Sudden Intermmitent Tinnitus in My Right Ear

Hi, my name is Darren. My tinnitus started around 2-3 weeks ago. I thought it was an ear infection but it’s appears not to be. The noise is intermittent and in my right ear. At the moment my hearing hasn’t been affected.

The doctor has referred me to a specialist that could take months. My wife is with BUPA through work so I’m hoping to go through them.

The noise is hard to describe but will it ever go away?

Best wishes,
Darren

 

You are a new sufferer. You have a VERY high chance of remission, so don't worry. Unfortunately this can take months or even years.

In the meantime do not do anything overtly loud as not to make your tinnitus worse. No concerts, no loud bars, no movies theaters. You can test these experiences by going (with very good hearing protection) and see what happens, if you'd like.

Do not waste time on specialists. I guarantee they will not tell you anything of use and probably just recommend Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. If you have issues with anxiety, I recommend visiting a cognitive behavioral therapist.

DO NOT under any circumstances:

1) do acoustic reflex tests
2) do a microsuction for ear wax removal
3) do an MRI (this will not show anything of use - acoustic neuromas are so rare that the chances of you having one vs. the risk of worsening from the noise isn't worth it)

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

Hi @Darren Sykes.

Many things can cause the onset of tinnitus and the most common is exposure to loud noise. Typically it is listening to audio at too high a volume through headphones, earbuds, headsets, AirPods, noise cancelling and bone conduction headphones without realising it. If you have been a regular user of any of these devices then your tinnitus is probably noise induced.

Under these circumstances the best treatment is to leave your ears alone and not seek any form of medical treatment including going to ENT with BUPA, unless you are experiencing deafness, problems with your balance, dizziness or acute pain in your ears.

You will get the best help and long term aftercare for tinnitus under the NHS that no private treatment can match in the UK, that I assure you. There is a good reason an ENT appointment can take 4 to 6 months waiting time under the NHS which I explain in my posts: New to Tinnitus, What to Do? and Tinnitus, a Personal View. Please click on the links below and read them.

Try to avoid quiet rooms and surroundings especially at night by using low level sound enrichment, more about this is explained in my posts.

If your tinnitus is noise induced, my advice is not to listen to audio through any type of headphones even at low volume. Please go to my started treads and read: Hyperacusis, As I See It, Will My Tinnitus Get Worse?

All the best,
Michael

New to Tinnitus, What to Do? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Tinnitus, A Personal View | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

The NHS waiting times exist because the system is incredibly inefficient. For people who are new to tinnitus, the quality of care is well below par and borders on negligent.

Go private if you can afford it. You get seen quickly and it will help you get out of the anxiety stage a bit faster.

@AnthonyMcDonald's advice on what test to avoid is spot on. However, you may choose to get an MRI just to alleviate any fears you may have, if you do, make sure to wear double protection - foam earplugs (properly inserted) and ear defenders - MRI is LOUD. The other test are completely unnecessary and offer no peace of mind.