What is Tinnitus???
Tinnitus (TIN-ih-tus) is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. A common problem, tinnitus affects about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms.../syc-20350156
I have lived with tinnitus for 17 years now. I got it while serving in the Army in a howitzer unit. Howitzers are basically big over sized tanks that shoot very long distances and are very loud. I was the medic for my unit...
I was in an accident in the Army that caused me to sustain head, neck, and back injuries disabling me for basically life. Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of my head injury. Between this accident and the loud noise from the howitzers I obtained tinnitus...
Sometimes, like today, the ringing in my head is so loud I can hardly think or hear other things. It just rings and rings and rings until your head feels like its pounding. You cant do anything about it. Just endless loud ringing. Top it off with the constant shaking due to my Parkinson's and I feel like a bell that no one else can hear. sort of like a dog whistle but for me only.
It can really drive you nuts and can keep you awake at night making it very difficult to sleep. It is hard to test for and mostly it is a matter of getting the doctor to take your word for it.
I have tried ear drops and acupuncture and medication but nothing seems to stop it. Some days it is very mild and soft, barely noticeable and forgotten. Other days it is so loud you cant do or hear anything.