Has Neuropathy and Tinnitus Ever Been Linked?

Posted by burchindy @burchindy, Sep 11 7:32am

I have resigned to the fact that my numbness and tingling in both lower legs and feet is most likely peripheral neuropathy, although I am only 10 weeks after laminectomy so maybe all hope is not lost yet.

I am 72 years old and currently navigating the challenges of aging. Recently, I have been dealing with both neuropathy and tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears). I am curious if any other members in this group experience both conditions. Have you come across any medical research or studies that suggest a clinical link between neuropathy and tinnitus, or is this just a coincidence for me? I would appreciate hearing about your experiences or any information you might have on a potential connection.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 11 8:13am

@burchindy I think the answer is yes, there is a connection between tinnitus and neuropathy. You might find this related discussion helpful:
-- Ear Tinnitus and Pain with Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ear-tinnitus-and-pain-with-neuropathy/

Here's a research article on the connection:
-- Tinnitus and neuropathic pain share a common neural substrate in the form of specific brain connectivity and microstate profiles: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584618302859

jacqincalifornia | @jacqincalifornia | Sep 11 2:33pm

I have both conditions. I've never come across any information showing a link between neuropathy and tinnitus beyond the fact that both are caused by neurological damage.

cheyne | @cheyne | Sep 11 3:21pm

Hi,
It has to do with the autonomic nerve, ANS. I believe it is turbulance in the blood vesels next to the temporal bone. That is, a signal problem caused with ANS pulsing the blood vesel walls trying to narrow or enlarge the vesels through incorrect or mixed signals at the meylin, nerve ends. Anxiety and stress at work or flight or fight response at work. My tinitus is generated from low level anxiety and an unhealthy dose of demylination throughout the body.
The best way to deal with tinitus is to ignore it and work on.
Cheers

shagphil | @shagphil | Sep 13 7:26am

I have noticed that when my tinnitus is loudest/worse my blood pressure is high. When my blood pressure is normal to a bit low, my tinnitus is calm and low.

jankavs | @jankavs | Sep 14 5:42pm

I have not read of any connection between tinnitus and neuropathy; however, I was diagnosed with Ménière's disease over thirty years ago. I have constant tinnitus which does fluctuate along with some hearing loss. My vertigo improved over time. I developed small fiber neuropathy quite suddenly two years ago. It has also improved from the hellish first year or so, but it fluctuates as well.

footpain | @footpain | Sep 20 10:53am

I have idiopathic PN and for several years beginning 2007. Symptoms have progressed deeper into tissue with constant burning and stinging pain up to my calves near knees. About 4 years ago, I started having constant tinnitus after a bout with sudden vertigo that resolved with relocating the crystals. Tinnitus continues on and has increased in levels that affect sleep. Severe head pressure and brain fog every morning that continues until mid day or so. Many suppliments and remedies that are short lived and require adjustment via kinesiology. Had an MRI with contrast in 2024 showing no more that micro vascular ischimia that dr said was not causing any harm but evidence of blockage to smaller blood vessels that is quite typical of a 72 year old brain. Well PN is caused by minute vascular interruption of oxygen to the nerves, thus seems to be the same condition at the brain. Please fix it! Why cant you? Oh! no known cure? Tinnitus sound levels do regulate with physical pressures on top of head and I can tap the back of neck with a procedure and it goes away for a few minutes.

maryknott1 | @maryknott1 | Sep 23 10:55am

Yes, I have had right ear tinnitus since my neuropathy started 2 years ago. My ENT it believes it has to do with my lack of Vit E.

maryswatzellkennedy | @maryswatzellkennedy | Sep 24 6:08pm

I have pain and numbness in throat up to side of ear and behind ear often
Radiating in bottom skull. Dr thinks it’s Ari thris in neck. Had inner ear and silent migraine s for years. Anyone had this