Can Herpes (HSV-1) Make Tinnitus Worse?

I've had tinnitus since 2022 and was unfortunately diagnosed with HSV-1. I'm wondering if the stress from dealing with herpes is making my tinnitus worse.

My tinnitus was initially idiopathic, and I suspect it started because of the intense stress I was experiencing at the time. It hasn't gone away since.

 

Tinnitus is most often caused by damage to the inner ear, which can result from gradual noise exposure, trauma, infection, and similar factors. Stress can also play a role by disrupting the brain's gating system, leading to the perception of tinnitus.

While herpes is a common condition, speculating on the specific cause of auditory system damage is generally unproductive. There are limited treatment options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hearing aids, cochlear implants, and certain medication combinations.