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pulsing sound in ear as symptom of anxiety

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pulsing sound in ear as symptom of anxiety

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 57

Yes, I am on zoloft but the pulsatile tinnitis started long before I was on it. Zoloft actually helps because it makes me not worry about it so much.

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 364

Oops meant Smiley, not Steve (as I get alot of what Steve describes when Im anxious).

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 364

Steve, Tinnitus is common in panic disorder, for some it is extremely annoying and it very hard to overcome. White Noise headphones with tapes help with this, and relaxes you at the same time. By chance have you been on Zoloft or any other SSRI for panic attacks? I have read where this worsens the tinnitus and in cases get it if you try to withdraw off the SSRI's. Trish

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3

I've never heard pounding in my ears when I'm feeling anxious, but there have been times when sounds were very disorted. Things sounded like I was in tunnel. So I do believe that, for whatever reason, anxiety can lead to hearing things differently. Steve

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 293

Dear Smiley, I can understand your frustration. While panic disorder is a serious and somewhat complex problem, there are many effective treatments available. In fact, 70 to 90 percent of people are able to manage their panic with proper therapy or a combination of therapies. Finding the right therapist is key, and you should keep looking for a therapist who understands your frustrations. We all know how frustrating this be, but there are therapists out there who can give you the help you need. The key is to stay positive and keep looking-you may want to call your local hospital or public health unit, let them know your history, and ask them for a suitable reference. Susanne

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 57

Thanks for the reply. Problem is that I've already seen 3 specialists. A neurologist, a neurosurgeon, and an ENT/head-neck surgeon. I've had a hearing test, CT scan, MRI, MRA, cerebral angiogram and a carotid doppler. All tests have been normal. This has been a problem for over 4 years. I think that is why they have chalked this up to me having anxiety and tuning in to the problem. I don't really worry about it anymore since I have no other symptoms with it but from time to time I can't help but think about it. I have been seeing an upper cervical chiropractor who said I could have a pinched blood vessel in my upper cervical spine. I have been getting bi-weekly adjustments and so far I don't see that much of a difference.

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 293

Dear Smiley, Just wanted to add some things you can do in the meantime: a) Avoid caffeine, a stimulant which increases heart rate. b) Play soft music in the background, it will help to distract you. People with PT sometimes have difficulty falling asleep. c) Try relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation or yoga). Susanne

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 293

Dear Smiley, The cause of Pulsatile Tinnitus is usually vascular(for example, a vein located close to the ear drum), high blood pressure, arteriovenous malformations or may even be idiopathic (no known cause). PT can be cured, I would recommend to ask for further examination and investigation by your doctor or even request to see a specialist. Hope this helps, keep posting to let us know how you are doing. Susanne

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 57

Does anyone with panic disorder ever hear their heartbeat in one or both ears? I have been told I have pulsatile tinnitis and it is most likely due to anxiety. This can also be due to several other problems, but I have been checked for everything!! I sometimes hear it when I'm not anxious. I was told that people with anxiety/panic disorders are so in tune with their bodies that they tend to hear/feel things that others don't.

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pulsing sound in ear as symptom of anxiety