I Hear Ringing Only While There's External Sounds — What Is Going On?

[Emgee]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the site. I have been experiencing some troubling ear issues that maybe someone can provide insight on.

A few weeks ago, I had ear fullness in my left ear. No tinnitus. It stayed for about two weeks, when it decided to switch to my right ear. After a few days, it went back to my left ear. Another week passed, and the fullness went away. ENT said no hearing loss and was unsure of the cause.

Now, I am experiencing ringing whenever I hear sounds. From what I read, this appears to be a case of reactive tinnitus or hyperacusis (I understand there is a debate regarding these terms). What's weird about my ringing is that it doesn't get worse throughout the day. I can only hear it when I hear other sounds. For instance, after the sound ends (shut TV off), the ringing ends. I can't hear the ringing in a quiet room - if I can, it's minimal. Does anyone know what is going on?

P.S. Some additional context: I was at a band practice a day before the fullness came about. Additionally, I was chewing gum for several hours at the practice and had significant jaw pain for the following week. The pain subsided, but my jaw still clicks and my right ear crackles. Could it be TMJ-related? It doesn't help that I have substantial anxiety.

Thank you for reading.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the site. I have been experiencing some troubling ear issues that maybe someone can provide insight on.

A few weeks ago, I had ear fullness in my left ear. No tinnitus. It stayed for about two weeks, when it decided to switch to my right ear. After a few days, it went back to my left ear. Another week passed, and the fullness went away. ENT said no hearing loss and was unsure of the cause.

Now, I am experiencing ringing whenever I hear sounds. From what I read, this appears to be a case of reactive tinnitus or hyperacusis (I understand there is a debate regarding these terms). What's weird about my ringing is that it doesn't get worse throughout the day. I can only hear it when I hear other sounds. For instance, after the sound ends (shut TV off), the ringing ends. I can't hear the ringing in a quiet room - if I can, it's minimal. Does anyone know what is going on?

P.S. Some additional context: I was at a band practice a day before the fullness came about. Additionally, I was chewing gum for several hours at the practice and had significant jaw pain for the following week. The pain subsided, but my jaw still clicks and my right ear crackles. Could it be TMJ-related? It doesn't help that I have substantial anxiety.

Thank you for reading.

HI @Emgee

Many things can cause tinnitus, the most common is exposure to loud noise. Typically, it is listening to music regularly through headphones at too high a volume or going to clubs, concerts where loud music is played. These are just examples as there are other types of exposure to loud noise that can be responsible. If your tinnitus isn't noise induced, then it's likely a result from an underlying medical condition within your auditory system or as you've indicated TMJ. Stress and some medications have been known to cause it too.

I do not believe there is a condition called Reactive tinnitus, although I believe tinnitus does react to certain sounds. Some people describe similar experiences to your own. Most people (but not all) who say they have Reactive tinnitus, almost always it's a result of exposure to loud noise caused by the activities mentioned above. Depending on the level of severity there will usually be some oversensitivity to sound. Often hyperacusis is present and it's severity can vary between people. If you use headphones regularly or headset. Frequently attend venues where loud music is played or work in a noisy environment, then your tinnitus and other symptoms you describe could be caused by exposure to loud noise/sound. If this is the case my advice is to stop using headphones or reduce your exposure to other forms of loud noise. The fact that you play in a band could be an indication that you are exposed to high sound levels.

If a medical condition is responsible then ENT or Dentist should be able to help you. For now it's probably best to wait and see what happens, as the ears are quite resilient and heal over time.
Since your tinnitus is low my advice is not to deliberately listen for it and use low level sound enrichment. Please click on the link below and read my post: New to tinnitus what to do, where I explain more about it. There are additional links to other posts that you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

[Zugzug]

It sounds like reactive tinnitus. The most likely outcome is that it will improve with time, as it was probably noise induced. I wish you the best.

Something to note: Steroid use for hearing loss is only effective within the first few weeks of onset. As you track the problem, you may want to consider trying this.

 

[Emgee]

Happy Friday,

I have reactive tinnitus or hyperacusis for nearly a month now. It has remained the same level throughout, and I have hope that it will improve over time. I believe it was caused after a concert, as the tinnitus started about 3 weeks after the show. I have not ever had and currently do not have baseline tinnitus. My tinnitus just reacts to any external noise - only for the duration of the noise and then fades away. In regard to hearing tests, my ENT said I have phenomenal hearing. I had ear fullness for about two weeks directly after the concert, but it has disappeared.

I'm curious to see if others experience something similar. If so, what does yours sound like? Has it improved, remained consistent, worsened? Any tips for improvement?

Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend!
Mike

 

[Capstan]

Happy Friday,

I have reactive tinnitus or hyperacusis for nearly a month now. It has remained the same level throughout, and I have hope that it will improve over time. I believe it was caused after a concert, as the tinnitus started about 3 weeks after the show. I have not ever had and currently do not have baseline tinnitus. My tinnitus just reacts to any external noise - only for the duration of the noise and then fades away. In regard to hearing tests, my ENT said I have phenomenal hearing. I had ear fullness for about two weeks directly after the concert, but it has disappeared.

I'm curious to see if others experience something similar. If so, what does yours sound like? Has it improved, remained consistent, worsened? Any tips for improvement?

Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend!
Mike

I've the same thing for the last month, spent a lot of time researching this question. I've not found anyone with a success story recovering from reactive tinnitus. I see this as independent from hyperacusis as you may have combinations of both. I wish I had tips, but it's new for me too. I wish you the best of luck, please report back if yours resolves.

 

[Sevv]

It does sound like reactive tinnitus, but the base is so low you don't hear it in silence, only when it ramps up in presence of other sounds (I guess anything exists with tinnitus).

I have had reactive tinnitus both after getting tinnitus and after my setback in February. The first time, it left after 1-2 months, after the worsening after three weeks. In my case it seems to be connected to hyperacusis to some degree.

 

[Emgee]

I've the same thing for the last month, spent a lot of time researching this question. I've not found anyone with a success story recovering from reactive tinnitus. I see this as independent from hyperacusis as you may have combinations of both. I wish I had tips, but it's new for me too. I wish you the best of luck, please report back if yours resolves.[/QUOTE
Hi Capstan,

Sorry to hear you're going through a tough time yourself. I have actually come across multiple accounts where reactive tinnitus has improved with time. From what I've read, it takes a good deal of time as our ears are healing. I also have been going through this for about a month, and it appears that a month with tinnitus is not long at all. I know it's hard, but we will get through this. One thing I have learned is that stress and anxiety do nothing to help the condition. Best of luck.

Mike

 

[Emgee]

HI @Emgee

Many things can cause tinnitus, the most common is exposure to loud noise. Typically, it is listening to music regularly through headphones at too high a volume or going to clubs, concerts where loud music is played. These are just examples as there are other types of exposure to loud noise that can be responsible. If your tinnitus isn't noise induced, then it's likely a result from an underlying medical condition within your auditory system or as you've indicated TMJ. Stress and some medications have been known to cause it too.

I do not believe there is a condition called Reactive tinnitus, although I believe tinnitus does react to certain sounds. Some people describe similar experiences to your own. Most people (but not all) who say they have Reactive tinnitus, almost always it's a result of exposure to loud noise caused by the activities mentioned above. Depending on the level of severity there will usually be some oversensitivity to sound. Often hyperacusis is present and it's severity can vary between people. If you use headphones regularly or headset. Frequently attend venues where loud music is played or work in a noisy environment, then your tinnitus and other symptoms you describe could be caused by exposure to loud noise/sound. If this is the case my advice is to stop using headphones or reduce your exposure to other forms of loud noise. The fact that you play in a band could be an indication that you are exposed to high sound levels.

If a medical condition is responsible then ENT or Dentist should be able to help you. For now it's probably best to wait and see what happens, as the ears are quite resilient and heal over time.
Since your tinnitus is low my advice is not to deliberately listen for it and use low level sound enrichment. Please click on the link below and read my post: New to tinnitus what to do, where I explain more about it. There are additional links to other posts that you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

Hi Michael,

Thank you very much for the insight. I'm sorry to be a bother. Being that I do not have a baseline or continuous tinnitus in quiet rooms (I only hear a hiss with external noises in my right ear: driving, fans, etc.), should I consult a hearing therapist to work on my sound sensitivity?

On a side note, I was diagnosed with a severe ear infection last week that went under the radar. Maybe this is playing a role? To complicate matters, I have TMJ and ETD as well. The fullness I initially experienced is all gone, and I have had the hissing response to noise for nearly two months now.

I have been proactive in protecting myself from loud noises while still exposing myself to everyday sounds to prevent further sensitivity. I got rid of my ear buds and will never use them again.

Do you think I have a good chance to improve?

Thanks for all your help,
Mike

 

[Michael Leigh]

I have been proactive in protecting myself from loud noises while still exposing myself to everyday sounds to prevent further sensitivity. I got rid of my ear buds and will never use them again.

Do you think I have a good chance to improve?

HI @Emgee

You can contact me any time it's no problem. You have only had tinnitus for a couple of months, I know how distressing it can be in the early stages, but my advice is not to see a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist at this time as it's too soon. Please follow the advice that I gave to you in my first post and read the posts in the links that I have given you, especially : New to tinnitus what to do, and Hyperacusis as I see it.

Since you have had tests at ENT this is all you need for now. Use low level sound enrichment during the day and at night. Keep away from headphones and earbuds. Your tinnitus will improve but it will take time, so you need to be patient. This can take up to 12, 18 or 24 months. Try not to worry take each day at a time....

Michael

 

[FGG]

I've the same thing for the last month, spent a lot of time researching this question. I've not found anyone with a success story recovering from reactive tinnitus. I see this as independent from hyperacusis as you may have combinations of both. I wish I had tips, but it's new for me too. I wish you the best of luck, please report back if yours resolves.

It seems like there are two things people mean when they say "reactive tinnitus." 1) tinnitus that is always there and gets worse after sound exposure and 2) tinnitus that gets induced only with sound (i.e. it sounds like an abnormal tone within a consistent external sound and it disappears immediately when that sound is switched off).

I have never had #1. My regular tinnitus is completely unchangeable. It doesn't get worse with noise exposure and it's not somatic in the least. BUT, I used to have a lot of the #2 definition of reactive tinnitus and that is the only thing that has improved for me (I would say 90% plus).

In fact, my "reactive tinnitus" is almost completely gone--it only reacts to one thing now, my fridge when the motor kicks on and even that is a 3/10 at the most. This took a good 9-10 months (though it temporary worsened when I tried Tinnitus Mix).

My regular tinnitus has not budged in this time frame, so I think it's a really different phenomenon. I have also read a lot of success stories here about this kind of reactive type so I know I'm not the only one.

 

[Auron]

2) tinnitus that gets induced only with sound (i.e. it sounds like an abnormal tone within a consistent external sound and it disappears immediately when that sound is switched off).

I have exactly this (among other things). But is this not dysacusis? I have had other things get better, but this won't budge an inch and it's almost been a year. I can move my head just a little and it can result in it getting quieter or much louder depending on the angle.S o bizarre. I wonder what damage this indicates.

 

[FGG]

I have exactly this (among other things). But is this not dysacusis? I have had other things get better, but this won't budge an inch and it's almost been a year. I can move my head just a little and it can result in it getting quieter or much louder depending on the angle.S o bizarre. I wonder what damage this indicates.

I thought dysacusis meant sounds "sound wrong" but not necessarily that they have a tinnitus quality to them. I have this pretty severely with music but there isn't a "tinnitus" quality to them.

Yours seems pretty somatic. Have you looked into the usual neck/jaw etiologies?

 

[Emgee]

It seems like there are two things people mean when they say "reactive tinnitus." 1) tinnitus that is always there and gets worse after sound exposure and 2) tinnitus that gets induced only with sound (i.e. it sounds like an abnormal tone within a consistent external sound and it disappears immediately when that sound is switched off).

I have never had #1. My regular tinnitus is completely unchangeable. It doesn't get worse with noise exposure and it's not somatic in the least. BUT, I used to have a lot of the #2 definition of reactive tinnitus and that is the only thing that has improved for me (I would say 90% plus).

In fact, my "reactive tinnitus" is almost completely gone--it only reacts to one thing now, my fridge when the motor kicks on and even that is a 3/10 at the most. This took a good 9-10 months (though it temporary worsened when I tried Tinnitus Mix).

My regular tinnitus has not budged in this time frame, so I think it's a really different phenomenon. I have also read a lot of success stories here about this kind of reactive type so I know I'm not the only one.

Thanks for the insight. I have exactly as you highlighted with the #2 description. I have it around 2 months so far with no improvement yet - does this seem normal? Also, did you avoid the external noises or expose yourself to them?

 

[FGG]

Thanks for the insight. I have exactly as you highlighted with the #2 description. I have it around 2 months so far with no improvement yet - does this seem normal? Also, did you avoid the external noises or expose yourself to them?

Two months isn't that unusual for any kind of tinnitus not to improve yet in a lot of people, it's still very acute.

I mostly avoided avoidable noises but a lot of what I reacted to was completely unavoidable, e.g.. sounds within my own house so I would say I was pretty exposed but I always carried ear plugs with me for more challenging environments.

6 months was when I first noticed any improvement at all in my #2 type reactive tinnitus and it was really, really slight improvement so I almost dismissed it as not real esp since my constant tinnitus didn't budge (and still hasn't).

 

[Autonetics]

I'm curious to see if others experience something similar. If so, what does yours sound like? Has it improved, remained consistent, worsened? Any tips for improvement?

Hey there!
I'm new here but not so much to tinnitus...
I've had it for 11 months now, a high pitch ringing sound which is incredibly loud... I also have sound sensitivity I forget the name for it... The sound sensitivity comes and goes for me, weeks on a few days off etc... the ringing is as loud as ever and I have even developed a lower tone in my right ear that wobble vibrates at a low hum...

My attitude is different now though! I was extremely disturbed by my tinnitus and wanted life to finish.. I have 2 kids however and that's just not an option.. I preserved and have developed my own coping techniques (meditation, gaming - fallout 76, music)...

I really feel like it's not all bad... some days you feel like your (explicit deleted) batman! Just because you don't care about the 95dB tyre screeching in your ears.. other days not so much...
I wish you all the best and hope you find your techniques and that with time your tinnitus either disappears or is more manageable!

 

[gav01]

Ah the old reactive tinnitus. I hope it gets better for you.

 

[Emgee]

Hello,

I'm in my early twenties and suffered an acoustic trauma a few months back. As a result, I have had tinnitus for around 2 months now. I don't really hear my tinnitus in quiet rooms. However, it reacts to external sounds only in my right ear. White noise, wind, driving, typing, TV, and even walking cause my tinnitus to loudly react. Pretty much any consistent noise. I hear a wind/hissy noise. Once I remove myself from the sound, the tinnitus is back to baseline (which is low - I have to listen to hear it).

It is extremely annoying. I have seen some posts where the reactivity decreases over time for some people. I hope this happens as I am not doing well with it. I have seen this condition be referred to as hyperacusis in some posts. Any support/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Emgee]

Two months isn't that unusual for any kind of tinnitus not to improve yet in a lot of people, it's still very acute.

I mostly avoided avoidable noises but a lot of what I reacted to was completely unavoidable, e.g.. sounds within my own house so I would say I was pretty exposed but I always carried ear plugs with me for more challenging environments.

6 months was when I first noticed any improvement at all in my #2 type reactive tinnitus and it was really, really slight improvement so I almost dismissed it as not real esp since my constant tinnitus didn't budge (and still hasn't).

Did you use white/pink noise at all? My tinnitus has seemingly become more reactive and reacts to all external noise now. Even footsteps have a metallic ring to them. Feel like it's getting worse even though I've avoided excess noise exposure. I'm so confused about what I'm doing wrong.

 

[FGG]

Did you use white/pink noise at all? My tinnitus has seemingly become more reactive and reacts to all external noise now. Even footsteps have a metallic ring to them. Feel like it's getting worse even though I've avoided excess noise exposure. I'm so confused about what I'm doing wrong.

I didn't. I tried Tinnitus Mix and it increased my reactivity for a bit. Are you using Pink or White Noise? It reportedly makes some people worse so if it is having a negative effect, I would stop.

 

[Emgee]

I didn't. I tried Tinnitus Mix and it increased my reactivity for a bit. Are you using Pink or White Noise? It reportedly makes some people worse so if it is having a negative effect, I would stop.

I have stopped. Hoping it's not a permanent change. Did you listen to it using headphones or phone speaker? Thanks for your insight by the way.

 

[FGG]

I have stopped. Hoping it's not a permanent change. Did you listen to it using headphones or phone speaker? Thanks for your insight by the way.

Phone speaker or headphones on the lowest possible setting. I didn't do it long.

I never listening to white or pink noise but at lot of people report worsenings with that. Maybe one of then can give you more insight.

 

[Emgee]

Phone speaker or headphones on the lowest possible setting. I didn't do it long.

I never listening to white or pink noise but at lot of people report worsenings with that. Maybe one of then can give you more insight.

Was your reactivity noise-induced? I believe you're right that this is a different kind of phenomenon. I've come across others who are experiencing it; causation ranges from acoustic trauma to ototoxic meds to stress/anxiety. Hope you're doing well.

 

[FGG]

Was your reactivity noise-induced? I believe you're right that this is a different kind of phenomenon. I've come across others who are experiencing it; causation ranges from acoustic trauma to ototoxic meds to stress/anxiety. Hope you're doing well.

Ototoxicity in my case. I'm not doing well at all.

 

[Emgee]

Ototoxicity in my case. I'm not doing well at all.

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm not coping well either. For what it's worth - your intellect and insight is greatly appreciated in this forum. I hope regenerative medicine is good to this community.

 

[Emgee]

Hi, @FGG. How did you make it through the year where you experienced reactivity? This is absolute torture.

 

[Emgee]

Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with some new ear issues and wanted to see if anyone could provide insight.

As I go throughout the day, my left ear ("good" ear) begins to block up and fullness progresses. By the time I go to bed, it is really bad. It is always better when I wake up. The cycle continues. In addition, there is tight pressure in and around the area in front of my ear. It feels swollen and fatigued. Anyone have any idea as to why this is? Could it be allergy/ETD-related? TMD? Inflammation? My tinnitus in that ear has gotten worse since these issues have started. My right ear ("bad" ear with severe reactive tinnitus) does not have these new issues.

 

[ajc]

As I go throughout the day, my left ear ("good" ear) begins to block up and fullness progresses. By the time I go to bed, it is really bad. It is always better when I wake up. The cycle continues. In addition, there is tight pressure in and around the area in front of my ear. It feels swollen and fatigued. Anyone have any idea as to why this is? Could it be allergy/ETD-related? TMD? Inflammation? My tinnitus in that ear has gotten worse since these issues have started. My right ear ("bad" ear with severe reactive tinnitus) does not have these new issues.

It seems to me there is some physical going on in your left ear. ENT check up due?

Could you try some general allergy meds?

 

[GBB]

It seems like there are two things people mean when they say "reactive tinnitus." 1) tinnitus that is always there and gets worse after sound exposure and 2) tinnitus that gets induced only with sound (i.e. it sounds like an abnormal tone within a consistent external sound and it disappears immediately when that sound is switched off).

I have never had #1. My regular tinnitus is completely unchangeable. It doesn't get worse with noise exposure and it's not somatic in the least. BUT, I used to have a lot of the #2 definition of reactive tinnitus and that is the only thing that has improved for me (I would say 90% plus).

In fact, my "reactive tinnitus" is almost completely gone--it only reacts to one thing now, my fridge when the motor kicks on and even that is a 3/10 at the most. This took a good 9-10 months (though it temporary worsened when I tried Tinnitus Mix).

My regular tinnitus has not budged in this time frame, so I think it's a really different phenomenon. I have also read a lot of success stories here about this kind of reactive type so I know I'm not the only one.

In theory, has this allowed you to mask better? I appreciate your tinnitus may be too loud to mask, but just to ensure I'm following you, the abatement of the reactivity described here means you no longer hear tinnitus tones in external noise, and so masking should be possible, right? I only ask because I am suffering the same and a lack of masking is what is breaking me down.

 

[FGG]

In theory, has this allowed you to mask better? I appreciate your tinnitus may be too loud to mask, but just to ensure I'm following you, the abatement of the reactivity described here means you no longer hear tinnitus tones in external noise, and so masking should be possible, right? I only ask because I am suffering the same and a lack of masking is what is breaking me down.

Yes, I can mask with loud air purifiers. I have them throughout my house and they are on 24/7.

 

[GBB]

Yes, I can mask with loud air purifiers. I have them throughout my house and they are on 24/7.

Much appreciated - I'm hopeful I can follow in those footsteps.