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Aspergers and Tinnitus

chuckalicious

I am about to have my first appt regarding an aspergers diagnosis next month, even though I'm quite sure I am on the spectrum. 

Something has been bothering me for a while though. Since I was a child, I have suffered from tinnitus in one ear, thanks to a number of ear infections and a perforated ear drum, plus lots of loud music. The constant whine is very annoying. 

I wonder if it in any way exacerbates the problems I suffer from, such as not being able to concentrate on conversations, unable to process information etc.

I don't know whether or not to mention this at my appointment as I don't want them to get distracted by it, if in fact it isn't relevant. I could wait many many months for an another appointment....

What do you all think?

  • I have had permanent tinnitus for 3yr now. It was brought on by being severely emotionally bullied by my neighbours/ other people/ being taken off benefits/ and having my rabbit/best friend put down. I suffered severe anxiety and stress and grind my teeth badly at night. I had an MRI scan last year because i was petrified i had a brain tumour or tumour of the vestibular nerve. luckily, it was clear and stress and depression made it worse.  I have aspergers and ADHD and the first year i had tinitus, it was of neuclear loudness, and i couldn't concentrate at all! As life got a little better, it isn't nuclear. That only happens now if their is high stress at home. The british tinitus association are good and have a help line. I used to phone because i thought i wouldn't be able to live with permanat tinitus. It caused me huge anxiety. If you would like to get it off your chest at your asessment, i'm sure they'll listen and take it into account. I listen to the radio when it's quiet and have a mouth guard to help from the dentist

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I'm not sure it would be relevant. I suffer tinnitus too but mine is caused by stress and possibly exacerbated by sensory processing disorder - I don't like loud music or noisy places so it is possible that my ears are just too sensitive. Mine comes and goes and normally is only really noticable when things are really quiet. Tinnitus in one ear just sounds like an injury more than anything else and that wouldn't be too relevant to an ASD diagnosis. You could mention it if they ask about your general health but I would be tempted to concentrate on telling them about incidents, back to your childhood if possible, where you think that asperger's may have caused you a problem.

    Have you consulted a doctor about whether they can do anything about the tinnitus itself?