Is Tinnitus Neurological If You Don’t Know How You Got It?

[Nothisispatrick]

I don't know how I got tinnitus, I just woke up March 17th to high hissing sound. From there on out I went weeks with a lot of changes that have genuinely freaked me out. It's now a high hiss and I hope it stays that way.

I guess what freaks me out is, is this a neurological issue...? Or in the ears?

I don't know what caused mine. All I know is 2 weeks later after all the hearing test etc (everything came back normal) I had an ear infection/retracted ear drum. Then went back for a check up my other ear looked grey and was prescribed more antibiotics.

How do I even figure out my possible root cause...?

 

[GregCA]

How do I even figure out my possible root cause...?

https://www.tinnitusresearch.net/index.php/for-clinicians/diagnostic-flowchart

 

[Nothisispatrick]

https://www.tinnitusresearch.net/index.php/for-clinicians/diagnostic-flowchart

Ya I've tried looking at that. It's a little complicated. I wasn't on any meds or take any meds and wasn't subjected to loud sounds in the days leading up. Just really nervous on why.

 

[GregCA]

Ya I've tried looking at that. It's a little complicated. I wasn't on any meds or take any meds and wasn't subjected to loud sounds in the days leading up. Just really nervous on why.

Well you need a bunch of tests to navigate that flow chart. It is meant for you to use with your doctor. A typical first step is to go to an ENT doc & audiologist (if the former doesn't find anything obvious).

 

[Nothisispatrick]

Well you need a bunch of tests to navigate that flow chart. It is meant for you to use with your doctor. A typical first step is to go to an ENT doc & audiologist (if the former doesn't find anything obvious).

Yeah, I went to one and everything came back normal. My hearing came back above average for my age, they did some weird test that test the outer hairs in your cochlea and it came back normal, they did a test for hidden hearing loss came back normal. The only thing I can think of is the ear infection I had and possibly ETD. Having a lot of crackles in my ear and popping and some pressure/fullness on and off but not sure. Really have no idea. I'm just scared of neurological issues.

 

[Tybs]

Did you happen to have any kind of neck/jaw trauma recently? Even if it seems minor?