I've had tinnitus for 5 weeks, think it's getting worse. So scared.

[FeatherySquawkington]

I'm not coping very well with the fact this is probably permanent. I have two noises, one a middle pitched tone that fluctuates slightly up and down and a constant very high pitched noise. I think the high pitched noise is getting louder. Got an ENT appointment next week but fully aware there is nothing they can do really. I don't want this forever 😭

I saw an audiologist this week. I have tinnitus (high pitched). The audiologist said that tinnitus is exacerbated by caffeine.

Don't drink caffeine, alcohol and don't smoke either. There is something going on with my jaw/muscle but probably not treatable.

I don’t know how long I have had tinnitus as I seem to have heard whooshing sounds forever, but it has definitely got worse over the last five years or so. Mostly it’s like a fridge humming away in the background, the pitch varies from medium to high, with a bit of radio static added to the mix. It sounds louder when I’m stressed, and also if I start to «listen» to it. I try to concentrate on something else and filter it out.
It’s essential not to fixate on it, as the more you think about it, the more intrusive it becomes. It’s a very annoying and frustrating affliction.

Have you seen a tinnitus specialist? I had it and was told by a GP I had damaged my hearing and never to go to loud places again (which was harsh as I was 21 at the time and loved clubbing and gigging)

When I saw a specialist after several miserable months he showed me my hearing was fine and that what I had was an anxiety issue of 'listening in' to my tinnitus - not hearing damage or a permanent problem, which sounds like it might be what you're experiencing if you're 'tuning in' to it at night. I was able to get rid of it within a year

It's private - I don't know if there is any CBT help like this on the NHS, but the clinic is here tinnitus.org/

Thank you @Echobelly, that's very helpful. I'll look into that. NHS waiting lists are ridiculous currently, I would have to wait until May to see an ENT consultant with them. I'm having to pay and see one privately.

I have this too! Between lockdowns, I saw a Chinese medical practitioner and she used acupuncture. For about two days, the tinnitus was WORSE but then it vanished. Now I still have a little, but nowhere near as bad, and probably what I have always had when I haven't paid attention.

Oh and yes, I have something with my jaw too, one side is quite locked. Been like that for years.

I have a very high-pitched tinnitus in one ear following a shingles infection about 4 years ago. It has improved quite a bit, or maybe I notice it less. It seems worse in cold weather or if I'm stressed/tired/run down. Also more prominent at night when it's quiet. Distracting myself helped quite a bit. And having other (quiet) noises in the background. I did despair of ever getting used to it at first, and I was not helped at all by ENT, but over time it has become less upsetting for me.

How are you? Its our 10th anniversary today but the ringing is so loud I can't bare it. Starting to feel dizzy too.

@Icenii Happy anniversary, sorry that the ringing is bothering you still. I managed to cope quite well with it yesterday but another bad day again today. I keep panicking that it's getting worse but I think it's just because I'm focusing on it. It's so so difficult to not think about it when it's all I can hear, practically impossible. So I'm working on 'not being bothered' about it when I hear it, e.g it's just a noise, isn't harming me, I can still do stuff, etc. I so wish it would go though!

I've been feeling off balance on and off for a few days too.

I had it when I was in my third year at uni! It was a high pitched tone that went higher then lower.. it's now gone but comes and goes from to time. More often than not its when I'm stressed

OP, I have no knowledge of this, but might Botox be used to loosen your jaw muscle?

@Icenii hi!! I am wonder how is your ear ringing! I have the exact same symptoms with nevk and jaw! Just wondered how your getting on? Mines nearly lasted for 2 weeks x