tinnitus?

windingshores

Has anyone developed tinnitus on an aromatase inhibitor? There are other possible culprits but my oncologist suggested I take two weeks off of my Femara to see. I have not been on Femara more than 6 weeks or so so I am a little nervous about going off. It would help to hear if others have had this problem.

BrooksideVT

I switched from arimidex to exemestane and developed really annoying tinnitus. Switched back and it quickly receded.

windingshores

Thanks Brookside. Maybe I will ask to try Arimidex. MD's don't seem to take this seriously but tinnitus may be the worst thing I have experienced in the last few months. To newcomers, my tinnitus could be from other things. Don't want to worry anyone. I will come back and post here if a cause is found that is not related to hormonal treatment.

Spookiesmom

I had it prior to bc. I've found a fan by my bed helps me focus on white noise, drowns out the static. Good for hot flashes too

doxie

I have tinnitus now, but have had it worse before when much younger and on no meds at all. It's mild and I only notice it off and on. It only started recently and I've been on AIs over 3 years.

BrooksideVT

WindingShores, you might try posting on one of the established Femara or Arimidex threads--lots of ladies with lots of AI experience. I suppose you've already lined up a visit with an ENT?

windingshores

I really appreciate these responses and spookiesmom you have a great attitude with your tinnitus. Doxie, hope yours gets better. This is not an easy problem to have.

For anyone reading this and worrying this is yet another side effect of AI's, I think it was something like .7% on the one site I found info on it (sorry, to tired to find the link).

I also am finding this is most likely related to ear/TMJ/neck issues (they are sort of synergistic and I am not sure where the primary problem is). I am having some improvement with sudafed, prednisone, massage, heat//Ben Gay, and changing position- something I read about online. I now have dizziness and nausea and pain which points to inner or middle ear.

My PCP did a hearing test. I am calling her again tomorrow. Hope ENT's don't have months long waiting lists.

I'm gonna take this off the breast cancer forum because it is most likely not the meds I have my secone mastectomy on the 18th of this month and hope to be well enough!

Thanks again all and good luck with your ringing to those having this problem...