It is hard getting used to a worsening hearing problem and/or tinnitus over time, but to have them both occur so suddenly would upset anyone! Your sister must learn to hear "around" the tinnitus, and for me that means listening to audios such as books which require some concentration. You don't mention causes for both problems, but I firmly believe in allergies as one causation - paying careful attention to diet and even minor changes in the tinnitus is important. Along with allergies, but more in line with symptom control is to reduce salt intake severely for a short period of time (a month or so), and then stay with a low-salt diet. Such a salt restriction diet should first be okayed by your sister's physician. Hope she can find help here - good suggestions from others!!