Is anyone's tinnitus episodic?

[marra7191]

Hi,

I've been having tinnitus for around 5-6 months now.

I previously had it for a few months back in 2018. Back then it was more of a soft fuzzy sound, whereas now it's more of a high pitched ring and it's a bit louder. It eventually seemed to go away.

I guess I'm clinging on to the hope that I might be experiencing another episode which could pass. Does anyone know the likliehood of this? Someone I spoke to at the British Tinnitus Association did say it's not uncommon.

(A bit of context - I've had recurring ear infections for many years and I had a tympanoplasty operation in 2021 to fix a perforated ear drum. I also work in the music industry, so I guess I've long been high risk)

Thanks

[bournville]

Hopefully will pass or eventually calm down and yes working in music industry makes you high risk - hope you are taking precautions.

If you have not got custom moulded ear plugs please get them - use ACS if in uk. At any gig or club please always use your plugs and you should be able to keep further trouble at bay - can’t stress this enough.

[LanaDelRayofSunshine]

Hi marra7191, I was going to ask the same question on behalf of my partner, who is currently experiencing a very distressing episode of tinnitus, hyperacusis and associated distortion. She experienced her first episode in 2009 and it took several months to habituate. Initially we struggled to get help, until I stumbled across TRT. We managed to pay for a consultation privately and continued along a self help route. No major issues for many years until about 4 years ago (following development of done health issues and a worsening in her mental health). These seem to be every year to six months. The last few times she's recovered quite quickly, seeing improvement within a week. This time, it seems to be more stubborn and her anxiety is through the roof. The GP has prescribed diazepam (very low dose) to deal with the anxiety, which has helped a little. We have a follow up appt today and will be asking for a referral to a Tinnitus clinic.

Whilst she does have an anxiety disorder, we're struggling to work out what the trigger is, as ironically, she was feeling much better when this hit.

I hope you get some answers and you don't mind me piggybacking on your post.

[LanaDelRayofSunshine in reply to LanaDelRayofSunshine]

Oh, and my OH also works in the music industry too, although studio based and not live. She can't work right now, so this is making her anxiety much worse.