Introduction — Tinnitus Since I Was Young, Don't Remember Not Having It

Hello everyone,
It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself to the group. Thank you for accepting me.

My name is Christine. I've had tinnitus in both ears since I was young. I don't remember not having it. It sounds like crickets. The condition has been such a part of me that I have never really thought of it as a problem until recently. Typically, I am able to ignore the sound, or mask it with music, white noise or daily life. It was really only noticeable when it's really quiet, and I'm so used to it that it didn't bother me too much. If I was sick then it annoyed me but nothing serious.

Until recently. A short while ago I "heard" a very loud ringing in my left ear only. It is occasionally accompanied by a chime sound. I still hear the crickets too, but that's different. I need to get this looked at.

Anyway, I'm happy to hear about this group.
Thank you for your time and reading my post.

Christine

 

What do you think caused it? Have you been exposed to any loud (or even moderate) noises?

 

Thank you for asking. I'm really not sure what caused it. While watching television it started. I thought it was just one of those momentary things, but it never stopped. My left ear "feels" different, although it's difficult to express how. Kind of like when you wear something too tight and can still feel it when you take it off.

 

Also, I received a private message and I'm not sure how to respond to it.
Anyone?

 

Welcome to the forum, @privee68

There are many causes, single or combined, which can trigger or aggravate tinnitus including but not limited to drug side-effects from ototoxic drugs, ear wax build-up, ear-wax removal suction, inner ear infection, Eustachian tube disorder or ETD, ear drum injury, fluid build-up in ears feeling pressured or fullness, sinus infection & congestion especially with a bad cold, TMJ, TTTS, autoimmune disorders such as Lyme Disease & Fibromyalgia, high blood pressure or blood circulation problem, anemia, loud noise exposure or acoustic trauma/shock, acoustic neuroma tumor, head injury or TBI, neck injury or muscle problems, hearing loss from aging or other causes, Meniere's Decease, barotrauma from rapid pressure changes in flights or diving, especially with congested nose or sinus causing failure to balance the pressure changes, slapping of the ears, deep grief, untreated sleep apnea, extreme/extended stress, anxiety & panic disorder, depression, sleep deprivation, etc.

T can also be caused or made worse by unhealthy diet such as too much salt, sugar, caffeine, MSG, alcohol, gluten, etc. or by lacking some mineral or vitamin supplements, such as Magnesium, Zinc, B12, D3 etc.

As for the private message, it is the conversation mode. You just click on the message in the Inbox of the private conversation and post your reply.

 

Thank you for the information Billie48! I've made an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow and will relay what she seems to think it could be.

I'm not seeing the way to respond to the PM but I will respond here and hopefully the person will see.
I am from the US.
I've had T since I was a child. I just assumed that everyone "heard" the same thing I did. I didn't realize until I was an adult that it's not what everyone hears. It's sometimes barely there, depending on the noise in the room. If a room is quiet it can seem quite loud, but not unpleasant or disturbing. It sounds like crickets.
The "new" ringing is disturbing. It keeps me awake and I can hear it all the time. It seems to get louder as the noise around me gets louder.

I appreciate everyone's responses and I am thankful.
Christine

 

Hi @privee68,
How are you today? Have you seen your doctor?

Erika

 

Thank you for asking Erika!
I'm doing well, The doctor said I have a lot of fluid in my ears, an ear infection and a sinus infection.
Crazy, because I'm not feeling ill. I've been on an antibiotic since Friday afternoon but no improvement in the "new" ringing in my ear as of yet. Hopefully soon.
I hope everyone has a great week!
Christine

 

That's really crazy, but i think it's good that the doctor found the reason and I hope so much that the new tone will disappear soon. Take care

Erika