Ringing or pounding in ears

Posted by Elizabeth R @elizabethannr, May 7 6:57am

Is anyone else experiencing ringing or pounding in their ears? I am down to 5 mg from 25 mg and this began when I was at around 9 mg. It especially seems to come on at night when I lie down and sometimes it wakes me up. During the daytime it either lessens or else I don't notice it due to daytime other sounds.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 7 7:36am

@elizabethannr, Pounding in the ears is listed as one of the more common side effects of prednisone - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisone-oral-route/description/drg-20075269.

Have you discussed the symptoms with your doctor?

caroljeand | @caroljeand | May 8 8:01am

Unrelated to prednisone use I always seem to notice a pulsating sound when I lie down with my head in a certain position, usually lying on my side. I assumed it my pulse that I was hearing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Elizabeth R | @elizabethannr | May 8 9:26am

Yes, that's, it really comes on strong at night when I turn in! But I can't recall having it before prednisone.

stonewheel | @stonewheel | May 8 2:11pm

Interesting. I have had tinitus for over a decade, but it seems worse now. I’m now down to 5mg Prednisone daily. Yes, it seems louder.

I have a pair of old fashioned headphones that I bought to use when I mow. I now use them just anytime when the tinitus gets too loud. For about 30 minutes. When I take them off, it’s better. The ringing is not so loud.

As far as Prednisone goes, I have about every side-effect.

Good luck. I hope your pounding stops. I have not experienced that.

maye33 | @maye33 | May 8 5:29pm

For me ringing and pounding in my ears was a GCA symptom that resolved completely once I started high dose Prednisone treatment.

So I wouldn’t ignore or assume it’s a prednisone side effect.

aflik | @aflik | May 8 6:36pm

I have tinnitus anyway, but it’s much worse on Prednisone. The side effects of Prednisone are horrible. Dizziness, Brain fog, diminished memory and extreme fatigue.

pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | May 13 5:49am

I would consider getting a hearing test if tinnitus persists. I have Meniere's disease and have lost hearing in one ear. The constant noise I hear is similar to the sound of listening to a seashell.

kathleendw | @kathleendw | May 15 7:53pm

I've had it for at least a year. (PMR diagnosed 14+ months ago.) Also more recently diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism which can indirectly cause tinnitus. Had parathyroid surgery yesterday - I'll give an update in a week or two.