Why am I hearing a metallic scratching sound?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been continuously hearing a metallic scratching sound for the past month. Best described as like the sound of cricket insects as heard in the dead of night.

I have been taking medication, namely, Syndopa plus, Rasalect, Pramipex ER3, Rozucor, and Amantrel for Parkinson's for the last seven years.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that you have tinnitus. Has it been there only for a month? Is it associated with any decreased hearing? Is it there in both ears? Is the tinnitus accompanied by vertigo, vomiting, or fullness in the ears? Have you done any testing for the same?

When a patient comes to us with symptoms like yours, we ask for all these details in history to rule out any neuroma in the nerve, age-related hearing loss, or Meniere's disease. A basic investigation that we ask for is a pure tone audiogram.

Additionally, I would suggest you get an SISI (short increment sensitivity index) test done. These two should give us a fair idea and help us rule out the above conditions and check for the cause of tinnitus. If the tinnitus has no identifiable cause, we can help you tolerate it with tinnitus-matching and masking.

Some centers also provide tinnitus retraining therapy. These are useful. Certain medications like Caroverine and Nicotinic acid are also helpful in improving the condition.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.