Cyclical Low-Frequency Tinnitus + Hyperacusis After Viral Infections — Anyone Else?

[UkTelfordGuy]

Hi everyone,

I've been dealing with a frustrating and confusing pattern of ear and tinnitus symptoms for about 8 months now, and I'm hoping to find others who might relate or have found some answers.

It all started after a series of viral infections last year — including what felt like lingering ear fluid and sinus congestion. Since then, I've been stuck in a repeating cycle that goes like this:

1. It starts with a low-pitched tinnitus that sounds like Morse code or random blips — often at night or in silence.
2. That turns into a low, constant hum (kind of like an idling engine or distant subwoofer).
3. Then it builds up into this loud, deep jet-engine-like humming that lasts for days and messes with my concentration and sleep. It triggers anxiety almost subconsciously — like my nervous system is on edge even when I try to stay calm.
4. After a few days, the hum fades. But then I'm left with really sensitive ears, like mild hyperacusis or sound distortion. Normal sounds feel sharper or more irritating than usual.
5. Then I get a few days of near-normal hearing — almost like nothing ever happened.
6. And just when I think it's over, the cycle restarts.

This has been repeating for months. I've seen an audiologist (normal hearing), ENT (they mentioned some fluid but nothing conclusive), and I've tried decongestants, nasal sprays, and even sound therapy using ocean/white noise through hearing aids.

I also get neck and shoulder tension, sometimes a weird adrenaline-type rush in the back of my neck after a bad phase, and I wonder if this could also be related to nervous system imbalance or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

I'd love to know:

• Has anyone else experienced this exact cycle?
• Was your tinnitus caused or worsened by a virus?
• Did it eventually stabilize or go away?
• Any success with vagus nerve stimulation or physical therapy?

I'm trying to stay hopeful, but the cyclical nature of this makes it hard. Any shared stories or advice would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks for reading.