Why do I have tinnitus if my hearing is OK? Please?!
Question: Why do I have tinnitus if my hearing is OK? Please?
Trying to find the cause of the tinnitus. Not taking any medications. Have narrowed it down to a couple things though....
-6 months ago I dove into shallow beach, hit head on sand...no concussion
-My girlfriend said I grind my teeth at night, I had my overbite corrected, and now have slight TMJ
-7 months ago I shot a loud rifle with no ear protection
I just noticed the tinnitus a month ago though....any help is much appreciated and will do best answer and 5 stars for good advice...
Answers:
No doubt, Tinnitus can be maddening.
It is excellent that the ENT has ruled out many causes of the problem and you have apparently seen a dentist regarding your tooth grinding issue. TMJ is one cause of tinnitus. There are a number of treatments available for TMJ, ranging from a bite guard worn at night to muscle relaxants to behavioral therapy for stress/anxiety (which can also directly cause tinnitus). The use of the rifle without ear protection may be a contributing factor to the Tinnitus as can be habitual use of devices like an iPod. An injury such as your diving accident, if it were to result in Tinnitus would typically cause symptoms in only one ear. If your tinnitus remains in only the right ear, it may be a result of the accident.
With the information you've given I tend to believe your symptoms are arising from TMJ. I would ask your dentist for help with the least invasive therapy first which would be the bite guard. If the symptoms persist, you may consider being evaluated by a Neurologist due to the head injury you sustained.
Registered Nurse
Interesting...
I have helped thousands of people with tinnitus in one facet or another and I am amazed at how little is actually known about it and what causes it.
While there are many potential contributors the following are commonly known to cause or contribute to tinnitus:
1.Exposure to loud noises
2.Loud or noisy workplaces (mining, construction, military, etc.)
3.Listening to loud music for long periods of time
4.TMJ
5.A Blow to the Head
The following are commonly recommended approaches to lessen the agonizing effects of tinnitus.
1. Limit intake of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and salt
2. Avoid exposure to loud music and noises
3. Always use proper ear protection if exposure to loud noises can't be avoided
4. Educate yourself on tinnitus to gain a better understanding to aid in diagnosing and proper treatment
Kristy,
Tinnitus Insider
http://www.stop-the-ringing.com/blog