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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
Is it normal to hear ringing in the ears? I first heard it when i first got on Wellbutrin. Then it went away. But now it's back, and I'm wondering if it ever goes away permanently? It keeps me from falling asleep at night, and it's almost deafening when there isn't any other noise to counteract it.
Anyone have any experience with this phenomena?
-SB
Posted by ClearSkies on November 16, 2007, at 15:58:00
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
I had this while on Wellbutrin, and it didn't stop until I stopped taking it. Drove me nuts. Oh, wait - I *AM* nuts - well, it was very unpleasant, but I couldn't find a doctor who gave a sh*t about it.
ClearSkies
Posted by Valero on November 16, 2007, at 16:01:23
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
It's called tinnitus,and quite common. I've got it, it waxes and wanes depending on things like certain drugs, ( incl.wellbutrin )stress levels, exposure to noise, long car journeys. etc. etc.
Kind of like a high pitched audible dog whistle.
It's annoying. Low background music helps, and staying active all day then you're so tired you have to sleep.
Posted by bleauberry on November 16, 2007, at 16:17:47
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
I've tried everything to cure ringing in the ears and nothing works. The best relief I got was probably xanax or klonopin or a GABA+glycine supplement. But no cure. Most things that affect the brain seem to make it louder, especially noradrenergic things like wellbutrin.
Ringing in the ears can be caused by loud noises. But in my experience most people who have ringing have something going on in the brain not the ears.
I've gotten used to it over the years. I deal with it by having a radio or TV on very low just enough to drown it out, workplace is loud enough to do that, and in bed I leave a box fan running on low all night. A bedtime hummer machine also works with a choice of sounds such as waves, wind, hissing, or whatever.
For people with intolerable ringing what they do is wear special hearing aids that produce a background white noise to cover up the ringing.
Mine was probably caused by playing guitar with loud amplifiers at a young age. But later in life it was worsened by psychiatric drugs, beginning with Paxil, but that was also the time my low level chronic exposure to mercury was gaining steam (from amalgam fillings), and ringing in the ears is a very common symptom of a heavy metal burden of lead and/or mercury. Wellbutrin was the worst, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a listed side effect. With me it seems like anything that is inhibitory to the brain helps quiet the sound, while anything excitatory loudens it.
I don't know if yours is temporary or permanent. Probably the best thing to do at this point is to avoid known common neurotoxins such as aspartame and MSG. And of course stay away from things that you know make it worse, such as wellbutrin. Look at the labels of things before you buy them. There are many herbs, supplements, and drugs (mood stabilizers, other antidepressants, benzos, antipsychotics) that can help, but it is quite a chore to try them all. None helped me much, and most actually made it worse. I must admit though that approaching one year of not taking any drugs the noise is quieter than it used to be.
Posted by monkeysmama on November 16, 2007, at 16:21:29
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
When I took Abilify (for two days) I got the ringing in my ears really bad. It was so obnoxious that I quit taking it. Good luck!!! I know it is annoying.
Posted by Phillipa on November 16, 2007, at 19:27:31
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by monkeysmama on November 16, 2007, at 16:21:29
Lots of people have tinnitis doesn't have to have a cause it just happens. Phillipa
Posted by d0pamine on November 16, 2007, at 20:14:38
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by Phillipa on November 16, 2007, at 19:27:31
I had the same problem. Upon quitting it took two weeks to stop. I've read that for some people who acquired it from wellbutrin use were never able to get it to go away. Not a good trade and not worth the risk to me.
Posted by brooke484 on November 16, 2007, at 21:32:59
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
Mine started in my right ear 10 years ago when I took Imipramine. Wellbutrin made it worse, but when I stopped that it got a little better. Now I'm on Marplan and it's bad again. Certain drugs make it louder. Unfortunately I've had to get used to it. I wonder if I'll ever hear silence again.
brooke
Posted by 49er on November 17, 2007, at 9:10:15
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
> Is it normal to hear ringing in the ears? I first heard it when i first got on Wellbutrin. Then it went away. But now it's back, and I'm wondering if it ever goes away permanently? It keeps me from falling asleep at night, and it's almost deafening when there isn't any other noise to counteract it.
>
> Anyone have any experience with this phenomena?
>
> -SBSB,
This is just my opinion so take it for what it is worth. I developed tinnitus on Wellbutrin and also a hearing loss that I think was caused by either WB or the Remeron I am on.
Knowing what I now know about ototoxicity (tinnitus is a sign of that), at the first sign of tinnitus, I would be off the drug in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, alot of psych meds cause tinnitus which is a whole other post.
Many professionals say that tinnitus doesn't lead to hearing loss but it sure seems to be quite common with one so who knows.
All I am saying is that when it comes to your hearing, you want to be very cautious. By the way, even though I am off the WB, the tinnitus has not disappeared although it has lessened.
49er
Posted by FredPotter on November 17, 2007, at 18:05:01
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by 49er on November 17, 2007, at 9:10:15
I think work is being done on straightening auditory hairs which have become flattened, probably by noise. The bedside hummer sounds a good idea. The advice I've been given is since it's there all the time you can learn to think of something else. In mild cases only I would think.
Pete Townhsend of The Who has tinnitus - why aren't I surprised? Playing in rock bands or attending their performances I think is a very common cause. This ensures a continuing stream of sufferers as they grow up. My 13 yr old son plays drums and though I insist he use earplugs, he often forgets. Watch this if your children play in rock bands. I play jazz which is usually much quieter and instead of being a battle, it's imperative that you listen to each other, so I don't wear earplugs. Years ago my wife pressed her mouth against ear and screamed - don't ask why - but I think that precipitated it. Watch the decibels when love-making!
Fred
Posted by florence on November 17, 2007, at 21:38:40
In reply to RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by sometimesblue on November 16, 2007, at 15:42:22
Geez-
Wellbutrin was the first one I took that I noticed it too. That was in 1995..It was WORSE than a rock concert.
Dr said aspirin causes it. Yeah right. So does:
everything that seems to work on NE for me.Also GENERIC xanax.....and other GENERIC drugs. I was just thinking about this. Maybe aspirin is GENERIC mostly nowadays.
We should take a poll somewhere. florence
****************************
Is it normal to hear ringing in the ears? I first heard it when i first got on Wellbutrin. Then it went away. But now it's back, and I'm wondering if it ever goes away permanently? It keeps me from falling asleep at night, and it's almost deafening when there isn't any other noise to counteract it.
>
> Anyone have any experience with this phenomena?
>
> -SB
Posted by sometimesblue on November 17, 2007, at 22:02:53
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by 49er on November 17, 2007, at 9:10:15
OMG! I think my hearing is getting worse...i mean my hearing has never been too sharp...but i did notice that since the ringing i'm having a harder time hearing. Damn, i really did like the Wellbutrin...gotta call the doc...again.
Posted by sometimesblue on November 17, 2007, at 22:05:09
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by florence on November 17, 2007, at 21:38:40
Posted by yxibow on November 18, 2007, at 1:31:26
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this? » 49er, posted by sometimesblue on November 17, 2007, at 22:02:53
Curious, Xanax is prescribed by some audiologists for tinnitus in low doses.
Its a part of the human condition and causation isn't necessarily causality. However, some people may be more sensitive to medication side effects than others. Salicylates are notorious for tinnitus in those who suffer from it.
Some people are able to tune out the ringing to the point where someone has to mention that they have tinnitus -- there are whole therapy clinics devoted to this. Unfortunately it can be very strong in some individuals and (gulp) my internist noted that some people opt to be permanently deaf by having the audio nerve cut.
Nerve deafness is something that is somewhat hereditary and gets worse with old age.
Ear plugs and/or muffs for attending concerts and heavy powertools are a must. Check the SNR rating, they should be around 30db.
Posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 8:25:31
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by florence on November 17, 2007, at 21:38:40
Hi Florence,
I am so sorry you are experiencing tinnitus also.
As much as I hate to agree with doctors (sorry I couldn't resist), aspirin does have ototoxic properties, meaning it can cause tinnitus.
I have also read that a substance that have ototoxic properties can increase their chances of causing problems if they are being taken with other ototoxic drugs like Wellbutrin. Maybe that is what happened in your case? I am not a medical professional so that is just speculation on my part.
No matter what happened, you are having to deal with it and that is what stinks.
> Geez-
> Wellbutrin was the first one I took that I noticed it too. That was in 1995..
>
> It was WORSE than a rock concert.
>
> Dr said aspirin causes it. Yeah right. So does:
> everything that seems to work on NE for me.
>
> Also GENERIC xanax.....and other GENERIC drugs. I was just thinking about this. Maybe aspirin is GENERIC mostly nowadays.
>
> We should take a poll somewhere. florence
>
> ****************************
>
>
>
>
> Is it normal to hear ringing in the ears? I first heard it when i first got on Wellbutrin. Then it went away. But now it's back, and I'm wondering if it ever goes away permanently? It keeps me from falling asleep at night, and it's almost deafening when there isn't any other noise to counteract it.
> >
> > Anyone have any experience with this phenomena?
> >
> > -SB
>
>
Posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 8:28:55
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this? » 49er, posted by sometimesblue on November 17, 2007, at 22:02:53
> OMG! I think my hearing is getting worse...i mean my hearing has never been too sharp...but i did notice that since the ringing i'm having a harder time hearing. Damn, i really did like the Wellbutrin...gotta call the doc...again.
Hi,
Boy, I know exactly what you are going through. Sorry, I forgot your first post but hopefully, you haven't been on the med too long and there is time to reverse the problem.
That is a shame since the drug is working well but I think you are doing the right thing.
Just be forewarned that alot of doctors have no clue about how these drugs can cause ototoxicity. They may be familiar with tinnitus but won't associate it with hearing loss. Hopefully, you doctor won't be like this.
Posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 8:32:33
In reply to I didn't realize this was so common..scary :( (nm), posted by sometimesblue on November 17, 2007, at 22:05:09
Hi,
I didn't realize this either when I developed my problems. That is why I want to make sure as many people know as possible.
If I can save other people from my experiences, that will make me feel good.
Posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 8:43:18
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by yxibow on November 18, 2007, at 1:31:26
Hi,
> Its a part of the human condition and causation isn't necessarily causality. However, some people may be more sensitive to medication side effects than others. Salicylates are notorious for tinnitus in those who suffer from it.
Good point. This link might be of interest:
http://www.pa-shhh.org/resources/epstein.html
What you should know about ototoxic medications
>
> Some people are able to tune out the ringing to the point where someone has to mention that they have tinnitus -- there are whole therapy clinics devoted to this. Unfortunately it can be very strong in some individuals and (gulp) my internist noted that some people opt to be permanently deaf by having the audio nerve cut.One of the main reasons I finally moved to withdraw from all psych meds was the tinnitus was to the point where it was maddening. I was concerned that if it was that loud, if I continued on these meds, I would lose my hearing. There were other concerns but this was one of the precipitating factors.
>
> Nerve deafness is something that is somewhat hereditary and gets worse with old age.True except my mother didn't start losing her hearing until her early 70s. This happened to me when I was 49.
Also, I had an audiogram that just didn't seem to fit any real pattern.
>
> Ear plugs and/or muffs for attending concerts and heavy powertools are a must. Check the SNR rating, they should be around 30db.Excellent, excellent advice that everyone should follow.
Posted by yxibow on November 18, 2007, at 9:46:55
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this? » yxibow, posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 8:43:18
> > Nerve deafness is something that is somewhat hereditary and gets worse with old age.
>
> True except my mother didn't start losing her hearing until her early 70s. This happened to me when I was 49.I'm sorry to hear that -- thats about when my father started noticing nerve deafness and it has progressively gotten worse. But he plugs on. I have faint amounts and am not looking forward to that if it is genetic.
My mother has similar but less tinnitus.
Neither can hear the high frequency noises which drive me nuts like house crickets and the like. But then I guess I've been lucky to have started out with probable greater than normal hearing and sight as a kid.
Posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 12:18:26
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this? » 49er, posted by yxibow on November 18, 2007, at 9:46:55
Hi,
Thank! Hopefully, tapering off the meds will keep the hearing loss from progressing. I do everything I can to protect my ears.
Sorry, nerve deafness is happening to your father at a young age. Hopefully, you will beat the odds and not get be like him. But I definitely understand your concerns and would have the same fears.
Yeah, the high frequency noises are maddening aren't they?
Good luck!
> > > Nerve deafness is something that is somewhat hereditary and gets worse with old age.
> >
> > True except my mother didn't start losing her hearing until her early 70s. This happened to me when I was 49.
>
> I'm sorry to hear that -- thats about when my father started noticing nerve deafness and it has progressively gotten worse. But he plugs on. I have faint amounts and am not looking forward to that if it is genetic.
>
> My mother has similar but less tinnitus.
>
> Neither can hear the high frequency noises which drive me nuts like house crickets and the like. But then I guess I've been lucky to have started out with probable greater than normal hearing and sight as a kid.
Posted by rskontos on November 18, 2007, at 13:04:33
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this? » yxibow, posted by 49er on November 18, 2007, at 12:18:26
I have gotten it while taking certain AD's. I have stopped telling my doctors because I hate that hmm when you tell them about SE. You know what I mean......rk
Posted by Dinah on November 21, 2007, at 9:24:39
In reply to Re: RINGING in my EARS?? anyone else feel this?, posted by florence on November 17, 2007, at 21:38:40
It's one of the things that happens when I'm overstimulated or very anxious. It sure doesn't help those conditions.
This is the end of the thread.
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