Hi Everyone

[KT_]

I found this forum doing a search for one of those scam products, so let me begin by saying Thank You. I didn't bother researching it further or throwing money away. My tinnitus began a long time ago. It started intermittently and never really bothered me. Then one day, the switch turned on and stayed on. I consider myself lucky in that it doesn't keep me up at night (I use a sound machine) and it normally doesn't drive me crazy. But late last year the volume went up significantly. I can't say if it changed tone, it's just very high pitched and now so loud that I can hear it over a full volume TV. There also seems to be pressure there that I don't recall previously. But I live in a desert and have allergies and sinus issues as well. I'm slightly concerned I'm stuck with the louder volume now and more so that I'll lose my sanity over it. For now, I'm dealing.

I suspect it was brought on by all the concerts I attended in my youth. I wish I'd been smarter or that someone had warned me. I love music too much to quit going, but now I wear earplugs. I may have added to it by taking Excedrin almost daily for headaches that began in my teens. Botox for the last 10 years have alleviated those. I used to grind my teeth and then became a clencher. Yoga has reduced that greatly. I haven't had a hearing test or diagnosis as to what frequency I ring on. I figure it's pointless as my MD just shakes his head and says I have to live with it. But finding this group feels like a blessing and maybe I'll learn something that will help. Most certainly I appreciate everyone and will try to offer support in return.

 

[MikeL1972]

Hi KT,

Welcome to the site!

I would strongly advise you to go see an ENT and get a hearing test. That is the only way you will know where you stand in terms of hearing.

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum.

There are many causes which can trigger or aggravate tinnitus including by not limited to:
Drug reaction or side-effects from ototoxic drugs, ear or Eustachian tube infection, ear drum injury, fluid build-up feeling pressured, TMJ, TTTS, high blood pressure or blood circulation problem, loud noise exposure or acoustic trauma, head trauma & injury, neck problems, hearing loss, Meniere's, barotrauma from rapid change of atmospheric pressure, ear or head slapping, grief for the loss of loved ones, untreated sleep apnea, elevated stress, anxiety & panic disorder, unhealthy diet such as too much salt, sugar, caffeine, MSG, alcohol etc. or lacking some mineral or vitamin.

As Mike suggestions, your best bet is to get an ENT to check out the ears. The 'pressured' feeling seems to suggest some infection or fluid issue with the ears or ETD. Take care. God bless.

 

[KT_]

Hi guys, thanks for the welcome. Yeah, it's likely the increase was brought on by a combo of things. I only recently researched going to a hearing clinic. I guess I don't want to hear that a hearing aid will help me haha. I have a good ENT I can go see. I had a bout of Vertigo a few years back, and every so often I can tell there is fluid, I'll get a crackling, but it always seems to dissipate on it's own. I irrigate my sinuses.. that and allergy shots have helped a lot.