There is a side effect to medications called "ototoxicity". There are as many as 700+ meds that can cause this (although supposedly rare). Check your meds if you are on them to see if "Tinnitus" is listed on the rare but serious side effects area. Anti-biotics are most known for this. I get ringing in the ears off and on, but for very short periods of time - usually just a few seconds. And for me maybe once or twice per month. I have had this my whole life so for me it's normal and has never escalated. I also have TMJ on the right, but the ear ringing is usually on the left. I've had my hearing checked by an audiologist in the past month and he said it is normal. Ironically my left ear is slightly better than my right.