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I recently developed tinnitus in my left ear, I have had it for two months now. In the evenings it is like an electronic tone that may start up suddenly and then tail off to a low whine. In the mornings it is a hissing sound, like gas escaping from those old aircon units. There is a dull ache within the ear also, like you get sometimes if you come out of the pool with cold water in your ear.
I saw the ENT last week, got a hearing test and pressure test and physical exam. It looks good, symmetrical hearing within normal range. He told me that ear wax can cause this, but I don't have any, he can see all the way to the eardrum.
They are less concerned about it since I have good hearing but have recommended a radio on a timer to help me sleep at night.
Tomorrow I am booked for an MRI of both internal auditory meati. They don't expect to find anything as I have good balance and no dizziness or nausea, but they are just being careful. The ENT told me that tinnitus is not something that is fully understood and that in many cases these examinations are negative: no cause is ever found. I empathise with people who have it, because in quiet situations like trying to sleep or writing an exam, it is really bothersome.
If I find anything useful from that scan I'll post it here.
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