Sudden onset Cervical Tinnitus in one ear is a fairly uncommon condition, but it can be related to simultaneous onset of neck pain on the same side of the head (e.g. the unilateral tinnitus caused by the misalignment or inadvertant injury to the spine in the neck on that side - I think it is located at C3-C5 (cervical neck/shoulder pain on one side pinching a trigeminal or occipital nerve and causing the tinnitus - often pulsating - behind the ear on the same side).

 

Anyone had this, and if so, did you find a chiropracter in Thailand who is experienced in dealing with upper cervical spine issues (or specifically Cervical Tinnitus)?

 

Cheers.

R.

21 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Sudden onset Cervical Tinnitus in one ear is a fairly uncommon condition, but it can be related to simultaneous onset of neck pain on the same side of the head (e.g. the unilateral tinnitus caused by the misalignment or inadvertant injury to the spine in the neck on that side - I think it is located at C3-C5 (cervical neck/shoulder pain on one side pinching a trigeminal or occipital nerve and causing the tinnitus - often pulsating - behind the ear on the same side).

 

Anyone had this, and if so, did you find a chiropracter in Thailand who is experienced in dealing with upper cervical spine issues (or specifically Cervical Tinnitus)?

 

Cheers.

R.

 

The pulsing you mention can be a sign of restricted blood flow where the carotid artery 'splits'.

 

No expert, but I had tests last year for that (and an MRI for a tumour on the auditory nerve.)......might worth checking it out if it is a concern.

 

*Sorry...that doesn't answer your question....this was all done back home.

Sorry, I'm not much familiar with specialists in BKK but Chiang Mai.

Anyway, who diagnosed your problem? Was an X-Ray done already? (Bone infections, fractions, Spondylitis?). An orthopedic would be able to sort it out.

2 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Sudden onset Cervical Tinnitus in one ear is a fairly uncommon condition, but it can be related to simultaneous onset of neck pain on the same side of the head (e.g. the unilateral tinnitus caused by the misalignment or inadvertant injury to the spine in the neck on that side - I think it is located at C3-C5 (cervical neck/shoulder pain on one side pinching a trigeminal or occipital nerve and causing the tinnitus - often pulsating - behind the ear on the same side).

 

Anyone had this, and if so, did you find a chiropracter in Thailand who is experienced in dealing with upper cervical spine issues (or specifically Cervical Tinnitus)?

 

Cheers.

R.

As far as I know

Bumrungrad Hospital and

Samitivej Hospital

are specialized to treat your issues

 

33 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Bumrungrad Hospital

Thanks. Went there and saw one of the most senior ENT doctors. Was given an Rx for vertigo (I don't have vertigo). Useless. Bangkok Hospital has been better. 

Just now, ronnie50 said:

Thanks. Went there and saw one of the most senior ENT doctors. Was given an Rx for vertigo (I don't have vertigo). Useless. Bangkok Hospital has been better. 

I wouldn't prefer an ENT Doc.

I'm sure a specialized orthopedic will check by X-Ray where your problem is. Without x-ray no diagnosis and therefore no treatment.

49 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Anyway, who diagnosed your problem? Was an X-Ray done already?

Thanks. It's been a case of slowly eliminating more likely causes like blocked arteries or veins. Yes on X-Ray (CT scans actually) head and neck - all vascular appear fine. Mastoid and inner ear okay.

3 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

The pulsing you mention can be a sign of restricted blood flow where the carotid artery 'splits'.

 

No expert, but I had tests last year for that (and an MRI for a tumour on the auditory nerve.)......might worth checking it out if it is a concern.

 

*Sorry...that doesn't answer your question....this was all done back home.

Thanks. Not a blood flow issue or blockage according to detailed CT scans of heada and neck. Also one of mastoid and temporal area (which would have noticed any issue with the auditory nerve - hopefully). Did you have a tumor there? I understand they are often benign.

7 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I wouldn't prefer an ENT Doc.

I'm sure a specialized orthopedic will check by X-Ray where your problem is. Without x-ray no diagnosis and therefore no treatment.

Thanks as mentioned in other replies - all the imagery has been done and no arterial/venous issues. No tumors or masses. But the one-sided neck pain came on same time as the one-sided tinnitus. Neurologist working on it. So it's a process of elimination. A pinched nerve or musculoskeletal pressure against a nerve or artery is the best guess as a process of elimination.. Physio at present, but a chiropractor or if necessary an orthapedic doctor is next step..

8 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Thanks as mentioned in other replies - all the imagery has been done and no arterial/venous issues. No tumors or masses. But the one-sided neck pain came on same time as the one-sided tinnitus. Neurologist working on it. So it's a process of elimination. A pinched nerve or musculoskeletal pressure against a nerve or artery is the best guess as a process of elimination.. Physio at present, but a chiropractor or if necessary an orthapedic doctor is next step..

If the images will not show any results (no fractures, no infections,) there might be some orthopedic issues. After that step a neurologist might help. There are no problems with your teeth? Or high blood pressure? Arteriosclerosis?

@ronnie50 

Goof job in ruling out serious vascular causes etc.

 

I suggest as next step consulting this spine specialist as cervical stenosis (which can cause tinnitus as well as pain) needs to be ruled out. 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

He is by far best spine soecialist in Thailand. 

 

Bring your scans and films (on DVD) with you. 

 

I would caution against chiropractic treatment, at least until given the all clear re spine. Manipulation of the cervical spine can be dangerous. Even in the West, where chiropracty is much better regulated than it is here, people have ended up quadriplegic as a result.

14 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Thanks. Not a blood flow issue or blockage according to detailed CT scans of heada and neck. Also one of mastoid and temporal area (which would have noticed any issue with the auditory nerve - hopefully). Did you have a tumor there? I understand they are often benign.

 

No thank God!!

 

But the MRI does show fairly extensive CSVD, a precursor to dementia and ischemic strokes.......another thing to look forward to in old age.

7 hours ago, Sheryl said:

@ronnie50 

Goof job in ruling out serious vascular causes etc.

 

I suggest as next step consulting this spine specialist as cervical stenosis (which can cause tinnitus as well as pain) needs to be ruled out. 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

He is by far best spine soecialist in Thailand. 

 

Bring your scans and films (on DVD) with you. 

 

I would caution against chiropractic treatment, at least until given the all clear re spine. Manipulation of the cervical spine can be dangerous. Even in the West, where chiropracty is much better regulated than it is here, people have ended up quadriplegic as a result.

Thanks Sheryl,

I'll try to see Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at BNH. Thanks for the tip. 

Regarding Cervical Tinnitus and possibility that there is cervical canal stenosis, I'll take everything to him. Haven't been to BNH in years..

 

Understood about chiropractors here in Thailand. I'm already assuming I have Cervical Tinnitus, as it's pulsitile, one-sided, and I've pretty much ruled out vascular/venous issues in brain, mastoid and neck.

 

Actually, the physiotherapist I'm seeing on the above assumption also warned me about chiropractors working in Thailand, and the safety issues you mentioned. I then asked her why there are so many 'farangs' working as chiropractors in Thailand and she said the same thing, it's not even taught or regulated here like it is in other countries, so they allow foreigners to work in that field. But like you say - pretty risky.

 

 

Forget about a chiropractor... in Hua Hin there is Spine Clinic with maybe the only real Osteopathic Doctor in the country. Her name is Gaele. Otherwise I would recommend one of the many really good Cranial Sacral and Feldenkrais Functional Integration practitioners in Singapore 

On 10/13/2025 at 4:38 PM, ronnie50 said:

Sudden onset Cervical Tinnitus in one ear is a fairly uncommon condition, but it can be related to simultaneous onset of neck pain on the same side of the head (e.g. the unilateral tinnitus caused by the misalignment or inadvertant injury to the spine in the neck on that side - I think it is located at C3-C5 (cervical neck/shoulder pain on one side pinching a trigeminal or occipital nerve and causing the tinnitus - often pulsating - behind the ear on the same side).

 

Anyone had this, and if so, did you find a chiropracter in Thailand who is experienced in dealing with upper cervical spine issues (or specifically Cervical Tinnitus)?

 

Cheers.

R.

Dr eakpatipan at BNH

 

Spinal surgeon will x-ray the recommend  treatment

 

Been going to him fo 14 years great honest to the point and will guide you to the areas you may need 

being a long term Tinnitus sufferer, i would suggest a complete audiometric evaluation and report prior to seeing your suggested specialist.

Tinnitus is not related to the cervical spine in the way you describe. It is a problem of the inner ear, requiring an ENT specialist. I would strongly caution against chiropractic or other manipulation of the neck. It is not going to solve your problem en has significant risks, up to quadriplegia. Believe me as someone with many years of experience in this area.

1 hour ago, Dirk Z said:

Tinnitus is not related to the cervical spine in the way you describe. It is a problem of the inner ear, requiring an ENT specialist. I would strongly caution against chiropractic or other manipulation of the neck. It is not going to solve your problem en has significant risks, up to quadriplegia. Believe me as someone with many years of experience in this area.

Thanks. Noted about Chiropracter. Seen three ENT doctors (Bumrungrad, BH and one other). None can find any inner/middle ear problem. Eardrum healthy - no leakage.

3 hours ago, tandor said:

being a long term Tinnitus sufferer, i would suggest a complete audiometric evaluation and report prior to seeing your suggested specialist.

Thanks - done that at Bumrungrad, including Tympanometry. All seemed normal, with some age-related hearing loss. Not sure if that's completely what you suggest or not. But it was the pressure test, audiology hearing test etc.

 

I have tinnitus in both ears and it is particularly loud in the ear that is 100% dead.....SSNHL.

 

As I understand it, intrinsic tinnitus stems from the brain no longer receiving signals it 'expects' from the auditory nerve.....so it sends out hunter signals......and that is what you can hear.

 

If that is the root cause your ain't never going to stop it.

3 hours ago, tandor said:

being a long term Tinnitus sufferer, i would suggest a complete audiometric evaluation and report prior to seeing your suggested specialist.

By the way, if you don't mind, can you describe what you hear and how often? Steady sound or rhythmic? How long does it last (e.g. comes and goes or there all the time?). Before this ridiculous one-sided episode, I've had minor tinnitus issues, usually an occssional (maybe once every few days) high pitched ping in either ear, but then fades away in 30 seconds or so. 

3 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

I have tinnitus in both ears and it is particularly loud in the ear that is 100% dead.....SSNHL.

 

As I understand it, intrinsic tinnitus stems from the brain no longer receiving signals it 'expects' from the auditory nerve.....so it sends out hunter signals......and that is what you can hear.

 

If that is the root cause your ain't never going to stop it.

Bummer. So in your case (dead ear), a hearing aid with a masking device won't help I guess.

6 hours ago, Richard5 said:

Forget about a chiropractor... in Hua Hin there is Spine Clinic with maybe the only real Osteopathic Doctor in the country. Her name is Gaele. Otherwise I would recommend one of the many really good Cranial Sacral and Feldenkrais Functional Integration practitioners in Singapore 

Thanks - there are some Osteopaths in Bangkok too. An American guy was recommended to me by a friend, who had a good experience. But TBH, given the warnings here about chiropracters, I think I will avoid the Osteopaths too and stick to Osteo surgeons and physicians as was earlier suggested.

5 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

Dr eakpatipan at BNH

 

Spinal surgeon will x-ray the recommend  treatment

 

Been going to him fo 14 years great honest to the point and will guide you to the areas you may need 

Thanks will add to the list of recommended.

7 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Bummer. So in your case (dead ear), a hearing aid with a masking device won't help I guess.

 

No.

 

I can buy (expensive) BI-CROS hearing aids. The dead side acts as a receiver and then transmits to the good side....giving better coverage.

 

Trialled then for a month, but to be honest, I found hearing aids are only good in quiet situations, regardless of all the marketing claims.

 

So for now, I just use a single AirPod pro 2G on 'head phone accommodations" plus 'tranparency settings"

1 hour ago, ronnie50 said:

By the way, if you don't mind, can you describe what you hear and how often? Steady sound or rhythmic? How long does it last (e.g. comes and goes or there all the time?). Before this ridiculous one-sided episode, I've had minor tinnitus issues, usually an occssional (maybe once every few days) high pitched ping in either ear, but then fades away in 30 seconds or so. 

each person is affected differently and one should not draw conclusions based on anothers symptoms. Mine was the result of treatment for a cervical spine injury. Without consent or warning an Osteopath manipulated my neck resulting in permanent Tinnitus in my entire brain and 70% hearing loss in one ear. It is high-pitched screaming noise and has been constant since March 1998 to the present. Learning how to manage it is paramount for survival. Best of luck.

On 10/13/2025 at 4:38 PM, ronnie50 said:

Sudden onset Cervical Tinnitus in one ear is a fairly uncommon condition, but it can be related to simultaneous onset of neck pain on the same side of the head (e.g. the unilateral tinnitus caused by the misalignment or inadvertant injury to the spine in the neck on that side - I think it is located at C3-C5 (cervical neck/shoulder pain on one side pinching a trigeminal or occipital nerve and causing the tinnitus - often pulsating - behind the ear on the same side).

 

Anyone had this, and if so, did you find a chiropracter in Thailand who is experienced in dealing with upper cervical spine issues (or specifically Cervical Tinnitus)?

 

Cheers.

R.

That kind of doctor could paralyze you. Remember in Thailand doctors don’t take responsibility for their care.  I have been to 2 Physical Therapist both hurt me, one gave me a pinch nerve and the other gave me muscle pain in my shoulders which travels to my neck, now my conditions are way worse than they were before.

4 hours ago, Will B Good said:

So for now, I just use a single AirPod pro 2G on 'head phone accommodations" plus 'tranparency settings"

Thanks I'm trying to figure out how to allow my iPhone and airbuds to transmit only on one side. Seems when I take one out, the audio stops entirely - whether it's streaming or even an audio file previously downloaded to my phone. If I take one earbud out, the audio stops. I'm not very techy, but I'll figure it out eventually. 

2 hours ago, tandor said:

each person is affected differently and one should not draw conclusions based on anothers symptoms. Mine was the result of treatment for a cervical spine injury.

Of course. Sorry to read such an unfortunate case you had. Best of luck. Surely one day some pharma company will come up with some pill that actually works on tinnitus - even just to turn down the volume or even out the waves.

13 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Thanks I'm trying to figure out how to allow my iPhone and airbuds to transmit only on one side. Seems when I take one out, the audio stops entirely - whether it's streaming or even an audio file previously downloaded to my phone. If I take one earbud out, the audio stops. I'm not very techy, but I'll figure it out eventually. 

 

The solution will be buried in there somewhere. I use one all the time.

 

 Might be automatic ear detection? Ask Co-Pilot.....it will give you the solution.