Tinnitus cause??

[Hazza123]

Hi guys, I’ve had tinnitus for about two and half years now, since I was 18. I’ve learned to cope with it, but I’m just desperate to know what caused it. At the time the doctor told me I had compact ear wax likely from a recent ear infection. I was told to use olive oil ear drops for two weeks, after follow up appointment I was told the ear wax had cleared although my tinnitus never stopped. I’m now wondering if it could of been hearing loss, as i did develop it during the time of uni freshers and I was clubbing on regular bases. I also had season ticket at my lolcal football club where a man with a annoying loud call sat behind me. I guess I just really want to know was it the ear infection or induced hearing loss from loud noises?

[Happyrosie]

The British Tinnitus Association website has some useful info on what might cause it. In my case I’ve probably had it since childhood - and it wouldn’t necessarily have been caused by anything in particular. It makes no difference to me what caused it - it’s just there. At the time I assumed everyone had it just like they have arms and legs. It might have been caused by recurrent tonsillitis which was very common in the fifties. Or not.

[holly2]

Yep, as Happyrosie (lovely alias) says, difficult to know what causes tinnitus in each of us. One thing I would say is it is probably best not to put things in your ears for too long - e.g. listening to music with ear plugs etc. as this excludes air and encourages moisture to build and bacteria etc. We all know loud noises exacerbate tinnitus. Probably best to shield your ears if going to a place with loud noises (I have used a strip of tissue in each ear for a short time which is quite effective but does not cause too much heat/moisture). I have had tinnitus since I was about 30, and I am 67 now! I hate it but have gotten used to it.

[Hidden]

I believe loud anything is suspect when it comes to T. In my 30th year of having this noisy friend that I believe was caused by my brother's very loud stereo when we shared a room at home and the conditions in one of my first, fulltime jobs where I was in and out of a noisy environment without hearing protection.

My T either took over a decade to manifest or I paid it too little attention to know it existed.

My first memory of it came when going to bed on the 12th floor of a condo building. I thought wind was whistling around the window. The only time I heard it was when I was relaxed and ready for bed. I spent weeks getting the windows fixed and was so excited when the last contractor left and so disappointed when the noise stayed.

If it is T, look beyond yourself for comfort, like here! Music, exercise, bicycling, tennis, and my dog give me the needed respite from my pesky ear friend.

Good luck