[dw1]

I've had bilateral tinnitus for most of my life. Hearing tests show that my hearing is quite acute for my age, with a typical high-frequency drop off.

I've repeatedly asked about hearing aids or other treatments for the tinnitus and the answer is always along the lines of "...well, we don't really know what causes that and a hearing aid is at best a masking device - one that you don't need because loud noises likely will make it worse, so it will do more harm than good."

However, for the last month or so I've had a loud vascular bruit in my left ear that started as significant asymmetrical pulsatile tinnitus 24/7. Based on tests so far, this is likely caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) requiring neurosurgery (for which I am anxiously awaiting insurance approval). I would love to have just my "normal" tinnitus back.

Bottom line: "Regular" tinnitus appears to be something we have to live with and can control to some extent by avoiding loud sounds, but if it changes significantly one should se a doctor as soon as reasonably possible.