Hey all. Thanks for the posts and information here. You've been good company/hope to me in some low moments.
My story: I'm 35. I've never had ear issues. No loud noise exposure. Labor Day weekend, took a day long hike to 13,000 feet. Couldn't get ears to pop upon return to "lower" altitude (I live at ~7000 feet). Ear pain sent me to urgent care a few days later, diagnosed with an ear infection (which I likely never did have), took antibiotics that did nothing. Finally saw an ENT when I was still suffering 2 weeks later (ear pain, echoing in my head, couldn't "pop" ears.) I think ear ringing started around this time, so 2 months ago now. Long story short I had an audiogram that showed some minimal high frequency hearing loss, and a CT that showed there was fluid in my right side mastoid cavities. Nothing to do but hope and pray it would go away, or discuss surgery with my doc in a few months. The fluid was an annoyance but the ringing? Misery. Nonstop misery. Doc put a tube in my ear to allow me to fly. I had a follow up CT last week and the fluid is "gone" according to the docs, probably cleared up naturally + drained with assistance of the tube. I can still hear a bit in there but I'm assuming it's a minimal amount to not show on CT. But the ringing? Still f*cking going. I broke down on Sunday, told my husband if it weren't for our three young children I don't know that I'd want to go on if this doesn't go away. I'm doing the white noise, I'm doing acupuncture (during my last session he poked a spot behind my ear that made my T change in tone for a minute or two, then return to its regular high pitch, but this gave me hope he's doing SOMETHING that manipulated the T), I'm doing some of the supplements.
I haven't seen many stories similar to mine which make me feel like a freak of nature. I look back on the day of the hike and just cry, an activity so healthy and innocent (and that I was so proud of myself for doing!) has snowballed into the worst period of my life. My friends are supportive but don't quite get all this, or why the ringing is such a big deal. I'm shying away from a lot of social gatherings because the ringing is distracting and well, I'm just depressed. I've racked up about $4000 in medical bills, which really doesn't help with my anxiety! I'm often cranky with my kids and my spouse because I'm just so f*cking annoyed to have to be dealing with this. Like the rest of you, I struggle with sleep and have the sound machine and fan going to help, but have resorted to Benadryl or amitriptyline most nights to get to sleep. I'm so sad that what I once enjoyed most - a quiet house and a good book - is now impossible to enjoy at all.
Not sure what I'm looking for here. Just wanted to share my story, and if anyone has a similar one I'd love to hear from you. I keep reminding myself that it's just been 2 1/2 months since my ear drama began and there's every chance this could just clear up and go away. I hate this.
My story: I'm 35. I've never had ear issues. No loud noise exposure. Labor Day weekend, took a day long hike to 13,000 feet. Couldn't get ears to pop upon return to "lower" altitude (I live at ~7000 feet). Ear pain sent me to urgent care a few days later, diagnosed with an ear infection (which I likely never did have), took antibiotics that did nothing. Finally saw an ENT when I was still suffering 2 weeks later (ear pain, echoing in my head, couldn't "pop" ears.) I think ear ringing started around this time, so 2 months ago now. Long story short I had an audiogram that showed some minimal high frequency hearing loss, and a CT that showed there was fluid in my right side mastoid cavities. Nothing to do but hope and pray it would go away, or discuss surgery with my doc in a few months. The fluid was an annoyance but the ringing? Misery. Nonstop misery. Doc put a tube in my ear to allow me to fly. I had a follow up CT last week and the fluid is "gone" according to the docs, probably cleared up naturally + drained with assistance of the tube. I can still hear a bit in there but I'm assuming it's a minimal amount to not show on CT. But the ringing? Still f*cking going. I broke down on Sunday, told my husband if it weren't for our three young children I don't know that I'd want to go on if this doesn't go away. I'm doing the white noise, I'm doing acupuncture (during my last session he poked a spot behind my ear that made my T change in tone for a minute or two, then return to its regular high pitch, but this gave me hope he's doing SOMETHING that manipulated the T), I'm doing some of the supplements.
I haven't seen many stories similar to mine which make me feel like a freak of nature. I look back on the day of the hike and just cry, an activity so healthy and innocent (and that I was so proud of myself for doing!) has snowballed into the worst period of my life. My friends are supportive but don't quite get all this, or why the ringing is such a big deal. I'm shying away from a lot of social gatherings because the ringing is distracting and well, I'm just depressed. I've racked up about $4000 in medical bills, which really doesn't help with my anxiety! I'm often cranky with my kids and my spouse because I'm just so f*cking annoyed to have to be dealing with this. Like the rest of you, I struggle with sleep and have the sound machine and fan going to help, but have resorted to Benadryl or amitriptyline most nights to get to sleep. I'm so sad that what I once enjoyed most - a quiet house and a good book - is now impossible to enjoy at all.
Not sure what I'm looking for here. Just wanted to share my story, and if anyone has a similar one I'd love to hear from you. I keep reminding myself that it's just been 2 1/2 months since my ear drama began and there's every chance this could just clear up and go away. I hate this.
Member
Just KNOW that I was convinced 100% that I would not make it and my life was over, and guess what, it's not!! And it's not for you.I realize it is near impossible to hear from people that things will get better!! I didn't believe anyone!! But they do!! Sleep, exercise , emotional/psychological management, relationship nurturing and openness to support will get you through!!! We are all in your corner and here to help!!! 
