Ear issues after Radiation following SSC HPV+ to right tonsil

Hi jules 

I've just finished treatment, 11th Sept to be exact so it's still early doors for me but definitely recall being told by my oncologist that going forward I could expect tinnitus as a side problem in the years to come,there's many people on here who no doubt will give their advice regards this as they will be much further along the road and be able to reassure you...

I have constant tinnitus Jules but have no experience of the noises you describe and never heard of it as a symptom of anything bad, good that your team are aware of it and will certainly investigate further if they have any concerns.

Hi Jules. Does sound a bit like tinnitus, which can be all manner of sounds,  not just high pitched. I'm sure your team will investigate. However, as you say, odd to start now after a year. I know ear-related problems due to cisplatin can get worse over a long period of time, but not actually start up this late. Sorry, that's not v helpful! Suffice to say I have tinnitus which started straight after last cisplatin  ( and hearing loss too) and to start with it was really distressing and I couldn't believe there was nothing to help it. An appointment with  hearing therapist was immensely helpful and I've learnt to live alongside the tinnitus. Doesn't bother me anymore, although it hasn't changed at all.

So if it's tinnitus- dont panic, time and good advice makes a big difference(ask to see a Hearing Therapist) and if it isn't I expect there's an explanation for what it is.

Hope you get answers and well done for getting through the 1st year. I'm nearly 2 years on and I can reassure you that improvements in dry mouth and what you can eat carry on beyond 12 months. So good luck.

Hilary

Thank you for your reply - so we are exactly a year apart in terms of recovery......I can promise you it gets better, I never thought I’d be where I am today! One day at a time, but eventually it all slowly gets back to a near normal. Obviously there are niggles along the way but that’s to be expected after we’ve been down the darkest of holes!! 

Hi Hilary, I do get the high pitched sounds but they tone out and go but this is more of a feeling that I can hear if that makes sense...what ever is going on in there is close to my ear drum and I can hear it. I’ve even thought it’s my salivary glands trying to work and I can hear them bubbling. But I’ve read about ‘typewriter’ tinnitus, blocked canals, tiny vibrating ear bones etc.......could be anything.

one thing I can say it happens directly after I swallow then it goes until the next swallow so I could be my clever body continuing to heal itself 

very odd!