Confusing Tinnitus

[Acebo]

I started experiencing tinnitus 2 years ago - it was present for months and then disappeared. It has since come back a few times but currently experiencing a prolonged return.

My tinnitus doesn't seen to fit typical patterns from what I've read, so I'm wondering if anyone experiences anything similar?

My tinnitus is unilateral (right ear only). If there is no external sound, the tinnitus is not there. However it starts when external sounds are present and / or when I move my head or body. It tends to get worse as the day goes on, so that even the slightest external sound may trigger it whereas it may not have done earlier in the day. So it seems to become more sensitive as the day goes on, and with rest and sleep, improves.

My sleep is poor in general at the moment due to having a toddler who doesn't sleep well. I don't have any head or neck injuries that I am aware of (although I tend to suffer from stress related tense muscles etc)

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Or does anyone know what sort of tinnitus I am experiencing?

Thank you.

[Fridays_Child_62]

Tinnitus can be variable. Perhaps when your tinnitus was absent it was at an extremely low level but you are currently going through a 'spike', a long one. It seems that you have reactive tinnitus - mine is reactive but it is always there and just increases in level when there is sound around.

What kind of noise is your tinnitus? Is it high-pitch or low-pitch?

Since you have no tinnitus when external sound is absent and it is only in one ear, I'm wondering whether it could be something else, perhaps an ear-muscle moving in response to sound - I have had something similar. Try cupping your hand and putting it over your ear - does the tinnitus then increase in volume and clarity?

In any case, you should talk to your doctor about it. If they take it seriously, they may arrange for you to have an MRI scan to investigate what's going on.

[Acebo in reply to Fridays_Child_62]

Thank you for your reply. It's a high pitched ringing that varies in pitch constantly / in response to sound or movement. I'd say cupping my hand and placing over the ear slightly reduces the tinnitus.

I have booked a GP appointment this morning. Last time I was referred, the tinnitus ended up disappearing before I saw the ENT consultant and in any case I wasn't a fan of having a MRI due to being pregnant at the time.

[Philip6]

with one sided tinnitus you should really get an MRI to rule out a physical cause.

[Acebo in reply to Philip6]

Thank you for your reply. I have made a GP appointment this morning and assume once I finally get a consultant appointment they will probably request an MRI.

[307moto]

I wish I could say something useful, other than “yup” this is almost exactly my experience. Primarily reactive, can, and often does disappear when it’s really quiet, right ear only. Just kinda showed up one day. Goes away for a day or two sometimes and then comes right back. Jaw tension seems to kinda play a role, I think.

[Acebo in reply to 307moto]

Have you found anything that helps? I find it odd that I experienced this for 4 months two years ago, then it disappeared and now it's back. Which leads me to think is it going to go away again? If so when... Etc. I have generalized anxiety so that doesn't help. I don't have any particular jaw / neck pain as such but I am going for an Indian head massage later to see if that helps relieve anything.

[307moto in reply to Acebo]

It might be placebo, but I swear focusing hard and regularly on not clenching my jaw and relaxing helps a ton.

[james06]

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