New Onset Tinnitus and Possible Hyperacusis from Ear Infection

[Sand6]

I woke up with an ear infection a week ago. I got put on antibiotics (10 day course) that afternoon. That same day the ringing began. It's a high pitch ring that is constant though the intensity fluctuates. I expected temporary hearing loss/changes but I'm almost done with my antibiotics and still have hearing issues. Things seem too loud while others are too soft.

I have young children at home who are super noisy and I find myself not being able to tolerate their noise level but also can't excape it. I've also been taking sudafed (my nose congestion is largely resolved but I still get plugged ears) and Tylenol or Advil to reduce swelling. Today I purchase ear plugs and some vitamins suggested here. I really need this to be temporary.

Anything else I can do to enhance the chances of recovery?

 

[GregCA]

I really need this to be temporary. Anything else I can do to enhance the chances of recovery?

Try to keep your ears away from loud sounds/noise. Don't lose hope if your T/H hasn't disappeared right away - it can take a long time to subside (weeks).

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. I agree that hyperacusis will usually fade away within months, particularly the form of H that comes after a high pitch tinnitus. I have had that condition with piercingly hurtful H soon after my ultra high pitch T. The H was really limiting as I couldn't tolerate most normal noises, TV, driving, dish washing, party, restaurants, social conversation, not even the soft voice of my wife when spoken close to me. That was some miserable time. But like others have reported, my H slowly faded when I didn't over protect from normal ambient sounds. Now my T is still here but H was gone and never came back. Thanks goodness. Good luck and take care. God bless.

 

[Sand6]

Just got back from the doctor and I have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. He has me taking Claritin once daily and said to keep popping my ears. He said it should take 6 weeks to recover and the ringing may or may not be permanent. Feeling cautiously hopeful.

 

[billie48]

with ETD if your tube is not draining well with blockage, you can give this video exercise a try. Nothing to lose as it is a simple thing to do.

 

[fishbone]

I woke up with an ear infection a week ago. I got put on antibiotics (10 day course) that afternoon. That same day the ringing began. It's a high pitch ring that is constant though the intensity fluctuates. I expected temporary hearing loss/changes but I'm almost done with my antibiotics and still have hearing issues. Things seem too loud while others are too soft.

I have young children at home who are super noisy and I find myself not being able to tolerate their noise level but also can't excape it. I've also been taking sudafed (my nose congestion is largely resolved but I still get plugged ears) and Tylenol or Advil to reduce swelling. Today I purchase ear plugs and some vitamins suggested here. I really need this to be temporary.

Anything else I can do to enhance the chances of recovery?

If you have developed sensitivity to noise, then it's possible that hyperacusis has set in. I use to have horrible hyperacusis for 4-5 years when I first got tinnitus, so I do fully understand just how difficult it can be. Just do know that hyperacusis can be treated, if it doesn't go away.

Your tinnitus is very new and it can fluctuate quite a bit. Try to stay away from places that are loud. Try to limit your stress. Try not to listen for the ringing. Do protect your ears from loud places/noises. Do NOT overprotect your ears and negatively train your mind to be scared of all noises. Not all noises are harmful to your ears.

Tinnitus will take time to adjust to, we are all in the same boat here. Some longer than others, but we have a common goal of bonding and supporting