Is This a Tinnitus Spike? Sudden Worsening After Exposure to Sharp Sound

[withintention]

I've had severe tinnitus for a little over a year due to noise trauma. It has always been consistent, with only mild day-to-day fluctuations. These changes are usually influenced by factors like lack of sleep or excessive exercise—either one might make it a little louder the next day.

Today, however, I closed a gate, and it made a wood-on-wood screeching sound. It wasn't particularly loud, but it was very sharp and screechy. Now that I think about it, it might have been close to the same frequency as my tinnitus. Immediately afterward, my tinnitus became much louder and has remained that way throughout the day. Additionally, the ear with tinnitus (I have it unilaterally) is red and hot to the touch.

I've heard many people talk about "tinnitus spikes." Is that what this is? I can't imagine I've caused further hearing damage since the sound really wasn't loud, but there's clearly some kind of reaction happening.