Heh. This is driving me insane!!!!!!!

[CrystalUnicorn]

Hey. This is the first time I've used this board.
Um...I've had this annoying ringing in my ear constantly since I was 10 (I'm now 16).
I think it's called Tinnitus.
Anyhow, I think it's literally 'driving me insane'. My schoolwork and personality is affected. I've developed a lot of stress-related mental illnesses.
There is never a whole hour that goes by when I don't notice this horrible noise!
I've heard that if it's in the middle ear, it can very occassionally be cured by an operation.
Um, mine started a couple of months after I had a severe virus.
Anyone who can help me out here?
Any suggested treatments or anything?

Peace, love and eternal joy to you all.

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CrystalUnicorn

[mlgable]

You need to make an appointment to see an ENT doctor to get this checked out. Sometimes there is a physical cause for tinnitus that can be treated so this needs to be checked out before serious damage occurs.

[LORILOVE]

Crystal - the operation you might be talking about is a stapedectomy which is performed for individuals with otosclerosis. Search on these two words and you will find lots of information. The specific cause of tinnitus is never determined in 40% of patients. I am one of the very few that after surgery ended up with worse tinnitus - which was a known although remote risk.

[vernon123]

I too have had tinnitus since my early teens. When it comes to sleeping, try using an appliance like a fan or air filter to mask the ringing. It works great with me. Another word of advice. Protect your ears from loud noises or trauma. One careless mistake led to a painful injury in my left ear. Four and a half months later I am still going through hell. My tinitus is now nothing compared to the constant pain in my ear. Good luck. Unless the tinnitus is really severe, I advise against having middle ear surgery. This could result in eustachian tube problems that are far worse than tinnitus.