Tinnitus louder after 11 years

[ModernLife]

I have had tinnitus since 2013 and started as something like a morse code sound and some whistling in my right ear but recently, it has become louder and the noise is kind of hard to describe but it sounds like an almost constant alarm in my head as well as whistling. I have also had acid reflux since 2016 and have managed to keep it in check with medicine until summer of this year when they stopped working. My questions are, is the acid reflux and tinnitus flare up related, will my tinnitus get worse, and what are my options from here, what help is available? Thank you and god bless.

[Notreve7766]

Hello Modern Life

Please don't worry you have come to right place for help and advice.

Is there any specific reason your Tinnitus has flared up? Anything triggered it?

I cant find any links to Tinnitus and acid reflux. Well worth talking to your GP about both independently though.

When Tinnitus flares up as you say it can be linked to changes in your hearing so that is one route to review with a health professional.

We know bothersome Tinnitus is made worse by anxiety and over monitoring so I would recommend getting into your toolbox and finding strategies to relax your nervous system. Hot showers/walking/gaming/Lego and watching movies really help me but the list is potentially endless.

If struggling to sleep then gentle white noise like a fan noise really works for me.

Tinnitus gets better (Easier to manage) over time so try not to worry as this increases our perception of Tinnitus.

There is so much information online but I would suggest you arrange an ENT appointment via your GP so they can help you with a management plan and put your mind at ease about causes etc.

I am sure the flare up will settle down soon but remember to be kind to yourself while your nervous system settles down and remember that you have adjusted to Tinnitus in the past and you will adjust to it again if required.

Take care

[ModernLife in reply to Notreve7766]

Thank you for the reply, I was wondering if my brain would adjust to it like it did in the past and hopefully with time and faith it will. I don't know what made it flare up again to be honest with you but I do work in a fairly noisy environment so I was also wondering if ear protectors or hearing aids were the way to go and what the pros and cons are when for using them. I have found that having a hot shower as well as gaming and listening to YouTube vids does relax me and takes my mind off the tinnitus. Thanks for the advice, it puts my mind at ease a little.