Tinnitus Increased After a Virus

[Steffi]

I first developed T about 6 years ago after a rock concert. It faded quite quickly to mostly only being able to hear it at night in a really quiet room.

However, my T has always been very reactive to everyday sounds. For example, driving or being in a busy restaurant, a day in the classroom (I'm a primary teacher) would cause my ears to really pulsate with a loud ring for about half an hour after leaving the noise behind.

Over Christmas and New Year, I had quite a severe virus and moderate sinusitis. This has lead to a more constant and far louder ringing/fizzing in my left ear.

My right ear has never really troubled me. Still, my T is very reactive to everyday sounds and if I go out, on returning home my ears will scream for an hour or so.

I guess I have two queries: is my T likely to return to its pre virus level and is it normal for it to be so reactive to sounds that aren't stupidly high?

This is my first post. Sorry if I've rambled.

 

[racerfish]

What medications did you take for your virus? It's possible the increase is a side effect from a drug you took.

 

[Steffi]

I was taking flu relief capsules, the occasional lemsip and then Sudafed for my congestion when it went to my sinuses. I have been on propranolol for three weeks as my increased T brought on panic and anxiety.

 

[Steffi]

At the moment I am only taking propranolol as all outward signs of my virus have gone although I do have mild earache on and off.

 

[yonkapin]

The propranolol could be contributing. Beta-blockers can mess with tinnitus if I can recall correctly.