2 Months of Severe Tinnitus: No Clue What Caused It

[OB0305]

Hello, everyone!

It has now been two months since I developed tinnitus, and it is driving me absolutely crazy.

The tinnitus is bilateral, but it is a bit louder in my right ear. I experience about four different tones that change throughout the day. In my left ear, I hear whistling and static noises, while in my right ear, there is a high pitched metallic ringing and fuzziness. It is very, very loud, and I can hear it over pretty much everything.

Before the tinnitus started, I would occasionally lose my hearing for a few seconds. This happened about two or three times a day every other day. At the time, I did not think much of it.

After the ringing began, I went to A&E and had my ears examined by an ENT doctor. She noted that my right ear had impacted earwax and referred me to have it removed. My blood test showed no signs of a virus or infection.

It has been a little over a week since the earwax was cleared, but the tinnitus is just as loud as ever. I have been referred to an ENT specialist for a more thorough examination of my middle ear, but honestly, I am feeling pretty pessimistic about it.

I have never been to a concert, I do not use headphones, and I do not expose myself to loud noises, so I have no idea what might have caused this.

The thought of living with this forever fills me with despair. I have even started taking anti anxiety medication because I have been feeling so depressed.

I am sorry for the long rant. I just really needed to vent.

 

[bob k]

I've had mild tinnitus for as long as I can remember. However, about two years ago, it suddenly worsened to a whole new level. Around the same time, I started experiencing insomnia, anxiety, depression, and weight gain. I have no idea what triggered these changes.

While researching my sudden health issues, I discovered that I had been taking thyroid medication for many years; medication I didn't actually need. Before these symptoms started, I had a routine colonoscopy. I'm not sure what they used to sedate me, but I remember waking up feeling wonderful. Oddly enough, my symptoms began shortly after that procedure.

I've even wondered if something unexpected happened during the colonoscopy, like being given the COVID-19 vaccine while under anesthesia. Could the anesthesia itself have caused these changes? I know these thoughts might sound far-fetched, but at this point, I'm grasping at straws.

Thankfully, time has lessened the intensity of my tinnitus. It's still there, but I don't notice it as much anymore. I wish all of you fellow sufferers the very best.