Tinnitus in Left Ear Caused by Anxiety

[Jaume]

Hello,

My name is Jaume, and I have been experiencing tinnitus for the past three months. It started one quiet night when I was struggling to sleep due to stress. Around 6 a.m., I began hearing a very loud buzzing sound in my left ear. Naturally, I panicked, feeling utterly hopeless and convinced that no one could help me. However, as time passed, my tinnitus gradually improved. All the professionals I consulted assured me that it was a psychological symptom triggered by stress—when I'm stressed, the tinnitus becomes more noticeable.

There are times when it's challenging to cope, and today has been especially difficult. On tough days, I sometimes feel hopeless. But when I'm in a good mood, I hardly notice the tinnitus at all. I'm at a point where I still notice it frequently, but there are moments when it fades into the background. Of course, it still annoys me.

Regarding my condition: I have high-pitched tinnitus in my left ear, similar to the sound of an old TV. Fortunately, I have 0% hearing loss and can hear frequencies even up to 8 kHz, including those higher than my tinnitus. The sound seems to disappear when I listen to other noises like rain, wind, or during conversations. Sometimes, I feel pressure in my left ear or even pain, but the doctors haven't found anything unusual.

I am currently waiting for the results of an MRI.

I've always been an anxious person and have been taking Escitalopram for the past three years. I noticed the tinnitus after a period of not taking my medication as regularly.

Some days I feel very good, and other days are tough. While it is improving, I'm still on this journey.

 

[LaurieJ]

I also have tinnitus without hearing loss. Mine started in 2021, initially affecting only my left ear, but over time, it has spread to both ears and is now a constant, high-pitched hissing sound, 24/7. I struggle with anxiety as well, and while I do my best to cope, ignoring it most of the time, it still takes a toll on me emotionally.

I've visited two ENT doctors, both of whom told me it's something I'll just have to live with. The first doctor, in particular, seemed eager to leave the room quickly. I'm scared because I've read that tinnitus can sometimes lead to dementia. After three years of living with it and watching it worsen, I'm not hopeful that it will ever improve.

Wishing you, and all of us, the best of luck.

 

[RocketJSquirrel]

I have a prescription for Lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety. 1 mg twice a day, but I actually only take it when needed. It doesn't alleviate my tinnitus, but it helps me care less. But honestly, a vodka martini helps about as much.

 

[orenge01]

I also have tinnitus without hearing loss. Mine started in 2021, initially affecting only my left ear, but over time, it has spread to both ears and is now a constant, high-pitched hissing sound, 24/7. I struggle with anxiety as well, and while I do my best to cope, ignoring it most of the time, it still takes a toll on me emotionally.

I've visited two ENT doctors, both of whom told me it's something I'll just have to live with. The first doctor, in particular, seemed eager to leave the room quickly. I'm scared because I've read that tinnitus can sometimes lead to dementia. After three years of living with it and watching it worsen, I'm not hopeful that it will ever improve.

Wishing you, and all of us, the best of luck.

It's a shame it's a cumulative condition. I wish it could improve more than just worsen. I wish you and everyone the best of luck as well. My luck has been awful