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What Causes Hearing Snapping Sounds In Right Ear Inspite Of Having Valium?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Aug 2014
Question: I've been struggling with a form of middle ear myoclonus that produces a clicking, snapping sound in my right ear. It's been going on every day for four months. Some days it clicks every few minutes, some days every couple of hours.....Sometimes it clicks just once and sometimes it can be a typewriter series of clicks.......It's most anxiety provoking....Last week I thought it was remitting, but the last two days it's returned with a vengeance (clicking every few minutes and for longer durattion). Is that common with this condition? Can it still be remitting even if I have a bad days along the way?
I had an MRI w/contrast, EEG and VEP all are normal. I've seen 2 ENTs, a Neuro-otologist and a Neurologist (who gave me Valium, which didn't help)....I'm despondent and desperate that this will never end...........What about surgery to cut the stapedial and tensor tympani tendons? Docs say it's not always effective....I've heard muscle relaxants and anti-epilepsy drugs can be tried but also are hit or miss (mostly miss!!!!)....Any helps, tips, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, XXXXXXX ......












doctor
Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Shift to alprazolam

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your query; and personally advised to shift to alprazolam 0.5 mg twice a day instead of valium.

After one month of trial if it is not improving then only go for surgery.

For your kind information instead of surgery some injection such as botulinum toxin in the middle ear also effective in this disease.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (11 hours later)
Why switch to Xanax? I thought Valium had better muscle relaxant qualities? What about a muscle relaxant or anti-epilepsy drug? Is it possible for this condition to remit after several months? Thanks, XXXXXXX ...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Both are from same group

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up query; and for your kind information Xanax i.e. alprazolam is more potent and effective in tinnitus related anxiety than the valium.

Role of muscle relaxant or anti epilepsy drugs are under trial.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (4 hours later)
Sounds good, but this is not "subjective tinnitus." This is an actual body sound being produced in my ears by muscle spasm ("objective tinnitus"). Why would such spasm not end? How could stapedial and tensor tympani muscles just continue to spasm for months?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Middle ear myoclonus causes objective tinnitus

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up query and for your kind information middle ear myoclonus causes objective tinnitus.

But in our patient of middle ear myoclonus; I personally suggests
1. First choice Alprazolam tablet
2. Second choice Botulinum toxin injection
3. Third choice surgery.

Thanks
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Hariom Sharma

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1113 Questions

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What Causes Hearing Snapping Sounds In Right Ear Inspite Of Having Valium?

Brief Answer: Shift to alprazolam Detailed Answer: Hi Sir, I have gone through your query; and personally advised to shift to alprazolam 0.5 mg twice a day instead of valium. After one month of trial if it is not improving then only go for surgery. For your kind information instead of surgery some injection such as botulinum toxin in the middle ear also effective in this disease. Thanks