Bilateral Tinnitus After Dental Work: Have I Missed Anything I Should Be Doing?

[Tasbloke]

I have had bilateral tinnitus for just over a week now, and "distressing" is putting it mildly. I know about relaxation and masking, but the noise in my head—first a low hum (infrequent), then joined by a higher-pitched ringing (much more constant)—is frightening and not easy to ignore, especially since it wakes me up at night. My sleep and appetite are both suffering greatly.

I have been to the GP, who said my blood pressure is normal and noted some wax and scarring in my right ear, but did not mention infection. He sent me for blood tests, which I had this morning. I also asked my dentist, at an appointment tomorrow, for an x-ray of my recent root canal site (I am two visits into a planned four). The tinnitus started a week after the second visit, so I want to check for possible infection or inflammation. I also have an audiologist appointment scheduled for October 2.

Have I missed anything? Is there anything else I should be doing? This is proving hugely stressful, and the thought of never being free of this noise feels like a waking nightmare.

 

[Sydnears]

The timing with the dentist is suspicious, so I'd definitely look into that. I need a root canal myself and I'm dreading it.

Have you had a hearing test?

I'm five months in with similar noises, a humming sound and a white noise ring in the other ear, after an infection. I'm in Australia as well. Where in Tassie are you?

This isn't medical advice, but my suggestion is to try to get through without medication. I was a wreck for three months, but every medication I tried seemed to make the tinnitus worse. Eventually I gave up and just leaned into it, and I'm sleeping much better now, though I'm still nowhere near habituated.

Best of luck, mate.