Cochlear Hair Cell Damage Simultaneously in Both Ears — Too Coincidental?

After 6 months' wait, I finally had my ENT specialist phone me today. Seemed like a very smart doctor and good person. Unfortunately I didn't really find out much that I didn't know from this forum before.

He's convinced there is no reason to see me in person and that I haven't had any ETD symptoms. It's just tinnitus. I will probably never know why it started. I should do my best to not get anxious or it will snowball. I should see my GP if I need medication for that. If they were me, they would stop reading about it or chatting with others about it because they think it only makes it worse. I should try to do things that take my mind off it and CBT might help with that. I can also try listening to white noise or anything else that helps. Hearing aids may help as well.

All good advice I guess. I was just hopeful to be tested for ETD. Not 100% convinced there isn't something going on in my middle ears. He seemed a little rushed as
I'm sure he is very busy.

 

I've had pretty loud tinnitus the last few days and this evening my ears feel full and left ear has a mild ache. I've had the mild ache a few times before. I was wearing earplugs for a couple hours today because I was hammering a chisel breaking rock.

 

Sorry to hear that Mike. I think you need some better protection maybe. The fullness could be from additional aggravation or maybe from changing weather? Some of the experts on the site might be able to give you some insight. Hopefully you get better soon.