I've had tinnitus for 16 years, since I was fifteen, after going hunting with my uncle who claimed that ear protection was not necessary outdoors. It has very slowly gotten worse over the years, but I've habituated to it pretty well. It is a high-pitched "eee" in both ears, with the left ear being much louder. There are also some lower tones, though I only notice those when I plug my ears.
Last week, while at my desk job, I noticed my left ear was screaming louder than usual. My right ear was also pretty loud, with an irregularly pulsing "eee." At first, I thought I might just be more aware of sounds that had always been there, but I could clearly hear it over the road noise during my ride home—which I've never been able to do with my right ear. Now, my left ear is just as loud as my right, and it seems that both ears have developed slightly lower-pitched "eee" tones that pulse in and out irregularly.
I don't know what caused this. I was under some stress that led me to wake up in a panic one morning, but I've had worse episodes of stress that never led to anything like this. I take Escitalopram, which I've seen some people say can cause tinnitus, but I've been on it for many years without any issues. The only other supplements I take are Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D. I also tend to clench my jaw a lot and experience popping and snapping when I open it, although there is no pain.
I don't know what to do next. Should I go to urgent care and ask for Prednisone? Should I see an ENT? Or should I try to ignore it and hope it goes away?
Please help. I don't know what to do.
Last week, while at my desk job, I noticed my left ear was screaming louder than usual. My right ear was also pretty loud, with an irregularly pulsing "eee." At first, I thought I might just be more aware of sounds that had always been there, but I could clearly hear it over the road noise during my ride home—which I've never been able to do with my right ear. Now, my left ear is just as loud as my right, and it seems that both ears have developed slightly lower-pitched "eee" tones that pulse in and out irregularly.
I don't know what caused this. I was under some stress that led me to wake up in a panic one morning, but I've had worse episodes of stress that never led to anything like this. I take Escitalopram, which I've seen some people say can cause tinnitus, but I've been on it for many years without any issues. The only other supplements I take are Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D. I also tend to clench my jaw a lot and experience popping and snapping when I open it, although there is no pain.
I don't know what to do next. Should I go to urgent care and ask for Prednisone? Should I see an ENT? Or should I try to ignore it and hope it goes away?
Please help. I don't know what to do.
