Tinnitus - one ear only - TERRIFIED

Hello

My name is Steve, I'm 40 years old and have been suffering with chronic tinnitus for about 6 months. Before this I had never had tinnitus.

Like you, my tinnitus started in my right ear only, and was accompanied by loss of balance. The doctor sent me for an MRI scan, in order to discount the possibility of an acoustic neuroma, which is what it sounds like you have read about on the internet. An acoustic neuroma is a very rare unexplained growth on the inner ear, which is generally harmless and totally benign (non-cancerous). Even if it is deemed necessary to remove it, the success rate is close to 100%.

The first thing to know about tinnitus is that it has so many causes that trying to self-diagnose online is simply not going to work. I did that and spent most of my time worrying about something which in the end turned out to be nothing serious at all. The vast majority of tinnitus causes are not serious. The best thing to do is go to your GP and see if he/she can send you to an ENT clinic at your local hospital, where they will try to find the cause of your tinnitus.

As for coping with the tinnitus itself day-to-day, it can be very upsetting to have constant hissing or ringing in your head, and in the worst case it can affect your sleep, which in turn makes you tired, stressed and more worried, which actually makes the tinnitus worse. I have developed coping strategies like always having the radio on in the house, in order to take my mind off the tinnitus. At night I have the radio on low, with an automatic 'off' timer. Diet too is a factor, so I've cut out caffiene and high sugar drinks/foods. Exposure to loud noise can make it worse, so protect your ears when you can. Learning to relax was something I had to force myself to do, but it has certainly helped.

There is some excellent advice and links for further support on the Tinnitus Clinic website.

Good luck, and try not to let it dominate your life. Millions of people have tinnitus, and although it is sometimes upsetting and maddening, it is usually nothing to do with serious conditions. Most areas also have tinnitus support groups, where sufferers can meet up and help each other.

Best wishes

Steve

   My husband ignores his for most of the time except when really high,me it bothers big time.i get it both ears,hissing. I did have an MRI after an ENT appointment and a hearing test all clear,so don't go worrying.Think that's done automatic by ENT.

  I believe air pressure is part of it,as I can go from indoors to outdoors and it will change  my aunt says the same with hers,

   Go get it checked,lots have tinnitus I joined the British Tinnitus Ass they do have a phone number you can ask someone regarding tinnitus what concerns you have .

   Their use to any questions you have.so do give them a call .Stress I will say aggravates it,to do with blood flow ,so learn to relax ,put music on ,don't concentrate on the tinnitus ,it's the brain not understanding this strange noise.Its a condition that's what it is.not an illness,got to tell yourself that and believe it .