Re: Any Tinnitus Suffers out there?

Hi Molly

Yes, I've had tinnitus for about 21 years. As far as I can ascertain, it started when I was about 10 - I had a lot of ear infections as a child, resulting in a LOT of Antibiotics (in fact I remember most of my childhood being given a spoonful of something or other, no clue what they all were but I know a lot of them were Antibiotics ). I also fell and knocked myself unconscious at around that time, (never run beside a swimming pool!) and for the next few days I was laid up with the worst pain I have ever experienced in my right ear, and nausea with fever... concussion I guess. I can't remember if that was the incident that started the ear problems or if they were already happening. I do remember having my ear syringed I think twice, and attending the ear nose & throat hospital on a number of occasions. So since about 10 years of age I've had tinnitus, mostly in my right ear, but it's there a little in my left too. It sounds like a rushing of air or a hissing - like white noise almost. And I also get a very high pitched tone over that sometimes, which is quite subtle and lasts awhile sometimes, and can be quite loud and short lived at other times. The white noise is always there though. It gets very loud sometimes, stress and alcohol seem to make it worse. I'm so used to it by now it's just part of my life, it can be draining though sometimes when all I want is silence.
I recently found out that I'm sensitive to cows milk, so I reckon this probably had a lot to do with the ear infections as a child (we were always given milk, yogurts, cheese etc in the belief that it was good for us :/). All the different medications probably didnt help either.
I'd be interested to know if childhood ilnesses could contribute to tinnitus - I had measles around the time it all started, and I had my tonsils removed after a very severe infection at age 2.

Well, thats my story!

Take care

Mel Tweet