Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 1/23/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Jacobster --

I have an interesting problem which I'm hoping you can comment on.

A little over six weeks ago I had CABG surgery, which was uneventful.  
Approximately two weeks after the surgery, one evening I developed
headaches, dizziness, and an unusual sensitivity to sound.  I took my blood
pressure, and it was rather low, so I held my evening dose of beta blocker,
drank some water, and went to bed.  In the morning, my blood pressure had
normalized, but the sound sensitivity and a sense of lightheadedness were
still present.

After a week of this, I went to see my internist, who ordered a CT scan of my
head and sinuses, both of which were normal.  I was assured by him as well
as by my cardiologist that these symptoms were most likely due to recovering
from my surgery, and would soon abate.

Unfortunately, it has now been one month and the problem is still present.  
The most annoying aspect of this is that percussive sounds, low frequency
sounds, and vibration are difficult to tolerate, and they cause a strange
sensation of lightheadedness and fullness in my head.  For example, the
vibration caused by walking or riding in a car (the engine noise, going over
bumps in the road), the thumping of people walking on the floor nearby,
doors closing, etc. are all problematic.

The symptoms are relieved by lying in bed or sitting quietly in a chair, but if
there are percussive or low frequency sounds or vibrations in the immediate
environment, they'll bother me.  Even standing quietly is tolerable, but if I
start walking, the symptoms appear.  The symptoms aren't exacerbated by
leaning over (as with a sinus infection), I don't have any sensation of the
room spinning (as with vertigo), nor do I have a history of migraines.  I don't
have any obvious problems with balance or gait either.

Could this be some sort of hyperacusis syndrome or vestibular problem?  Is
this sort of situation permanent?  Is there any type of treatment recommended
for this?  Your comments would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Dan,
It is not unusual to experience some of the symptoms you describe after surgery.  A lot of times it is due to a reaction to the anaesthesia or just the general trauma of surgery. Sometimes, this can take as much as six months or even more.  My suggestion would be to consult an ear specialist and have a complete audiometric workup by an audiologist. Once they have the results of the evaluation, you will have a better idea of what treatment options are available.  
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology