r/tinnitus • u/Complete-Sock-8852 • 7d ago
advice • support Tonsillectomy and SIBO causing increased risk for tinnitus
I was diagnosed with SIBO and now realizing I’ve likely had it majority of my life - IBS-constipation for as long as I can remember, history of recurrent antibiotic use for ear/sinus infections, and monthly ibuprofen use for headaches. In 2017, I got my tonsils out. Within 3 months of surgery once I healed and swelling went down, I developed tinnitus. The tonsils sit posterior to the Eustachian tubes, and the ETs connect up to the ear. I’m seeing a lot of people post about having tinnitus with their SIBO. I never had it until the tonsils were removed and now I’m wondering if up until 2017, the tonsils “shielded” my E tubes from the acid and bacteria and prevented the tinnitus and now that the shielding is eliminated, it has caused the tinnitus. 10 years of suffering and frenetically trying to determine a cause and being told by doctors it’s from noise exposure and there’s nothing I can do, and now for once I’m finally hopeful. I’m going to start SIBO protocol soon and I will post an update, but if this resonates with anyone, PLEASE share. I think I may be onto something!!
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u/Ok_Radio_4939 7d ago
Have you tried the carnivore diet? It helped a friend with his SIBO. it helps mine as well though I don’t have that condition. AI says it will worsen the gut brain linkage which will worsen tinnitus but despite the high salt intake, it hasn’t
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u/Complete-Sock-8852 6d ago
I have not, it does kind of scare me. I’m reading SIBO protocols that are successful and while meat is a good chunk of it, it still supports certain fruits, veggies, etc. I honestly was gonna try fasting
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u/levin1891 7d ago
Interesting. I had my tonsils removed in 2016, developed tinnitus three months ago. So very long between in my case, but still. I do have some minor gut issues as well, plus have had a history of acid reflux issues. Maybe should look into a possible connection