Longtime Ringing + New Rumbling Tinnitus

[cris]

I've had a high-pitched ringing in my head since childhood. I suspect it started after a series of severe ear infections. It's worst in quiet rooms and when trying to sleep, but I've had bigger fish to fry and haven't dedicated much time to resolving it.

For the last 3 days, after a month of very high stress, I've heard/felt an intermittent low-frequency rumbling sound/sensation in only my right ear (which is maddening). I'm trying to manage my stress, but that's harder than it sounds.

Nice to meet you all!

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. Here, we understand the struggles you are having with tinnitus, as many of us have similar issues.

Like you, I have had an ultra high-pitched tinnitus for more than 10 years, and about 2 years ago, a new loud low-frequency jet-engine humming ringing appeared in my left ear, which went deaf overnight.

If there is any consolation to share with you, after 2 years, my life is back to normal even though the ringings are still there. I even wrote two success stories to share my experiences and some helpful strategies.

I hope your condition will improve as your body may heal or get used to the new ringing.

Take care. God bless.

 

[MindOverMatter]

@cris, welcome on board!

It could be tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS). This is often stress-related and is often set off by stress. Speaking of my own experience. I've had this on and off for a long time. Like an engine idle in the distance - and a vibrating feeling from time to time (that sometimes is felt even physically).

After COVID-19 infection late December, it's been more regular - particularly last 3 weeks or so.

Like with any type of tinnitus, the more you think of it, the more it manifests itself as a threat to our mind and body. And we become stuck in fight and flight mode.

For me, to break a negative cycle, I shift my attention to something I like doing. Getting outdoors in nature, photography and working out are all hobbies that shift my mind to the here and now, and away from tinnitus.

 

[dd314]

I get this exact thing when I'm stressed. Thankfully it never lasts more than 3 weeks at a time. It seems to be the type of sound that goes away most consistently for me.

 

[Tryn2BHopeful]

I get this low rumbling after driving, late at night, and sometimes during the day. Most external noise stops it right away, but it starts again when the sound stops. It generally subsides after a few minutes. Most often, it happens in my house, i.e., I can drive to work and not have it, drive to the store and nothing, drive home, and bam, there it is.

I have asked multiple audiologists about it, and they look at me like I am crazy. I don't think it's related to stress, but I have no idea otherwise.

 

[RunningMan]

I get this low rumbling after driving, late at night, and sometimes during the day. Most external noise stops it right away, but it starts again when the sound stops. It generally subsides after a few minutes. Most often, it happens in my house, i.e., I can drive to work and not have it, drive to the store and nothing, drive home, and bam, there it is.

I have asked multiple audiologists about it, and they look at me like I am crazy. I don't think it's related to stress, but I have no idea otherwise.

I also have that, and it will persist at home if it's quiet, but the intensity varies. But I have heard it away from home when it was quiet and calm out, but usually just at home.

It's very different from my TTTS which is either fluttering of the eardrum or individual thumps of the eardrum.