Why Do I Have Tinnitus So Randomly? At Times I Can't Hear It, Then It Comes Back

[RamblinMan]

So around the last week in February I had a low hum tinnitus in my left ear during/after a very bad upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. The noise gradually declined but not all the way. I've been to 1 general doc and 2 ENTs. They tested my hearing-perfect. Tried various combos of steroids, nasal sprays, netipot, the usual stuff to get rid of the lingering sinus infection. It still comes and goes--tough time shaking it.

The tinnitus scares the heck out of me but it has become quite random. I lost it completely for about 4 days--I was so happy. I think that's when they had me on a steroid and antibiotic combo, but then it gradually returned.

So now I've noticed this pattern--I can't hear it all day as I'm out and about. I have purposely gone to the library, friend's houses, etc. to quiet spaces to see I can hear it--nope. When I come home, even when I purposely turn on no sounds, I'm the only on home... I can't hear it. Perfect.

I will be home, no TV, no computer, and just sit in my chair and read. Then, gradually over the next 2 hours, from roughly 7pm to 9pm, it just gets gradually and gradually louder. I haven't added new sounds to the environment, just sitting and reading. I just don't get it.

I could understand if I my kids running around then the house was suddenly quiet, but I have assured the house is quiet when I get home and I simply do not have the tinnitus. I know there doesn't seem to be a "normal" with tinnitus, but I just don't get this. Open to feedback.

My doc think seems to think because it's only one ear, it's the ear on the side of my infection and most congestion, that it is secondary to Eustachian tube dysfunction and that if I can get it to resolve my tinnitus will go away. I sure hope he's right. I'm getting depressed right now.

Thank you.

 

[Digital Doc]

Two thoughts:

T can vary throughout the day. A common pattern is for it to be quietest in the morning and increase throughout the day, as it sounds like you are experiencing.

Delayed spikes are common. Do you think your T is noise induced? Spikes can happen for days after the noise exposure in some cases. Keeping a diary of loud noise exposure with dates and times may help show the pattern.

 

[RamblinMan]

I believe my T was caused by the ear infection I had given it came on that night. I don't think it's noise related.

Mine can be very bad in the morning and then at night. I don't understand though why when I'm at home, there is nothing, then gradually it gets worse and worse although nothing has changed like watching TV or music. Just sitting and reading. So frustrating. Hard not to get depressed though I'm sure I'm not the only one experiencing that. Thanks.