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Original poster

Can a virus cause tinnitus?

41 replies

Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:45

Two months ago I had tonsillitis. During this time I developed tinnitus. It's been two months today since it started and I've had enough of it. I'm really scared it'll never go away. I was really hoping my ear was just inflamed and would recover. It hasn't. I can't sleep. I can't concentrate at work. The amount of work I get done in a day has rapidly decreased as I can't focus. I'm exhausted. It reduces me to tears. Was the tonsillitis a coincidence? I just don't know why it's started now. I look after my ears. Never use cotton buds, am always the one who gets laughed at for wearing ear plugs at gigs. I'm just so fed up.

OP posts:
Didimum · 08/05/2024 23:02

Tonsillitis can absolutely cause tinnitus, and a severe infection can even perforate your eardrum (this happened to my daughter). If this has happened your eardrum will heal. Residual fluid from infection in your middle ear can also cause it. Go see your GP and I second using white noise to help.

nocoolnamesleft · 08/05/2024 23:01

I had it for many months after catching Covid, though fingers crossed seems to have settled.

HappyMuma · 08/05/2024 23:00

I got tinnitus after having Covid, it’s in both ears but much worse in the left. There’s nothing the doctor can do so I’ve had to learn to block it out. It’s definitely worse if I’m tired so I need a bit of background noise to sleep. It used to drive me up the wall when DH watched TV in bed but I need the noise now!
You will learn to block it out, it just takes a little time.

fashionqueen0123 · 08/05/2024 23:00

I would definitely recommend white noise to get more sleep. Or very quiet talk radio until you get a white noise machine.

Original poster
Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:59

sugarbyebye · 08/05/2024 22:59

I've had it since I developed hypothyroidism. You get used to it. Try not to focus on it was the best tip I was given, the less you think about it, the more it fades into the background.

I hope i get used to it. It's so loud. Like a bell ringing in my ear constantly.

OP posts:
sugarbyebye · 08/05/2024 22:59

I've had it since I developed hypothyroidism. You get used to it. Try not to focus on it was the best tip I was given, the less you think about it, the more it fades into the background.

fashionqueen0123 · 08/05/2024 22:58

Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:54

Did you have it in both ears? The fact that mine is only in one makes me feel so off balance. It's been two months of hell.

Show quote history

Weirdly even though I had it for ages I can’t remember! After night outs both. But long term possibly it was one side. I don’t think it was both..
But not the same side each time. I have it mildly now but I’m on some tablets which it can be a side effect of.

Ferngardens · 08/05/2024 22:58

Ask for an iron test, my tinnitus gets worse when my ferritin nosedives. It's pretty common for women to have low iron

Original poster
Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:57

IsANameImportant · 08/05/2024 22:56

I’ve had tinnitus for 25 years now. It can be a bit annoying sometimes but it is something I’ve got used to. I saw an ENT consultant about it and he asked if I took antibiotics because there are some that can cause it. Did you have antibiotics for your tonsillitis?

I didn't. No. I didn't go to the dr. Just looked in my mouth and saw huge tonsils then rode it out. It only lasted a few days.

OP posts:
Librarybooker · 08/05/2024 22:57

Tinnitus like symptoms. If your virus gives you post nasal drip you may well get some ear discomfort and disruption. Likely to be temporary

HellonHeels · 08/05/2024 22:57

I've had it since starting to take antidepressants.

Original poster
Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:56

Willyoujustbequiet · 08/05/2024 22:55

Totally anecdotal but I've had it since the Covid jab. Came on pretty much overnight. So yes I think totally possible.

My GP referred me to ENT for a tinnitus management program. I don't know if that may help?

I need to give the GP a call. Chronic Dr avoider but think I may give them a call on Friday.

OP posts:
IsANameImportant · 08/05/2024 22:56

I’ve had tinnitus for 25 years now. It can be a bit annoying sometimes but it is something I’ve got used to. I saw an ENT consultant about it and he asked if I took antibiotics because there are some that can cause it. Did you have antibiotics for your tonsillitis?

Willyoujustbequiet · 08/05/2024 22:55

Totally anecdotal but I've had it since the Covid jab. Came on pretty much overnight. So yes I think totally possible.

My GP referred me to ENT for a tinnitus management program. I don't know if that may help?

Original poster
Rolson77 · 08/05/2024 22:54

fashionqueen0123 · 08/05/2024 22:51

I used to get it at uni after a night out and one day it wouldn’t shift for a couple of days and it really threw me. I would then avoid going anywhere near speakers in clubs.

Then in my late 20s I got it I think just after I had my first child. I ended up using the toy that played white noise for her, for me at night! It really helped. I had it for a long time but it went. I’m sure it then came back again with my second child but not as bad.

I think the problem is Drs don’t know much about it.

Did you have it in both ears? The fact that mine is only in one makes me feel so off balance. It's been two months of hell.

OP posts:
fashionqueen0123 · 08/05/2024 22:51

I used to get it at uni after a night out and one day it wouldn’t shift for a couple of days and it really threw me. I would then avoid going anywhere near speakers in clubs.

Then in my late 20s I got it I think just after I had my first child. I ended up using the toy that played white noise for her, for me at night! It really helped. I had it for a long time but it went. I’m sure it then came back again with my second child but not as bad.

I think the problem is Drs don’t know much about it.

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