Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/10/2009

Question
Hi

I am 36 never had ear problems or grommets as a child. Woke up with ringing in one ear 5 weeks ago, Dr looked in ear and said looks blocked, no muffled hearing or previous cold, sinusitis or recent exposure to loud music, or flying.
Then 2 weeks later ringing in other ear, have no had 3 lots of antibiotics, nasonex nasal spray and no different. I have been referred to ENT specialist. Saw Dr again last week (different one) who said both ears clear when looked with auroscope. Valsalva manouver showed ear drums moving. I do have ear drum pain like mild sucking in. When I do valsalva left ear sounds squelchy and does squeak.
How will the ENT specialist dignose tinnitus exactly and i have heard of Eustachian tube dysfuntion.
Is it possible to get full blown permanent tinnitus overnight?
thank you for your time

Can permanent tinnitus start in one and then the other

Answer
Hi Sarah,
You do not mention whether you have had a full audiological work-up.  That is the first place to start. Most tinnitus is caused by nerve damage in the inner ear; this damage can only be assessed through a full audiological evaluation, not by just looking in the ears.

Here is a great site www.ata.org...it is the site of the American Tinnitus Association.  In it you will find out about the various causes of tinnitus, testing for tinnitus, and treatments.

Although it is POSSIBLE to get full-blown tinnitus overnight, chances are you've had it for a long time and it is now getting more noticeable.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology