I have tinnitus, for years and have no idea what actually caused it. It's worse usually in the evening/night. Although, today it's pretty loud and bothersome. I get grumpy! Don't want to be around people of course, when it gets bad, get irritated and yucky....like I am right now! Time to do something else, think about anything other than this tinnitus. Driving, I have the radio or music on all the time. I always have some kind of background noise at home, to keep me from noticing it as much.as when it's quiet. That can drive me nuts! Maybe my appt with the hearing specialist next week at Mayo will have something new to say. I'll let you know! Elizabeth