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I have had this problem for 90 plus days, teledoctors have put me on antibiotics thinking it was an infection, and it was not. I went to the ENT doc and he said wait another 60 days and see if it goes away on its own. When I put an earplug in my left ear, I hear a light drumming noise as fast as someone could drum. When I take the ear plug out, there is no drumming noise, just the constant ringing noise. My blood pressure seems to be about 10 points higher than it normally would be (maybe stress). The ENT said if it does not go away in 60 more days we will do a MRI of the brain, which scares the hell out of me. This came on during the Pandemic, out of work, bills piling up, unemployment income was only helping so much, dipping into rainy day savings account to make ends meet. I asked my ENT doc if there is anything I can do, he said just wait and see if it goes away. I am not sure if I can accept that answer. Is there anyone else who had ringing in the ear start during this Coronavirus Pandemic? I am very mentally sharp, business professional, and hate to think this is all brought on by stress, please share any news or solutions, the ringing in the left ear is driving me nutz!
Replies to "I have had this problem for 90 plus days, teledoctors have put me on antibiotics thinking..."
Hi @mackmoving. Many years ago, I experienced the ringing in my ears. Surgical options were discussed but that scared the hell out of me. It turned out to be stress related from my job but went away on its own. I don't remember how long it took but I had experienced the ringing for several weeks before I saw an ENT. There is no cure for tinnitus but there are things that may help. Unfortunately, they don't pay the bills. You may want to check out the Pure Tinnitus YouTube channel for some informational videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuH8CgFikmhRc2ALsI0j4uQ
Tony in Michigan
Stress usually causes it and low magnesium. Google thumping and ringing in the ear and magnesium. I've had it and noticed it was stress induced. So I started doing de stressing techniques like exercising, meditation, hiking and walking, enjoying nature and reading books (anything that helps you relax), but I also started taking magnesium vitamins and it started going away. Just research low magnesium and thumping in the ear and there is a lot of info out there on it.
I have the exact same thing. It also started towards the end if the pandemic. Definitely not pulsatile tinnitus as it's way to fast...sounds like a propeller plane engine sputtering or a far off jackhammer, and I can feel a physical vibration in my ear. Only a couple things have helped me and they are not permanent solutions unfortunately. Mine goes away for a few days at a time if I go on vacation or go out to a concert and have a few or more drinks, so maybe stress is part of it. I have noticed that if I put a soft silicone earplug in my ear and push it fairly deep in it does significantly mitigate it, and this is interesting because it sounds like it could be a physical thing that the earplug is pressing against that makes it not as bad. Maybe a spasming muscle where pressure helps, same as you would rub other muscle cramps?
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Hi @mackmoving, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion about thumping or drumming in one ear. I did this so you can connect with @kerryf88 @kittyrushing @scottybach @morninglory @redhead63 @mikemcewen @akacha @cls91383 and others.
You might also be interested in reviewing these discussions:
- rapid thumping sound in left ear: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rapid-thumping-sound-in-left-ear/
- Thumping in right ear, only triggered by sound https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thumping-in-right-ear-only-triggered-by-sound/
- Pulsatile tinnitus https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pulsatile-tinnitus-1/
Mack, stress could be the cause or the contributor to the drumming and ringing that you're experiencing. Either way, one thing is for sure. You are dealing with a lot and reducing your distress will help your health. Easier said than done during these times when so much is out of our control. I encourage you to read through the past posts and ask questions.
It may seem simplistic to ask, but what are you doing to try and reduce your stress levels?