Tinnitus and Minor Speech Problem

[james003]

Hi, I am a 47 year old male, single, Chinese, generally in good health except for GERD (15 years). I am college educated (grad school with 3 graduate degrees.)

About 5 months ago in October 2010, I started getting tinnitus in both ears, pretty constant, high pitched whine. I didn’t notice it much the first month it was pretty soft, and because I had just moved into a new apartment, and I attributed it to the apartment being very quiet, and I would notice it while going to bed. Then In late January 2011 it started to get louder and louder. I can hear it when I drive in my car with the windows shut, when I walk in the streets. Then it plateaued, and then got louder again, and now it is getting louder and louder now.

I took a fasting diabetes test. Blood glucose was normal. Hemoglobin AC1 was 5.7 where normal was 4.8 to 5.6, (indication of diabetes is on this scale if value is greater than 6.4). Thyroid hormone TSH was normal. I am negative for all STD's including syphilis. I have been taking multi-vitamin supplements that includes B12 every other day, for at least a couple of years.

My cholesterol and blood pressure are normal. I am 5'6" 120 lbs. Weight has been the same for years except when I was on medication in 2009/10. So I ruled out atherosclerosis.

I am taking a mercury test, but have not got the results back. Most likely normal as the only mercury exposure I have are from my 10 amalgam fillings which I have had for many years, and I don’t think my exposure has increased in the last 5 months.

I am not on any medications.

Yesterday, when I was talking to someone, I suddenly realized I could not articulate "Little Italy" even though I know exactly how it sounds. I tried 5 or 6 times. That was a little disconcerting to say the least. I am still having a little trouble saying it quickly, but can pronounce it properly if I do it slowly, deliberately after a few times of trying. (It is like having to learn to speak again.. at least those 2 words.. haven't noticed being unable to pronounce other words.)

I had vertigo of unknown cause once in March 2010, just once, but never recurred fortunately. Doctor said it's very common, and prescribed an anti-emetic, as I was feeling queasy.

Along with the tinnitus, I have had increased sensitivity to cold in my teeth more so on the left side of my jaw. I understand that bilateral tinnitus with a constant high pitch is often due to presbycusis that occurs in people over 60, and oftentimes of unknown cause, and there is nothing people can do. However I am only 47. I almost never listen to loud music. Mostly I listen to classical music, and I cherish accuracy over volume of sound.

I went to see a general practitioner, who examined my ears and pronounced them normal. Ie. No inflammation, no ear wax. No infection. They suggested I have a hearing test. My understanding however is that a hearing test will not find the cause of my problem or cure it. So I have delayed that. I sense I am losing some high pitch hearing , more so in my right ear than my left. Recently, but very seldom, I have had a sensation of fullness in my right ear, like having water in it.

I have a resting tremor in both my legs, usually, but not always, when I am lying down very still in bed, though I had that in 2008 before I got the tinnitus.

I had a CT brain scan in March 2009 when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Everything was normal except for possible right cerebellar venous angioma, but I understand that is fairly common. Clinically I do not get headaches often, but when I do it seems more stress related. (Medical insurers will not insure me unless I am symptom free for 10 years.)

I am pretty much at a lost as to what is causing this tinnitus and speech problem. It seems a little too early to get dementia. Thank you.