Ring-a-ding

[Spartator36]

Hello,

I've suffered from noise induced tinnitus from a firework that exploded near me in my left ear for 5 years. I used one of the neuromonic devices as a treatment, and while that did not remove the tinnitus, it did make it less of a bother and these days even on quite days it doesnt really bother me that much.

Fast forward to about a week ago, I started having Eustachian tube issues (blocked ear, ringing, muffled). Doctor had a look in my ear canal, the capillaries on my eardrum were dilated and the canal was quite red (pic below- sorry if gross!). Additionally, I suffered a sensitivity to sound, but it wasnt too bad.

Unfortunately, after a night out at a birthday party with noise levels (it was outside at a pub, not like clubbing or anything that loud) that normally wouldn't be a problem, I developed a ringing in right my ear. I suspected it would disappear, but here, 4 days later (with sleepless nights) it still rings. The symptoms from earlier had...mostly.... gone, but still noticeable. The ringing however is just as prevalent as before.

Does anyone have any experience with something like this? Does noise sensitivity from ETD cause permanent tinnitus? Is there anything I can do now to reduce it??

I've had ETD before and it all went away within a few days. Of course no GP or audiologist has answers for me because my hearing is normal and pressure is normal now too.

 

[PortalNaut]

I can't say as my journey is a bit different; I think I got ETD after I got T. My impression is perhaps your T will reduce as you get rid of the ETD and inflammation. Did the Dr. want to treat your ear any specific way?

 

[Spartator36]

I can't say as my journey is a bit different; I think I got ETD after I got T. My impression is perhaps your T will reduce as you get rid of the ETD and inflammation. Did the Dr. want to treat your ear any specific way?

Not really. Time, equalising, chewing, yawning and decongestants. I haven't really felt any improvement from anything and I think the constant attention has made the T in my left ear (firework) louder. Doesnt bother me too much but I think I've been messing with my ears so much its making them more unhappy.

Also since then I've been experiencing sharp pain occasionally, maybe once or twice a day in both ears...

I had a quick visit to an audiologist (Dr suggested it just in case) and they said there was no redness in my ears. This was 2 days after, so the inflammation cleared up very fast!