Tinnitus

Hal61
Hal61 Member Posts: 655
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello everyone,

Been off the board awhile while I got my body regulated. I got dependent on the pain meds and had to stop them. My question for anyone out there who is post treatment is, did anyone develop a sound in the ears for a temporary or permanent time after treatment?

I lost a little hearing from the chemo, but now, two and a half months out of treatment, I have developed a high white noise. Sometimes it comes in one ear, then the other, and sometimes both. My ENT said the hearing loss was the fault of the cranial nerve getting damaged, so I can live with the slight hearing loss, but this noise is the most discouraging of symptoms so far. Any thoughts?

thank you, Hal

Comments

  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #2
    Same thing for me
    Hal,

    Sounds exactly what I'm experiencing. I'm 10 weeks post-treatment, so sounds like we are on same timeframe. I have the hearing loss and the exact same noise. In one ear, then the other. The pitch can go from very high to an on-off type noise. I think I've had it since chemo (Cisplatin) but a few months ago the other symptoms were much worse than this one, so I didn't notice the hearing issues as much. The noise does drive me nuts at times. I haven't found any solutions for it. My ONC said it is due to the Cisplatin. He also says my hearing loss (30% loss of high pitch frequencies) was due to Cisplatin. ONC tells me that some of the hearing may come back within the first year and that ringing should subside somewhat over time. I went to audiologist who agrees with the ONC, in that some of the hearing may come back and ringing will slow down somewhat. Right now I'm just giving it time and hope that it gets better.

    Good luck.
    Greg
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #3
    Greg53 said:

    Same thing for me
    Hal,

    Sounds exactly what I'm experiencing. I'm 10 weeks post-treatment, so sounds like we are on same timeframe. I have the hearing loss and the exact same noise. In one ear, then the other. The pitch can go from very high to an on-off type noise. I think I've had it since chemo (Cisplatin) but a few months ago the other symptoms were much worse than this one, so I didn't notice the hearing issues as much. The noise does drive me nuts at times. I haven't found any solutions for it. My ONC said it is due to the Cisplatin. He also says my hearing loss (30% loss of high pitch frequencies) was due to Cisplatin. ONC tells me that some of the hearing may come back within the first year and that ringing should subside somewhat over time. I went to audiologist who agrees with the ONC, in that some of the hearing may come back and ringing will slow down somewhat. Right now I'm just giving it time and hope that it gets better.

    Good luck.
    Greg

    Two of us
    Thanks Greg, that makes two of us anyway--Ha. Yes, I was told Cisplatin also, just wasn't told to expect the noise. But, I notice the doctors don't outline all the possibe crapola that's possible, and that's probably for the best. Anyway, there's nothing worse than thinking you're the only one with a problem, so thanks again for your reply. Now if I could just find something but "Law and Order" to watch in the afternoon.

    Hal
  • denistd
    denistd Member Posts: 597
    #4
    Hal61 said:

    Two of us
    Thanks Greg, that makes two of us anyway--Ha. Yes, I was told Cisplatin also, just wasn't told to expect the noise. But, I notice the doctors don't outline all the possibe crapola that's possible, and that's probably for the best. Anyway, there's nothing worse than thinking you're the only one with a problem, so thanks again for your reply. Now if I could just find something but "Law and Order" to watch in the afternoon.

    Hal

    Tinnitus
    See earlier thread
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #5
    denistd said:

    Tinnitus
    See earlier thread

    Thanks Denis
    Thanks for bringing this to the top so I could read it Denis.

    Hal61
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #6
    denistd said:

    Tinnitus
    See earlier thread

    Tinnatus and Atmosphere Lite
    O.K., well it's good/bad to see most of the gracious regulars posting here have the same issue.
    If you spend anytime at the computer, or trying to sleep, here is a product that's been helpful to me. It's not a medicine, though you will see a ton of snake oil on the shelves that stop tinnatus, it's a "sound" program called Atmosphere Lite. I just checked and if you Google atmosphere lite it comes right up. I use it to get a little break while I'm at the computer, and I use ear buds to listen to it while I sleep.
    It's a free download, and offers sounds like "wind, rain, ocean" etc., and an array of optional background sounds like owls and bumblebees that don't work for me.
    The "Atmosphere Lite" is totally free, no virus, and masks the ringing for me.

    Hal61
  • micktissue
    micktissue Member Posts: 430
    #7
    Greg53 said:

    Same thing for me
    Hal,

    Sounds exactly what I'm experiencing. I'm 10 weeks post-treatment, so sounds like we are on same timeframe. I have the hearing loss and the exact same noise. In one ear, then the other. The pitch can go from very high to an on-off type noise. I think I've had it since chemo (Cisplatin) but a few months ago the other symptoms were much worse than this one, so I didn't notice the hearing issues as much. The noise does drive me nuts at times. I haven't found any solutions for it. My ONC said it is due to the Cisplatin. He also says my hearing loss (30% loss of high pitch frequencies) was due to Cisplatin. ONC tells me that some of the hearing may come back within the first year and that ringing should subside somewhat over time. I went to audiologist who agrees with the ONC, in that some of the hearing may come back and ringing will slow down somewhat. Right now I'm just giving it time and hope that it gets better.

    Good luck.
    Greg

    Three of us
    Hi Greg. Yeah, I'm 11 weeks post treatment (today!) and the high pitched white noise is a constant companion (right ear mostly). Cisplatin is the suspected causative agent. I'm told it *might* go away. It doesn't drive crazy, but it is annoying when I am aware of its hissing. Time, my friend, heals all they say. We'll see.

    Best,

    Mick
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #8
    Hal61 said:

    Two of us
    Thanks Greg, that makes two of us anyway--Ha. Yes, I was told Cisplatin also, just wasn't told to expect the noise. But, I notice the doctors don't outline all the possibe crapola that's possible, and that's probably for the best. Anyway, there's nothing worse than thinking you're the only one with a problem, so thanks again for your reply. Now if I could just find something but "Law and Order" to watch in the afternoon.

    Hal

    Hal
    Hey, Hal

    Ditch the afternoon television and ask your doctor to send you out for physical therapy instead. I got some great neck stretching and massage today.

    Deb
  • colinc1
    colinc1 Member Posts: 14
    #9
    micktissue said:

    Three of us
    Hi Greg. Yeah, I'm 11 weeks post treatment (today!) and the high pitched white noise is a constant companion (right ear mostly). Cisplatin is the suspected causative agent. I'm told it *might* go away. It doesn't drive crazy, but it is annoying when I am aware of its hissing. Time, my friend, heals all they say. We'll see.

    Best,

    Mick

    Hi all

    I am new to this board, and only the other day have been told i have cancer, not told what sort though, but have to assume neck and throat at least, large lump in left neck lymph glan, and bumps under my tongue,will be getting more up to date results this week i hope, as i have just completed all the scans, mri,PET,biopsy ect.

    Ok, back to tinnitus, i have been deaf since birth, and from time to time, i get the horrid noises buzzing away in my ears,(used to have it for weeks on end) so what i do is, plug in my headphones in to the stereo or pc, and play one of my favorite songs, over and over again, until i can clearly hear the words of the singer, it might take several days or a week, and bingo its gone.

    My case may not quite suit hearing people ,i dont know, but it works for me

    Cheers

    Colin
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #10
    colinc1 said:

    Hi all

    I am new to this board, and only the other day have been told i have cancer, not told what sort though, but have to assume neck and throat at least, large lump in left neck lymph glan, and bumps under my tongue,will be getting more up to date results this week i hope, as i have just completed all the scans, mri,PET,biopsy ect.

    Ok, back to tinnitus, i have been deaf since birth, and from time to time, i get the horrid noises buzzing away in my ears,(used to have it for weeks on end) so what i do is, plug in my headphones in to the stereo or pc, and play one of my favorite songs, over and over again, until i can clearly hear the words of the singer, it might take several days or a week, and bingo its gone.

    My case may not quite suit hearing people ,i dont know, but it works for me

    Cheers

    Colin

    hey, Colin. So sorry you
    hey, Colin. So sorry you need to be here but want to welcome you to CSN. Please let us know what type of cancer when you find out. There are many, many people here who have either gone thru what you're about to or have finished their treatment and are now on the road to recovery. You will find lots of information and a ton of support. Once you give the info on the cancer, people who have the same type can tell you what they've gone thru along with info to help you be more informed. Again, Colin, I am sorry to hear of the diagnosis. You will be in my prayers. Prayer is a powerful healing tool. Feel free to come here to ask questions, vent, cry, or whatever you need. We definitely understand!!
    God bless you,
    debbie
  • colinc1
    colinc1 Member Posts: 14
    #11
    debbiejeanne said:

    hey, Colin. So sorry you
    hey, Colin. So sorry you need to be here but want to welcome you to CSN. Please let us know what type of cancer when you find out. There are many, many people here who have either gone thru what you're about to or have finished their treatment and are now on the road to recovery. You will find lots of information and a ton of support. Once you give the info on the cancer, people who have the same type can tell you what they've gone thru along with info to help you be more informed. Again, Colin, I am sorry to hear of the diagnosis. You will be in my prayers. Prayer is a powerful healing tool. Feel free to come here to ask questions, vent, cry, or whatever you need. We definitely understand!!
    God bless you,
    debbie

    Thanks Debbiejeane
    Hi Debbie

    Thanks for your kind & supportive reply.

    Emotionally i am strong, and my wife is very supportive too.

    I am just not sure how or when to tell my parents who are both in their 80s,both suffering health problems of their own,i just don't want to get them worrying unnecessarily,i do know my mum will worry so much it could make her very ill.

    My 2 areas of worrying concern are financial & trying to give up the smokes,when i got the news, i cut way down on the smoking to 4 -5 a day, now with the stress of waiting for the results, my smoking has increased,i know it is mostly a absent minded habit when i light up,since i started when i was 13 yrs old, i am now 52,so that's nearly 40 yrs of ciggies, i am genuinely nicotine dependent.

    As i am only a casual employee, i dont have any sick pay or holidays that i can use up,this makes it very difficult on my wife to pay the mortgage and bills, as i am the higher(much higher) income earner,she has 5 weeks holidays that she could use, so she can do my job(she knows how to do my work)and she has said thats what she will do, but is 5 weeks going to be enough for me to be able recover enough to go back to work?

    I guess i will just have to wait and see what the doctors want to do.

    Thanks again, moral support is greatly appreciated.

    Colin/Australia - PS, any other aussies on this board??
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #12
    colinc1 said:

    Thanks Debbiejeane
    Hi Debbie

    Thanks for your kind & supportive reply.

    Emotionally i am strong, and my wife is very supportive too.

    I am just not sure how or when to tell my parents who are both in their 80s,both suffering health problems of their own,i just don't want to get them worrying unnecessarily,i do know my mum will worry so much it could make her very ill.

    My 2 areas of worrying concern are financial & trying to give up the smokes,when i got the news, i cut way down on the smoking to 4 -5 a day, now with the stress of waiting for the results, my smoking has increased,i know it is mostly a absent minded habit when i light up,since i started when i was 13 yrs old, i am now 52,so that's nearly 40 yrs of ciggies, i am genuinely nicotine dependent.

    As i am only a casual employee, i dont have any sick pay or holidays that i can use up,this makes it very difficult on my wife to pay the mortgage and bills, as i am the higher(much higher) income earner,she has 5 weeks holidays that she could use, so she can do my job(she knows how to do my work)and she has said thats what she will do, but is 5 weeks going to be enough for me to be able recover enough to go back to work?

    I guess i will just have to wait and see what the doctors want to do.

    Thanks again, moral support is greatly appreciated.

    Colin/Australia - PS, any other aussies on this board??

    Aussie on board
    Hi Colin,

    I am from NSW but live in Southern China. I has an SCC on the tonsil diagnosed August last year (2009). i went through treatment in HK - finished October. I had surgery followed by 7 weeks of IMRT and Erbitux. Doing well now 9 mths out.

    To answer your questions on how long you may knocked down for is a big open ender. I was down for 6 months. Some folks here continued to work throughout treatment, other are out for longer.

    Most of us get a PEG installed to help you get food in and it's generally thought it best to get one before you start treatment. I waited and had mine in week 3 as I was losing loads of weight and went from 90 to 70kgs. Something to discuss with your Doctors.

    Where are you going to get treatment ??

    Keep positive and Colin, mate - you really need to stop smoking straight away. This is a nasty wake up call. Do what ever it takes to stop. My view is Cancer is a lifestyle disease so if you keep doing what you did before, you are tempting recurrence, so best to fix the bad habits and give yourself a good shot from here on in.

    You can PM (Private message) me whenever.

    REgds
    Scambuster
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #13
    colinc1 said:

    Thanks Debbiejeane
    Hi Debbie

    Thanks for your kind & supportive reply.

    Emotionally i am strong, and my wife is very supportive too.

    I am just not sure how or when to tell my parents who are both in their 80s,both suffering health problems of their own,i just don't want to get them worrying unnecessarily,i do know my mum will worry so much it could make her very ill.

    My 2 areas of worrying concern are financial & trying to give up the smokes,when i got the news, i cut way down on the smoking to 4 -5 a day, now with the stress of waiting for the results, my smoking has increased,i know it is mostly a absent minded habit when i light up,since i started when i was 13 yrs old, i am now 52,so that's nearly 40 yrs of ciggies, i am genuinely nicotine dependent.

    As i am only a casual employee, i dont have any sick pay or holidays that i can use up,this makes it very difficult on my wife to pay the mortgage and bills, as i am the higher(much higher) income earner,she has 5 weeks holidays that she could use, so she can do my job(she knows how to do my work)and she has said thats what she will do, but is 5 weeks going to be enough for me to be able recover enough to go back to work?

    I guess i will just have to wait and see what the doctors want to do.

    Thanks again, moral support is greatly appreciated.

    Colin/Australia - PS, any other aussies on this board??

    Colin, I understand about
    Colin, I understand about your parents. That will be a hard call that only you can make. You may need to keep it from them. My parents are both gone so I'm not a good source for that info. I will pray for God to help you with your decision. I'm not sure about the time line for you. I know some have worked the whole time they were receiving trmnts and others who did not. It really depends on how you do. I wish you the best and will keep you and your wife in my prayers.
    God bless you,
    debbie
  • colinc1
    colinc1 Member Posts: 14
    #14
    debbiejeanne said:

    Colin, I understand about
    Colin, I understand about your parents. That will be a hard call that only you can make. You may need to keep it from them. My parents are both gone so I'm not a good source for that info. I will pray for God to help you with your decision. I'm not sure about the time line for you. I know some have worked the whole time they were receiving trmnts and others who did not. It really depends on how you do. I wish you the best and will keep you and your wife in my prayers.
    God bless you,
    debbie

    I will wait and see what the
    I will wait and see what the doctors have to say,before making any decisions on weather to tell my parents or not, they will find out eventually, as i usually go see them once a month.

    Finance wise, i would probably sell the house, pay out all current debts,bank the rest, and the interest earned, would go along way towards paying rent so much easier,based on my wifes low income,even though my wife does not want me to even think of this option.

    Time to stop thinking for now

    Colin

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