I am a 62 year old female who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of 55. I was shunted several months later and have recently been bothered by a buzzing in the shunt area. When I asked my neurosurgeon about this he informed that it was not due to the shunt and suggested that I contact and eye ears nose and throat doctor. I have made an appoinment with another Neurosurgeon and will post the results of this visit. It is very difficult at times dealing with this disease and trying to get answers. All I want is an explanation that is visible.

Hi hharriet

I have heard of quite a few people i have spoke to now, all experiencing buzzing shunt valves, but they all seem to be programmable valves.
Mine is not however. Mine is a fixed high pressure valve.

What is yours??

I hate it when neurosurgeons bum things off as 'not the shunt' it seems to be their answer to everything when something is going wrong.
It is for sure the shunt valve, as when i put my fingertips to the valve the buzzing becomes more prominent.
I am able to stand in a quiet room, look up to the ceiling (within minutes of standing up from lying down)...have my parents stand beside me with their ears by a cupped hand by my valve and for them to actually hear it themselves.
If it were inside my ears buzzing, then they wouldnt be able to hear it!

Has you NS ever tried listening to it through a stethoscope?
As im sure it would be VERY clear if they tried to, of course whilst its buzzing.

Mine also buzzes more prominently when i take a very deep breathe it and hold for a few seconds.

I have an appointment with my NS on monday, he is unaware of any buzzing so far as i didnt want to be told over the phone that its not my shunt when i may be able to have the opportunity for him to hear it himself when i see him.

I hope you are well and thank you for replying to my post =)

Hi hharriet
Mine shunt just started buzzing today. It’s not stopping. I can’t handle the constant noise. What happened when you went to the NS? I recently moved out of state and haven’t gotten one yet. I do have a great neuro-ophthalmologist who said he knows several good ones. I’ve just not had any issues until now. Please help.

Hi ive had a second shunt fitted in May 2018 and Lately last 6 months woke up a few days with buzzing in my head when i get out of bed,i have had a shunt for 38 yrs the latest since 2018 and never experienced buzzing sounds .is it something to be concerned about?