Tinnitus
I have tinnitus and my ms doctor and nurse keep telling me that this is typically is not a symptom of MS. Tinnitus is described as ringing or a buzzing sound in the ears. Mine is not in the ears but is in my head, noise in my head that is really hard to deal with sometimes. Does anyone else suffer with this and does anyone have suggestions of what to do.
Hi,
! First, I am sorry you are dealing with tinnitus on top of your MS. Second, while I don't want to disagree with the nurse, I can say that tinnitus is an uncommon symptom of MS. So, it's less well known, but it does definitely happen to people with MS. Just to be safe, it's always good to make sure that another issue isn't causing the tinnitus. Here's some information about tinnitus that I thought you might find helpful -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/how-sleep-tinnitus-rare-symptom. And here's another piece -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/earplugs-tinnitus. I will say that I myself have experienced bouts of tinnitus and sometimes, it feels like the noise is in my ears and sometimes, it does feel like it's more in my head/brain, if that makes sense.
But again, if you have the time and patience, testing to make sure the issue isn't caused by something else may be a good idea.
I hope this helps you know you are not alone! While less than 5% of people with MS experience tinnitus, it does happen and we have other members of this community that have dealt with it.
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.I have it also. In both ears. Yes, I too hear it's not usually associated with MS and I'm told its unusual to have it in both ears. Well, it is a real thing for many of us and an ENT who knows MS and brain involvement will tell you straight up that it is likely due to brain inflammation. There is no cure. Some people are distracted from it by using white noise or listening to music or watching TV. Hearing aids help some people but your vest bet is to seek out an ENT familiar with MS and it's connection to the brain.
Hello Penny. You are not alone. I have constant tinnitus. It is dull sometimes and sometimes a shrill sound. My neurologist told me it was a symptom of MS. I have also been to ENT doctor and he couldn’t find anything wrong with my ears. It can be annoying at times but I have learned to do other things to distract me from the sound. I have had this since my dialing 2017. It’s part of me now. I hope they can find something to help. It would be cn nice to be noise-free. Take care and share with us at anytime. 
Hi All. I too have severe Tinnitus. Started when my MS kicked in. Been through all the hearing tests, they couldn’t find anything wrong. 17 years later, still an issue for me. You’ll learn to tune it out by keeping busy. Only thing I have found that improves the situation is cutting out the caffeine. Smoking anything…. Makes it worse too.
