- Jan 12, 2025
- 1
- Tinnitus Since
- 12/2024
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Middle ear infection (fluid behind eardrum)
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Argiris, I am from Greece, I am 33 years old, and I work as a software engineer. I would like to share my story with tinnitus.
On 22/12/24, I woke up with massive ear ringing. At first, I didn't pay much attention and went back to sleep. Over the following days, I experienced momentary pain in one or both ears—about 2 to 5 sharp stabs—not every day. I also felt a sensation of stuffed ears.
On 25/12/24, I went to the hospital. A general doctor diagnosed me with fluid behind the eardrum. (I had not felt sick prior to this—no warning signs other than a possible sore throat.) The doctor prescribed a steroid nasal spray to be used three times a day for one week.
On 31/12/24, I visited the first ENT. He performed an audiogram and a tympanogram. The audiogram showed that I could hear at 25 dB instead of 20 dB at 2 kHz and at 30 dB instead of 20 dB at 4 kHz. All other frequencies were normal. He prescribed methylprednisolone orally for 15 days: 48 mg per day for one week, 32 mg per day for three days, 16 mg per day for two days, and 8 mg per day for one day. The fluid resolved, and my ears were fine, but the symptoms persisted.
On 3/1/25, I visited a second ENT at a military hospital. He conducted the same examinations, with the same results. He was confident that my condition would improve or possibly be cured entirely. He advised me to be patient, remain calm, and continue my life as usual. He also recommended using white noise for relief.
Now, let me share my progress.
I'm fortunate to have a very supportive girlfriend and a couple of friends who understand my situation and give me courage, especially during the dark days.
The first two weeks were living hell. I couldn't sleep, focus on anything, or picture myself living like this for the rest of my life. I experienced anxiety attacks and depression. Reading catastrophic comments on the internet had a huge negative impact on me. I failed to consider that every person is different and reacts differently, with many factors influencing the outcome.
I started recording my progress daily.
Today marks 22 days since the start of my tinnitus (22/12/24) and 16 days since the fluid resolved (31/12/24).
7/1/25 - Progress Update:
I know it's very early in the healing process. I'm trying to remain patient and hopeful. I've also purchased professional earplugs with filters to reduce several decibels when going to cafes or social gatherings.
I still experience mild hyperacusis, occasional stabs, and a clogged-ear sensation, but not daily.
I will continue to update my progress and contribute as much as I can. I hope everyone here finds healing soon. When I recover, I plan to make a video and actively support new sufferers on this forum.
I apologize for my English, and I would be happy to answer any questions or receive advice. I'm new to this situation and look forward to your replies!
On 22/12/24, I woke up with massive ear ringing. At first, I didn't pay much attention and went back to sleep. Over the following days, I experienced momentary pain in one or both ears—about 2 to 5 sharp stabs—not every day. I also felt a sensation of stuffed ears.
On 25/12/24, I went to the hospital. A general doctor diagnosed me with fluid behind the eardrum. (I had not felt sick prior to this—no warning signs other than a possible sore throat.) The doctor prescribed a steroid nasal spray to be used three times a day for one week.
On 31/12/24, I visited the first ENT. He performed an audiogram and a tympanogram. The audiogram showed that I could hear at 25 dB instead of 20 dB at 2 kHz and at 30 dB instead of 20 dB at 4 kHz. All other frequencies were normal. He prescribed methylprednisolone orally for 15 days: 48 mg per day for one week, 32 mg per day for three days, 16 mg per day for two days, and 8 mg per day for one day. The fluid resolved, and my ears were fine, but the symptoms persisted.
On 3/1/25, I visited a second ENT at a military hospital. He conducted the same examinations, with the same results. He was confident that my condition would improve or possibly be cured entirely. He advised me to be patient, remain calm, and continue my life as usual. He also recommended using white noise for relief.
Now, let me share my progress.
I'm fortunate to have a very supportive girlfriend and a couple of friends who understand my situation and give me courage, especially during the dark days.
The first two weeks were living hell. I couldn't sleep, focus on anything, or picture myself living like this for the rest of my life. I experienced anxiety attacks and depression. Reading catastrophic comments on the internet had a huge negative impact on me. I failed to consider that every person is different and reacts differently, with many factors influencing the outcome.
I started recording my progress daily.
Today marks 22 days since the start of my tinnitus (22/12/24) and 16 days since the fluid resolved (31/12/24).
7/1/25 - Progress Update:
- My tinnitus is mild to medium most of the time during the day.
- I have had four loud spikes that lasted 1-3 hours each, occurring randomly.
- Compared to the first two weeks, I see some progress. After spikes, I sometimes feel depressed again, but I remind myself that most of the day is mild to medium, with rare moments of silence.
- Crickets (this sound is new and was not present in the first two weeks).
- A constant "eeeeee," mainly in my left ear.
I know it's very early in the healing process. I'm trying to remain patient and hopeful. I've also purchased professional earplugs with filters to reduce several decibels when going to cafes or social gatherings.
I still experience mild hyperacusis, occasional stabs, and a clogged-ear sensation, but not daily.
I will continue to update my progress and contribute as much as I can. I hope everyone here finds healing soon. When I recover, I plan to make a video and actively support new sufferers on this forum.
I apologize for my English, and I would be happy to answer any questions or receive advice. I'm new to this situation and look forward to your replies!
