Tinnitus: if suddenly worse, can it get better?

Well, my own 24x7 tinnitus stems from an ear infection I had as a teenager, BUT, that said, my ears go DINGLE! DONGLE! and even HUM as atmospheric pressure changes. I kid you not, my ears are the best weathervane I have. If the temps suddenly heat up, or if rain is coming, my ears will know 24 hrs before it happens.

So in these cases, the tinnitus gets LOUDER and can even go BONG! BONG! BONG-BONG-BONG! throughout the day before weather changes.

Your own tinnitus probably is unique to YOUR health issues and physiology. I wouldn’t panic, but just try things (off the steroids vs ON them) or warm compresses, or taking flushing niacin, or things that may improve blood flow (good exercise!) to your ears. Keep us posted on what works.

For years, shills used to promote taking gingko biloba for hearing? Or even Vit-B? Yeah, did squat for ME or my ringing ears. Now I just accept that I live with built-in “white noise” which is luckily only noticeable when aids are OUT and I’m deaf as a cinderblock with ringin’ ears.

Suddenly, having a knee that predicts the weather doesn’t seem quite as annoying!

@jeffrey It’s interesting that you mention the steroid sprays as I’ve also had that experience, although I’ve been told they absolutely cannot affect tinnitus as it’s a brain issue not an ear issue. I do wonder if a change in the Eustachian tube and fluid drainage affects our perception of sound, and therefore makes it harder for brains to mask the tinnitus? (Not a medical person so just spitballing).
Stress, caffeine, shoulder and jaw pain, opiates and viruses all make mine worse. And dealing with that makes it better. So yeah, I do think you can dial it back.
I think the most important thing is to not get in your own head about it. It can’t hurt you, but it is distressing (especially when you’re trying to sleep!) White noise apps can be great for some people, as is meditation. YMMV.
Important to note that pulsile tinnitus, especially if new, can (not always) indicate a more concerning issue.
I’m sorry you’re experienced this. Tinnitus is a PITA.