is tinitus a symptom of CFS?

Brain and nerves
1

i have left sided tinitus, not bothersome but i am definately aware of it, i wondered if others have this, and could it be a symptom of CFS. I also have been struggling to hear cleraly, sounds sound more muffled at times. I have partial wax in opposite ear so will have it syringed, and speak to GP as he says unilateral tinitus needs ENT referral as not normal.

​i do have neck pain in same side as tinitus and wondered if its pressing on nerve causing tinitus,

​thanks

2

Hi Nichola,

I get It on right side only. My friend who has cfs/me too gets it really bad and a woman I met who has recovered also had it really bad when she had it. I have chatted to others on the site who've had it too?

Hope that helps

B

3

There could be many reasons for tinnitus, it's actually the noise of your brain! I too had tinnitus in my left ear and deafness too! Your GP is quite right to suggest a referral. Try not to worry, it was because I have very slight deafness nothing more. However depending upon your age and the reason for CFS did the GP do bloods?  If not I'm sure the ENT chap will. If they are normal then try not to worry. If the tinnitus get much worse you may get a tinnitus blocker. Or a hearing aid in your left ear to block it. Good luck. 

4

thanks beverley, yes it does help x

5

thanks Pam, i know i should prob get it checked out really, i didnt know it was your brain making the noise, wow!! you learn somthing every day, thank you

6

: ) I don't know about you but mine has been much more intense around Christmas time and I wonder if the extra exertion makes It worse?

B

7

Your welcome

8

Yes! Tinitus is a symptom of ME/CFS. I've had it every since I first got this illness, predominantly in one ear. Your GP saying unilateral tinitus is not normal is a perfect example of why doctors need to be educated about ME/CFS. Google "ME/CFS symptoms" and I'm sure you'll find tinitus listed as a possible symptom.

9

No Nichola that is exactly why you do NEED to see the ENT consultant! Especially if you have wax in only one ear! I am not saying anymore, it may be just that you have slight hearing loss, nothing more than that, however as with all things better safe than sorry. 

10

Any form of stress good or bad makes tinnitus worse! I as I have said your listening to your brain, so Christmas is always stressful especially for women! 

11

Hi Pam,

I think I'll go with the Idea that stress doesn't help but my idea that this is in my ear and not the sound of my brain fits better for me. Also that its linked to my cfs/me too. I know we're all different .

Yes, Christmas, birthday's and other celebrations are often busy and stressful for people. I was noting I'd noticed it more this year. I've felt quite ill though too.

Best wishes

B

12

Hi Jackie,

Yes, tinnitus is listed on the me association website by dr Ramsey as a symptom. You roused my curiosity to check : )

Best wishes

B

13

Lots of people with CFS have no tinnitus though, but people with tinnitus say that it can be worse when they're tired, so that could cause some association.

14

thank you jackie

15

thanks pam, i know i prob should, thanks x

16

its always there, but not too bad, am just aware of it now, i found it when i started doing relaxation practice, it dosnt bother me really, i just didnt know it was a symptom of CFS

17

really? aw thanks for checking, its great this site! learn more and mnore each day, big thanks x

18

I just glanced at my monthly summary and saw this post.  Tinnitus is NOT the sound of your brain.  Your brain doesn't make any sound or we'd notice.  Just search tinitus on here if you want to know what it is or isn't.  I have CFS and tinnitus.  Nobody knows why some people get tinnitus but I know withabsolutely certainty that it is not the sound of your brain.  This is a great website - use it!

19

Morning Pam;  from my "limited" experience as an RN for over 35 years, Tinnites is more to do with the Cochlear and Tympanic Membrane of Ear...........not so much "the brain"...........yes the nerves do go to the brain, but if blood supply/damage to the relevant structures of the ear are damaged (in normal tinnites....not related to FIBRO/CFS), or it can be a Secondary symptom of other conditions............and that is where the ENT specialist comes in........to investigate the EAR, and othe conditions.....................Bron

20

Hi Nichola,

No worries, I checked as I wasn't sure it was on the list. There seems alot of common symptoms but, not everyone gets some of them. Eg, the friend of mine who has cfs/me from a virus has bad chest pains which I don't but we both get the tinnitus, aches, spasms etc as well as the extreme fatigue of course. Its worth checking out I guess but, I've not checked on mine as I've put It down to the condition. Good luck with it and let us know the outcome?

Best wishes

B