The tonsils are tissues found at the sides of the throat. These lymphoid tissues are part of the body’s defense systems and are believed to prevent infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract. However, these pair of tissues may, in fact, be infected. The infection is called tonsillitis. During severe cases of infection, a surgical removal of the tonsils, called tonsillectomy, may be ordered. However, the procedure may sometimes produce other conditions like pain and difficulty swallowing, which could last for a few weeks. In some cases, a sudden onset of tinnitus following tonsillectomy is experienced. This is due to a condition called Eagle’s syndrome, which is seen in occasional cases after the surgical procedure. Tinnitus home remedies may be used but we need to understand further why this happens.

Eagle’s syndrome occurs as a result of the calcification of the stylohyoid ligament or elongation of the styloid process. These structures are found in the throat region attached to the hyoid bone. Eagle’s syndrome is associated with old age and trauma. According to statistics, it is more common in women than in men. The symptoms include acute pain when swallowing, rotating the head, or even extending the tongue. This condition is poorly understood. Fact is that approximately four percent of the population has elongated styloid process but not all of them experience the symptoms. In fact, about ten percent or less of these individuals become afflicted.

The causes Eagle’s syndrome remain a predicament. However, as mentioned, it involves the temporal styloid process. This structure is attached to the base of the temporal bone (that bone at the side of your skull near the ears) and extends downwards. It is attached to several nerves and muscles that control the voice box and the tongue. Mentioned earlier, the stylohyoid ligament connects the styloid process to a muscle that controls the base of the mouth – stylohyoideous muscle. This simply means that the movements in your throat and tongue areas are governed by an intricate anatomy.

A classic form of Eagle’s syndrome occurs as a result of surgical trauma, which could come from tonsillectomy. This is why a sudden onset of tinnitus following tonsillectomy could be a sign of the syndrome. Other symptoms may be chronic throat pain that radiates to the ears and is worsened by turning of the head. Another indication is swelling on the region between the back of the pharynx and the roof of the mouth.

There is another form of Eagle’s syndrome called stylocarotid syndrome not related to tonsillectomy. This involves deformity of the styloid process. The sideways deformity presses against the carotid arteries.

A sudden onset of tinnitus following tonsillectomy must be evaluated by your otolaryngologist the moment you hear a weird ringing in the ears. There are procedures that correct the condition from pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs to surgical removal of the anomalous region of the styloid process.