Link got edited out. *edit*

Hey, thanks for the response jayhybrid. Yeah, I don't think its hyperacusis. That's an over-sensitivity to sounds. I mistook fullness for tightness. And, the perceived sounds (snapping) is muscle/tendon movements rather than tinnitus (ringing). It's probable that I'm suffering from chronic tension headaches along with Major Depression and Anxiety. It's really tough trying to articulate symptoms that are so vague. But, I think I'm finally on the right track. Thanks again! Take care.

So I'm not the only one...
 

I'm so happy I found this thread.

I was involved in a high speed car accident a couple years back. Since I came to, I've had ringing in my ears, a full feeling that leads to intermittent deafness that can last from a few seconds to a few days (luckily, so far, it's only hit one ear at a time) and worst of all I get these stabbing pains several times an hour. It's like being stabbed in the ear by an ice pick. When I told my neurologist, he shrugged and dismissed my complaint with "that's unusual." Clearly he thought I was making it up.

From reading these posts, I can see that my problem could have a number of causes. First off, there's my diffuse axonal brain injury. Secondly, there's my severe whiplash. Finally, the accident damaged my jaw (TMJ) and causes me to clench in pain.

While I'm not pleased that any of you are suffering, I'm somewhat comforted that I'm not alone - or crazy.

Cheers

Criminy! I've been wondering what that crackling in my left ear was all about! I'm finally having my thorough neurological checkup starting this Thursday, about 42 years late.... I'll ask about that, too. You can read my history in other posts....

I really hope that this health care reform passes, because there are an awful lot of us out there who really need it. BTW, Prozac really helped my deep depression when I first went on it in 1986 when it came out, but over time it stopped doing anything. Now I take Cymbalta, which does okay with the arthritis/nerve pain, but isn't spectacular. The original descriptions of "typical depressions" was that they last from a few weeks to about 6-8 months, and "usually resolve on their own." Our drug arsenal as well as our culture are not equipped to deal with depression that goes on and on and on. I've found that it helps to communicate that you are scientifically literate in some way--that way the doctor will "respect" you--at least as much as they can in these days when medical "heroes" are portrayed like the damaged, egocentric doctors in "House."

Is the palatomyoclonus the ear plugging?

gershonb

Update:


The cracking noise in my ear to due to muscular problems (leaden paralysis). It's the muscles rather than the auditory nerve (tinnitus). I've got atypical depression (fatigue, constant drowsiness, overeating, irritability) and I am responding to an MAOI called moclobemide, but only partially. I am trying to get parnate or nardil or selegiline next week.

Hey. Myoclonus is spasms. You check youtube for videos of it. I'm not having spasms. When I yawn or swallow food I'd hear the cracking noise of my facial muscles/cartilage, since they're right next to my inner ear. Depression is causing widespread muscular problems for me. It's called leaden paralysis.