Does it help to go to ear doctor?

[Koola]

My tinnitus has been steadily increasing (left ear mostly , though at times the right one feels like whistling in sync with its neighbor). I attribute it to my long list of hypothyroidism symptoms, but I might be wrong...

Today was advised by a GP to go to an ear doc. Went three years ago and no luck there.

Should I try again? Any specific questions I should ask?

Grateful for all advice and tips. Thanks in advance!

[Happyrosie]

Your doc is following guidance given in the latest NICE guidelines (which you can look up easily).However, you’ll know already that there’s no cure just mitigation (help on this on the BTA website) and habituation.

That said, it might make you feel you’ve done everything in your power to help yourself.

[Koola in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for prompt reply, Happyrosie. No, I didn't know about "no cure"! Since my tinnitus started a few months after having RAI for hyperthyroidism, which eventually led to hypoth., I thought that managing to heal hypo. would get rid of tinnitus...

[Happyrosie in reply to Koola]

Well, certainly T can go away again. Sometimes a cause for T can be identified,. But there’s no cure. Don’t believe any advertising you may read unless it’s supported by the medical profession and the BTA.

[Philip6]

I was sent to ENT about 10 years ago, had an MRI and saw a specialist who was useless. Of course nothing could be done. I was referred again about 2 years ago as my tinnitus had worsened, but I got a letter back from the ENT tinnitus specialist saying he didn’t want to see me as I had already been seen 10 years earlier. He said all he could tell me I could read on the Internet. And he is listed as a tinnitus specialist! Very helpful.

[Koola in reply to Philip6]

That sounds like a line from a comedy about a con man pretending to be a doc... Not to hilarious for us, of course. Have you any idea what might have triggered your T in the first place?

[Philip6]

I worked at Rolls-Royce, on the aero engine test beds, so mine would be the constant noise from jet engines. I worked there for 42 years.

[Koola]

so, maybe it's just taking time for your ear to get used to no more noise. all the best!