white noise

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kit kat
kit kat Member Posts: 56
in Breast Cancer #1
5 months after finishing chemo woke up with white noise in head ears whatever. Mri's of head, ears okay.Leg numbness down to the toes, Mri of lower back, one doc fully mets in spine, went to another brain and back doc he says he don't see cancer ,then went to another neuro guy no cancer in L -5. Spoke to breast doc ,white noise happens to 20% of people from hercepton. I go to bed hoping I don't wake up from this living nightmare Any body else with noise problem?

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  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #2
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    Oh white noise is such a
    Oh white noise is such a good description for it...I've had it for quite some time now although I've never had herceptin. About a month after it first started I had hearing tests and a brain scan, both normal. I've not worried about it since then, because I think it's related to the chemo. I did a little research at the time, and have forgotten the connection between chemo and the white noise. Whatever the connection was, it made sense to me so I stopped worrying. I know this doesn't help much as I don't have any advice for coping with it...just wanted you to know you aren't alone on this one.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
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    white noise
    I do not have this but I did sustain considerable hearing loss (while what I consider considerable) after all the chemo. I learned that the small hairs in your ear sometimes cease to move which creates hearing loss or hearing problems. I would be sure to see your doctor about this soon and perhaps see an ear specialist. Best of luck, let us know how it turns out.

    Hugs,

    RE
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
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    I love your "white noise"
    I love your "white noise" description; it is actually more descriptive than tinnitus(see below). Chemo drugs can be ototoxic (toxic to our ears and hearing) and can damage many different ear areas: outer, middle and inner. My recommendation is to find a good, board certified ENT (preferably one associated with a teaching center). If your tinnitus persists, there are medications and therapies that may help.

    "What are some symptoms to look for when diagnosing ototoxicity?
    •Ototoxicity may be accompanied by a tinnitus. Tinnitus is a word used to describe any ringing, or abnormal sound in your ear or head. Some people may hear roaring, hissing, or humming sounds. This may interfere with your ability to rest, or concentrate. You may be unable to sleep at night. As your ototoxicity becomes worse, the sounds become louder.
    •You may feel a pressure or fullness in your head or ears, like you have a cold.
    •You may notice a loss of hearing, or your existing hearing loss may become worse.
    •You might feel like the room is spinning around you, or that you are spinning. Some people describe dizziness, as feeling a bit "woozy." Severe dizziness is the fear that you may fall down when you stand up.
    •Nausea and vomiting may be associated with ototoxicity.
    •Even if you have been diagnosed with ototoxicity, dizziness may be a symptom or sign of a serious problem. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here."

    From the same site there are also suggestions on how to cope (scroll to bottom and read under ototoxicity):

    Managing Hearing Problems from ChemoCare

    http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hearing_problems_dizziness_and.asp
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #5
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    CypressCynthia said:

    I love your "white noise"
    I love your "white noise" description; it is actually more descriptive than tinnitus(see below). Chemo drugs can be ototoxic (toxic to our ears and hearing) and can damage many different ear areas: outer, middle and inner. My recommendation is to find a good, board certified ENT (preferably one associated with a teaching center). If your tinnitus persists, there are medications and therapies that may help.

    "What are some symptoms to look for when diagnosing ototoxicity?
    •Ototoxicity may be accompanied by a tinnitus. Tinnitus is a word used to describe any ringing, or abnormal sound in your ear or head. Some people may hear roaring, hissing, or humming sounds. This may interfere with your ability to rest, or concentrate. You may be unable to sleep at night. As your ototoxicity becomes worse, the sounds become louder.
    •You may feel a pressure or fullness in your head or ears, like you have a cold.
    •You may notice a loss of hearing, or your existing hearing loss may become worse.
    •You might feel like the room is spinning around you, or that you are spinning. Some people describe dizziness, as feeling a bit "woozy." Severe dizziness is the fear that you may fall down when you stand up.
    •Nausea and vomiting may be associated with ototoxicity.
    •Even if you have been diagnosed with ototoxicity, dizziness may be a symptom or sign of a serious problem. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here."

    From the same site there are also suggestions on how to cope (scroll to bottom and read under ototoxicity):

    Managing Hearing Problems from ChemoCare

    http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hearing_problems_dizziness_and.asp

    P.S. Some suggestions to help
    Thought it might be helpful to include these:

    Things you can do:
    •It is important to notify your healthcare provider if you notice any change in the pattern of tinnitus you are experiencing. Also, notify your healthcare provider if you have any loss of vision, hearing, or if your symptoms become more severe, and do not improve.
    •If you have hearing loss with your tinnitus, you may require hearing aids.
    •Avoid loud noises.
    •It is important to drink 2-3 liters of fluid per day to prevent dehydration. This may worsen your symptoms. Things to drink may include fruit juices, water, non-caffeinated sodas and coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol and caffeine may cause dehydration, so these should be avoided. Always carry a "sipper" cup with you, filled with your favorite drinks.
    •Stress, anxiety and tiredness may cause your tinnitus to become worse. If stress and anxiety causes your tinnitus to become worse, relaxations techniques may help. You may also be prescribed an anti-anxiety drug.
    •Using a quiet radio, television, or any low levels of sound when you are trying to rest may help you to ignore the tinnitus, and make it easier to sleep or relax.
    •If your tinnitus is related to jaw abnormalities, you may be referred to a specialist for possible surgery to correct the problem.
    •If your tinnitus is a result of drugs or medicines that you have received in the past, it is important to avoid these in the future, if possible. Be sure that you tell all of your health care providers about all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. It is important to avoid the use of drugs that may cause further damage the cells in your ear.
    •Change positions slowly if your tinnitus is accompanied by dizziness. Allow your body a chance to adapt to the position change. For some individuals, lying down until the dizzy episode passes may be the best.
    •With moderate dizziness, walk slowly and often. Walk with assistance if the dizziness is severe.
    •If you have vertigo, your doctor may teach you exercises, called "vestibular exercises" to try to get rid of your dizziness. These exercises involve you sitting down, and changing into different positions. This may cause you to be dizzier at first, while you are performing these exercises, but should help to correct the vertigo. For these exercises, a trained therapist will teach you. You should expect improvement in 2-6 months.
    •If you have Meneire's disease, your doctor or healthcare provider may tell you to limit the amount of salt you eat in a day, and prescribe anti-nausea or anti-vertigo medications, along with a medication to help your body rid itself of salt and fluids. The goal is to decrease the pressure of your inner ear, and to control the dizziness, and tinnitus.
    •Depending on the cause of tinnitus, it may last a few days to a few months. It also may never fully resolve. It is important to follow all the instructions your healthcare provides.
    •Make sure to keep all appointments.
    •Do not share your medications with anyone.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #6
    Options
    CypressCynthia said:

    P.S. Some suggestions to help
    Thought it might be helpful to include these:

    Things you can do:
    •It is important to notify your healthcare provider if you notice any change in the pattern of tinnitus you are experiencing. Also, notify your healthcare provider if you have any loss of vision, hearing, or if your symptoms become more severe, and do not improve.
    •If you have hearing loss with your tinnitus, you may require hearing aids.
    •Avoid loud noises.
    •It is important to drink 2-3 liters of fluid per day to prevent dehydration. This may worsen your symptoms. Things to drink may include fruit juices, water, non-caffeinated sodas and coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol and caffeine may cause dehydration, so these should be avoided. Always carry a "sipper" cup with you, filled with your favorite drinks.
    •Stress, anxiety and tiredness may cause your tinnitus to become worse. If stress and anxiety causes your tinnitus to become worse, relaxations techniques may help. You may also be prescribed an anti-anxiety drug.
    •Using a quiet radio, television, or any low levels of sound when you are trying to rest may help you to ignore the tinnitus, and make it easier to sleep or relax.
    •If your tinnitus is related to jaw abnormalities, you may be referred to a specialist for possible surgery to correct the problem.
    •If your tinnitus is a result of drugs or medicines that you have received in the past, it is important to avoid these in the future, if possible. Be sure that you tell all of your health care providers about all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. It is important to avoid the use of drugs that may cause further damage the cells in your ear.
    •Change positions slowly if your tinnitus is accompanied by dizziness. Allow your body a chance to adapt to the position change. For some individuals, lying down until the dizzy episode passes may be the best.
    •With moderate dizziness, walk slowly and often. Walk with assistance if the dizziness is severe.
    •If you have vertigo, your doctor may teach you exercises, called "vestibular exercises" to try to get rid of your dizziness. These exercises involve you sitting down, and changing into different positions. This may cause you to be dizzier at first, while you are performing these exercises, but should help to correct the vertigo. For these exercises, a trained therapist will teach you. You should expect improvement in 2-6 months.
    •If you have Meneire's disease, your doctor or healthcare provider may tell you to limit the amount of salt you eat in a day, and prescribe anti-nausea or anti-vertigo medications, along with a medication to help your body rid itself of salt and fluids. The goal is to decrease the pressure of your inner ear, and to control the dizziness, and tinnitus.
    •Depending on the cause of tinnitus, it may last a few days to a few months. It also may never fully resolve. It is important to follow all the instructions your healthcare provides.
    •Make sure to keep all appointments.
    •Do not share your medications with anyone.

    P.P.S.
    Note that staying hydrated (drink, drink, drink that water) can both help prevent ototoxicity by preventing less concentrated amounts of the drug from harming our ears and it can also help treat the "white noise" because dehydration keeps our inner ears from working as well.

    I am not crazy about water but have learned that, if I add a splash of OJ or any favorite beverage, I drink a lot more. Hope this helps!
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #7
    Options
    CypressCynthia said:

    P.P.S.
    Note that staying hydrated (drink, drink, drink that water) can both help prevent ototoxicity by preventing less concentrated amounts of the drug from harming our ears and it can also help treat the "white noise" because dehydration keeps our inner ears from working as well.

    I am not crazy about water but have learned that, if I add a splash of OJ or any favorite beverage, I drink a lot more. Hope this helps!

    I have had tinnitus since I
    I have had tinnitus since I was a kid from a ruptured ear drum. I dont really pay it any mind it is worse when my sinuses act up. I have had some dizziness that is worse when my sinuses act up. but will get this worked up. I didnt understand the white noise terminology so i didnt respond before. I wonder if tamoxifne makes it worse?
  • Tkitty
    Tkitty Member Posts: 56
    #8
    Options
    I was wondering about that
    I was wondering about that and was going to mention it to my oncologist when I saw him this month. White noise is an apt description of it. I still have numbness in my toes from the taxol. I was told that was going to be permanent.I don't really notice the white noise except when I think about it. It is quite loud though.

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