is quiet the ringing is driving me crazy.  I have thought about having my ipod in at all times so I don't hear it  Anyone had success with the diuretics?

[Jorlex37]

Yes ringing the ears was a big issue for me and one of the big deciding factors for me wanting surgery.  I needed surgery for blockage but I so badly wanted silence!
Shortly after my decompression the ringing stopped!

[derek1983]

hearing loss is what led me to discover that i have chiari i had a hearing test at work and i showed that human voice level hearing was a problem for me which they initially thought was a tumor or cyst turns out it was the chiari time will tell what happens with mine as i am just now digging into options and researching doctors

[actressmouse]

YES. I have ringing in the ears....started many years ago in my left ear (I now have some hearing loss in that ear and wear a hearing aide).  I am almost 6 months post op decompression and fusion skull to c2.  My 3 major complaints pre-op were:  Non-stop pressure headaches that began at the base of my skull; tinnitus (ringing in the ear); sleep disturbance.  

I went to TCI (Dr. Bolognese did my surgery after I was seen by a genetic doc in Baltimore as I also have a connective tissue disorder).  He did not in any way guarantee that I would re-gain hearing (sensorineural hearing loss is permanent) or that it would rid me of the ringing.....well, almost 6 months  now and I still have the ringing; however, now it's started in my right ear as well.  It's unclear as to whether or not this is a result of the Chiari or the EDS/Stickler's and it's also unclear as to whether or not my surgery slowed the progression or had no effect.  I am hopeful that it's just too early to see improvement in this area as the other 2 items on my short "wish list" have GREATLY improved...no more headaches, solid sleep now.  

Prior to surgery, I had "scanty" CSF flow and there is evidence that Chiari is linked to tinnitus and hearing loss in some people.  We are all so different and manifest it so differently... I believe that Dr. B referred me to a study done in the late 90s by Sperling et al.  Just enter that into a search engine and it should pop up.  Good luck to you!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Yes, there is a connection, look at ur head and where ur ears,sinuses, ur throat is all located...all in proximity to each other, and with compression and issues of that sort going on, it ill affect all nerves and items nearby and even not so close to the Chiari malformation.
Tinnitus is something many with Chiari have....

  With Chiari there can be compression due to the space being smaller, or excess CSF fluid building up....so many things can be affected.

U will want to find a true Chiari specialist and have  a CINE MRI to see if u have an obstruction to ur CSF flow, and then testing for related issues b4 u consider surgery as these other issues and conditions can affect how u feel and heal post op.