Hello! Looking for answers.

Hey all,

My name is Geoff, and I just began experiencing Tinnitus 2-3 months ago. I've recently undergone a hearing test at a ear and throat specialist and was told everything is fine, working 100%. I was also informed that Tinnitus is just something I would have to live with, there is no cure or solution they can provide me. Which leads me to my signing up on these forums, is there a cause for Tinnitus thats not related to hearing loss?

A little about myself, I'm 28 years old and up until a year ago, lead a completely healthy life. One year ago exactly, I had my first panic attack. Since then, I've been battling anxiety and depression with all of its ups and downs. I've never gone on anti antidepressants, and have taken maybe 20 or so Xanax since. I wanted to battle this naturally, as I knew a pill wouldn't help me cope for the rest of my life. The reason I tell this story is because I believe my Tinnitus has something to do with this episode of my life. Luckily to report, I get anxiety very rarely now, but still experience it here and there, but it doesn't affect my life like it use to. Depression on the other hand comes here and there for a few days, mostly because of small anxiety bouts or the new found Tinnitus.

All in all, I understand there is no cure for what I have... but I also realize that without permanent hearing loss there is still a chance it could eventually go away. The only thing's I've tried so far to alleviate Tinnitus have been a professional ear wax cleaning, and I was prescribed ear drops for pain and swelling. What I'm really curios about, is what typically causes Tinnitus outside of hearing loss? Is there anything I could be missing?

Thank you for taking time to read my story, and Happy New Year!

-Geoff

 

Welcome to the forum. Tinnitus is an awful thing, that's what I think right now.
I never even looked this up on Wikipedia till the other day. Maybe you'll find some info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinnitus

 

Hey Geoff,

Ear wax buildup, ear infections, TMJ disorder, and other muscular problems in the neck/head have been linked to tinnitus as well. Anxiety and depression can make the TMJ and muscular ones worse especially. You should start by getting a hearing test, and if that it's conclusive then you may want to look into other causes.

 

Liesel,

I've already had a hearing test and passed with flying colors. What would you recommend I try next?

Thanks!

-Geoff

 

Find an orthodontist or dentist who specializes in TMJ treatment. They will probably have you fill out a survey of your symptoms. When you go in, they will measure your bite in various ways. In that first meeting they should be able to tell if you have TMJ disorder. They should also be able to tell if you grind your teeth at night, which is a common side effect of anxiety and can contribute to tinnitus. The treatment for either is usually very simple, just a mouth guard you have to wear at night.