Thread: Tinnitus?

Just lately have developed a "buzzing" sound in my ears. - I don't think I have any other underlying health problems causing this; at 49 yo, I just completed an annual medical recently with flying colours and keep myself fit and active usually.
Before I go to the docs, does anyone else have this condition? I have reasonably good hearing other than this annoying noise (mostly in my left ear).
Done a few google searches that indicate that this could be a permanent condition - I bloody hope not.

Originally Posted by kmart

Just lately have developed a "buzzing" sound in my ears. - I don't think I have any other underlying health problems causing this; at 49 yo, I just completed an annual medical recently with flying colours and keep myself fit and active usually.
Before I go to the docs, does anyone else have this condition? I have reasonably good hearing other than this annoying noise (mostly in my left ear).
Done a few google searches that indicate that this could be a permanent condition - I bloody hope not.

No cure for tinnitus, the only effective measure is psychological, convincing your brain to ignore it, effectively to filter it out.
I have mastered this for decades until you just reminded me I have it.



Bastard!!!

^I had a major concussion two years ago. It was enough of a blow to render me permanently deaf in my right ear.

Occasionally, I get a ringing in my right ear. Usually, it fades away after a bit...sometimes up to a few hours. But, it is only occasional (at this point).

Were I you, I'd go get a hearing specialist to take a look. Mine seems to be kicked into gear by any type of head congestion.

Have a friend who worked in a very loud bar for 35 years - he has tinnitus in both ears. Says only when he is standing under a shower with water pounding on his head does it temporarily cease.

If it's tinnitus, not much to de done about it, but a hearing guy might have some thoughts.

My left ear gets blocked with wax on a regular bases and I do develop a ringing sensation which I originally thought was tinnitus.

After I have it cleared, usually every 2 to 5 years, by a doctor everything is OK.

Good luck with it mate.

Tinnitus onset can also be brought on by Aspirin.

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

Mine seems to be kicked into gear by any type of head congestion.

Same me, except mine sounds like a D9 Cat working 100 meters away

Good grief ! I hadn't realized it was so prevalent !

Looks like you're going to have to become an expert on the condition, Kmart. And although Google is sometimes your friend with medical conditions, it is difficult to prioritize results in order of likelihood, using a sense of proportion.

Originally Posted by kmart

Before I go to the docs, does anyone else have this condition?

NOT ME !!!!!

^Thanks for the info, gents. Will take a trip to the docs to get it looked at, and maybe have my ears syringed like LT advises also.
I used to box when I was younger and also worked in noisy environments for many years, so this may be accumulative or something. Fukc knows.
Will update accordingly, please keep posting if you have some other info. Cheers.

Originally Posted by Dillinger

Originally Posted by kmart

Before I go to the docs, does anyone else have this condition?

NOT ME !!!!!

Maybe not, but you have other issues don't you Dribbles???

Originally Posted by kmart

maybe have my ears syringed like LT advises also

I think the Docs advise against syringing ears nowadays mate.

Ears are self cleaning, You don't wanna be taking all your wax out of your ears in Thailand with all the nasties about, that wax is there for a purpose.

i got out of the bath a few years back and could feel something moving inside my ear, it was a piece of wax, nearly the size of a marble, Didn't taste too good

Unless directed by a specialist, the only thing that you should put in your ears is your elbow

Originally Posted by Necron99

the only effective measure is psychological, convincing your brain to ignore it, effectively to filter it out. I have mastered this for decades until you just reminded me I have it.

Originally Posted by Dillinger

Originally Posted by Necron99

the only effective measure is psychological, convincing your brain to ignore it, effectively to filter it out. I have mastered this for decades until you just reminded me I have it.

Some people get it so bad that their life is ruined so I hope you don't have it that bad.
I developed tinnitus after an extended stay in ITU four years ago, it can be distressing at first but you do get use it and after a few months you hardly notice it. Don't worry about it it's not that bad.

i have a masking device that produces a white noise, however, i find it just as annoying as the tinnitus. eventually you will disregard the noise unless you actively think about it

^Thanks. It's not so bad right now, sort of a metallic "fizzing" type of noise. But it has only just recently started, so I need to get it checked out.
Just remembering that I had a sinus infection last year requiring treatment, so might be related. Cheers.

Well, that backfired on me. I was going to post a Youtube video I recall, but when searching for it, I was almost sick.

Warning : Do not search in Youtube for the phrase "found in ear".

I've had it in both ears for several years. Seems to have gradually gotten worse. The sound I hear is a constant hissing-ringing kind of noise. Some meds seem to aggravate the condition and make it a little more noticeable while on them. Examples include ibuprofen and antihistamines.

So far it has not seemed to interfere too much with activities like hearing people talk or listening to music. As others have mentioned, you kind of learn to filter it out.

Now if only they'd invent some antihissingmines. Not sure that will happen in my lifetime though.

One other thing I forgot to mention, I use earplugs on a regular basis, usually for sleeping at night. Reason being I'm a very light sleeper and noises readily wake me up. Even the whirring of an air conditioner can keep me awake. I have been using them for many years and its a habit that would be difficult for me to break.

I have read recently somewhere that the use of earplugs may contribute to the problem. Whether they might initially cause the condition, or just make it worse, I don't know.

wikipedia seems to have quite a bit of info on the problem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinnitus

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

My left ear gets blocked with wax on a regular bases and I do develop a ringing sensation which I originally thought was tinnitus.

After I have it cleared, usually every 2 to 5 years, by a doctor everything is OK.

Good luck with it mate.

Might be something for Kmart [or others] to consider.
I believe ear wax build-up is more common than not in all of us in varying degrees - 7 outta 10.

Ear wax is a natural happening when we expose ourselves to cold water (surfing) bars (whoring) discos (being a wanker).

The wax builds up to protect the semi-circular canal against damage and the more you expose the system the more your ears will build up with crap that will affect your hearing and instill ringing in your bounce.

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

the more you expose the system the more your ears will build up with crap that will affect your hearing and instill ringing in your bounce.