New Feedback Tinnitus Tone After Ear Infection

[Jamie]

Hi everyone,

I've had an interesting new development with my tinnitus. My story is long, but I was managing it reasonably well. There were good days and bad days, but I was still living life as fully as I could.

A few weeks ago, I got a slight ear infection, which has now triggered a new mid-range tone in my left ear. It's really odd—sometimes it goes away completely, but if I listen to any noise, like taking a shower (which used to calm my ears), this new tone suddenly flares up.

It sounds a bit like feedback from an amp: when there's noise, the tone grows louder, then slowly fades away. The more noise there is, the louder the tone and the longer it takes to fade. Sometimes it's even there in the background all the time.

I've seen a doctor and an audiologist, but in New Zealand, all they seem to offer are hearing aids. The general opinion here is that all tinnitus is the same and that it's primarily a brain issue. I have an ENT appointment scheduled, but it's still over a month away. I was also referred for an MRI, but they've determined it's not urgent, so that could be months away as well. The healthcare system here in NZ has been severely strained since COVID-19.

I'm just concerned this new tone may be permanent, and I'm wondering if seeing an ENT or getting an MRI sooner could make a difference.

Any questions, ideas, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I also wish you all the best on your own tinnitus journeys.

 

[annV]

It sounds a bit like feedback from an amp: when there's noise, the tone grows louder, then slowly fades away. The more noise there is, the louder the tone and the longer it takes to fade. Sometimes it's even there in the background all the time.

Isn't this reactive tinnitus?