What Causes Hearing Sounds In Head Inspite Of Having Vertigo?

Posted on Fri, 18 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 8 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a female of 69 yrs. have had 5 Lumbar surgeries 5 times over many years. Had Tumor on Spinal Cord @ C 2-3, which was removed in 2002. Diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, had Shunt put in in 2009.I have a constant hissing sound in my head most of the day for a long time, it's continues, and very stressful. I was recently ,this month, diagnosed with MS. Could that be related. I do though have suffered from Vertigo for many years, perhaps 30yrs. Also suffer from Neuropathy. With all that would like to know also if that's related to my central Nervous system. Thank you, XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Most likely due to abnormality in CNS Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. I think, constant hissing sound may be tinnitus and that is due to any underline abnormality in central nervous system. There are multiple reasons for tinnitus like ear infection, cranial nerve abnormality, any abnormality in brain etc. Though, you are a patient of multiple sclerosis and in MS, usually 8th cranial nerve get involved. It could lead to vertigo or tinnitus. This may be the reason in your case for this constant hissing sound. You have mentioned that you have vertigo for 30 years. It may be due to underline brain abnormality or psychological problem, but if i see towards medical complications you have, i would first suggest underline brain abnormality. In case, you have more query, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (12 hours later)

Hi, thank you for your response. I forgot to mention in my question that I also have a 2cm Meningioma Tumor on top left of the Meningese lining around my brain discovered on my MRI discovered in 2009. Have had 3 more MRI's since then and has not grown. Could this Hissing also contribute from this Tumor? Thank yo!

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It could cause hissing sound Detailed Answer: HI Meningiomas represent up to 18% of all intracranial tumors and audiovestibular symptoms usually are the first indication of a posterior fossa meningioma. Small tumors could produce hearing loss, tinnitus and imbalance. In your case, it could cause hissing sound. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar