bigbop

I'm a 32 year old male and I had a big binge two months ago where I probably had 20 drinks in 4-5 hours. Since then I've had this weird brain fog and my ears have been ringing ever since.

I've been to the GP, ENT and had a CT scan with positive reports.

I have had a history with drinking. I used to binge in high school and college but have been drinking regularly for the last 7-8 years. Not everyday but between 10-14 per week so I really doubt I'm going through PAWS.

Wondering if anyone else has gone through this? Will the fog and ringing ever go away?

Andante

I haven't heard of PAWS-type symptoms being activated by one single mega-binge, but I wouldn't dismiss it as impossible.

You may never really know for sure exactly what is causing your tinnitus and brain fog, but if you suspect that alcohol might be a factor at all, why not stop drinking for long enough (like at least 6 months) to see if things get better?

Even if it turns out your particular condition isn't directly related to your binge 2 months ago, drinking alcohol isn't doing your health any favors.

If the symptoms are, in fact, alcohol-related, they should gradually fade on their own as long as you remain abstinent. If your brain has been sensitized enough to be thrown that far off kilter by one binge, then only one drink could put the healing process back at square one.

Good luck!

sugarbear1

The fog went away for me. I still have tinnitus.

SoulShine8

I have tinnitus. I was hoping that when I stopped drinking it would magically go away. So far, no. I've had it for six years ever since a really bad ear/sinus infection and a long time ago due to shooting guns without ear protection (it went away after some time). They told me after the gun shooting incident it could come and go. But I still have hope that since I am not damaging my body with alcohol that at some point my body will pay attention to my ear and heal it. But it is maddening! I'm 28 days in and still have the brain fog.
None of my physical ailments have gotten worse for not being drunk - that is for sure.

Mountainmanbob

I was on a drunk around 10 years ago that left me with ringing in both ears. The left ear ringing went away after a few years but, the right ear still rings. I also went to the doctor and they performed several test. I have tendinitis. Coffee makes it worse. I love coffee. Most of the time these days I don't notice the ringing but, occasionally it seems to ring like heck.

Right now -- very slight ringing in rt ear. -- Not bad.

My sponsor said years ago to me regarding this -- maybe it's God calling ?

MB

bigbop

How long did it take for the fog to go?

Soberwolf

Welcome Bigbop I think you should an apt with the Dr this week to get it investigated

bigbop

I have been looked at by four different medical specialists..

sugarbear1

My fog cleared by 10 months, then things were very very clear! and things kept getting different and better and I was able to deal with life, the ups and downs without thinking of drinking!!!!

In my case, I smoked a lot of weed, drank for over 35 years, did a lot of cocaine and on occassion, when we thought it was coke, I had dabbled with crystal meth (we called it crank). I was 50 when I got sober and started to rebuild my life. 5 years later, my mom passed on my 5th anniversary, I have to move, I had obamacare problems, still paying back taxes and have just begun a new job. Talk about not wanting to drink!! Whew! Glad I worked those 12 steps and still work them into my daily life.

We are all different, so we can't go by what others experience exactly the same, but we can learn that we can get through all this, sober!

advbike

Alcohol increased my sensitivity to tinnitus flare-ups. And it caused a few when I would get buzzed and play my stereo system at very high sound levels. I don't do that anymore and I take care of my hearing now, as I didn't enjoy the last flare-up that lasted almost a year. I carry earplugs with me, cover my ears for sirens, and don't attend events in loud environments. Silence definitely is golden..

Certain foods also temporarily raise the sound level - excessive salt, sugar and caffeine. And regular aerobic exercise brings it down.

theTHINman

Did your fog and tinnitus ever clear up any, bigbop? I've got the exact same thing going on right now after almost four weeks of sobriety. Suuuucks.

sleepie

I have had ringing ears for many, many years. I had my hearing tested at 30 and was told I hear better than most. The doctor said sometimes they just don't know. I do long for peace and quiet.

SlowMeDown

The ringing in my ears stopped after about 2 months. It's been almost five months for me and the brain fog (after 3 months) is getting better, although my memory is what's bothering me. I used to be pretty sharp and now I feel so dull. My therapist recommended I get on meds and my Dr. prescribed 5mg of Lexipro to start. There are times I don't remember what happened. Example, I went for an eye exam and was given a couple of packs of contact lenses. I found them in one of my purses this week and don't remember ever receiving the packs. I can watch a show and don't recall what happened before the next episode. I can't spell anymore and I am looking at words like is that right? Things like this really bother me because I feel like I am at early stages of dementia. I've had many tests done and everything always turns out fine.

My doctors think it is cause by the anxiety, depression and the fact that I am preoccupied and not in the moment when I should be. I am gonna give the meds a go and allow myself a little more time in hopes that I will progress.

I would suggest trying to give it a little time. Also, on a side note. I drank a lot in my 20's but would binge drink on a Friday-4-8 drinks from 30's on. 40 now and I had all the symptoms of PAWS for sure. Good luck!

teatreeoil007

I know you already said you've gotten checked out by a specialists, but has anyone checked your thyroid? Low thyroid can cause brain fog.

Depression can also cause brain fog.

As for the ringing in the ears: Some medications can cause that. So if you are on any meds, I would think discuss it with your Dr.