Relatively new to this and frankly still in the panic stage but will try to be concise. My tinnitus first started in just one ear a month ago due to a severe cold-that lasted for two whole weeks- where my nose was blocked and my throat was quite sore. No fever at all.
As soon as my symptoms subsided, went to the ENT where they concluded it was impacted wax, especially since the other ear was quite fine. I was baffled by this because my ears don't really secrete much wax, and also because the amount that came out post-irrigation was extremely minimal. They then prescribed me betahistine 2 days post-irrigation when i came back to let them know my tinnitus was still there.
A week later, I noticed my right ear crackled quite often when swallowing and as soon as I said that to the ENT, was put on a ton of stuff- antihistamine pills, nasal drops, and two whole bottles of syrup medicine that again contained a corticosteroid and an antihistamine. I was also advised to chew lots of gum, attempt the valsalva maneuver and to just give it time.
I was also examined again with the otoscope and was reassured everything was fine (no fluid/inflammation whatsoever). Currently, I am almost done with what I was prescribed and while the crackling frequency has reduced greatly, the tinnitus is still there. Even worse, it has traveled to the other ear as well after an unsuccessful attempt of the valsalva maneuver-where i felt the pressure balanced on both sides without being able to exit.
I don't know if I should just wait it out, but I would appreciate it if someone who went through a similar experience would share anything positive, as I am having great trouble sleeping at night and want for all of this just to end :(