Stress and Tinnitus ...

[Dr. Nagler]

In another thread @Dr. Hubbard wrote that stress does not cause tinnitus. I agree with him, but a significant number of people first become aware of their tinnitus during a time of significant stress in their lives (studying for the bar exam, going through a divorce, during the illness of a loved one, etc.) In that regard some authorities see it strictly as coincidence, while others have come to view stress as a "tinnitus-emerger" - as if stress uncovers tinnitus that was there all the time.

Stephen Nagler

 

[Kathi]

In another thread @Dr. Hubbard wrote that stress does not cause tinnitus. I agree with him, but a significant number of people first become aware of their tinnitus during a time of significant stress in their lives (studying for the bar exam, going through a divorce, during the illness of a loved one, etc.) In that regard some authorities see it strictly as coincidence, while others have come to view stress as a "tinnitus-emerger" - as if stress uncovers tinnitus that was there all the time.

Stephen Nagler

I was told by my first ENT that stress plus my age related high frequency hearing loss is what is causing my tinnitus. He actually said that I am the problem. Let me tell you, I felt terrible leaving his office. I soldiered on for a month, had a nervous breakdown, found TT and some wonderful help from the members and my primary care physician who kind of took charge of me and helped me get stabilized.
I recall in my research that someone --it may have been you on your site--said that stress, ''pulls the covers off tinnitus''. That always sounds very reasonable to me because thinking back I can recall temporary bouts of tinnitus for 10 minutes or so that resolved. Then in November it stayed.
Many ENTs think that stress is a cause of tinnitus.