My tinnitus is worse than ever

Well I've had tinnitus for probably 3 years now. It just recently got pretty bad (about a month ago). But about 5-6 days ago its gotten a lot worse and yesterday and today it's been really bad. Is thos normal? I heard there are such things as spikes that can last a while... does it seem like the level will go back to normal? this is almost unbearable... the hissing and ringing is almost painful to my ears now.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Tinnitus can have many potential causes. The most common one is the type associated with hearing loss, such as the type that occurs with aging (presbycusis). Also, excessive noise exposure such as occurs in people who work in factories, loud music exposure, etc. Other causes include blockage of the ear due to wax, certain medications, some blood vessel disorders, and some neurologic cuases such as benign growth that can occur in the brain (called an acoustic schwanoma) and many others.

Tinnitus can fluctuate, getting better or worse over time. I recommend you be evaluated by an ENT doctor to have your hearing checked and have a general check up to try to determine what the cause of the tinnitus is, and he/she can suggest ways for you to decrease the annoyance of the tinnitus, though a cure often is not possible with most types of tinnitus.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.