Yes I had some hearing loss already. It got progressively worse as time went on. I didn’t need hearing aides until about eight years ago. Still have tinnitus even with them on. I’m so accustomed to the noise that it rarely bothers me.

Julie, I just found your site and read only this message. Got excited....you're the first person I've heard use the term 'crickets' when describing tinnitus sounds. I also have a 'surging' sound, almost like fluid or water but not quite. strange how the crickets seem to be with me most of the time, varying loudness and then there's the additional sound occasionally. I've dealt with this mess for 40ish years with no help, of course, as there isn't anything to do, is there?

And, yes, I am losing my hearing. Both ears are about the same, according to the testing, although the right ear is the worst w/tinnitus and also the fullness feeling. I think the right ear hearing is much worse. But, apparently not.

The ear drums seem to be fine now, no fluid back up or other problems. It seems the feeling of being stopped up, right ear, apparently is caused by extreme dryness???? I'm using hydrocortisone cream on a q-tip per doctor's orders, inside both ears every day or so and it's helping some. Doctor said it is slightly inflamed from the dryness? Don't really understand, but the cream is helping some.

I also have Sarcoid, since age 40, now 74, comes and goes. On steroids as needed. Just found some in eyes so that's now being treated well. Other autoimmune things also....

I have a visit next Monday with the hearing aid specialist at Mayo Jax. I bit the bullet and admitted I need hearing help, have for years and it's beyond acceptable now. I've been using the text on the tv for a couple years just to understand sentences. Otherwise, it's lost. News I understand usually as they speak differently, looking into the camera. Conversations in person are difficult as well. And, I'm totally lost with any background noise.

I considered getting ear buds of some kind, but decided to do this the proper way unless I learn of something real otherwise. It's so costly, I'm really concerned. But, this is important and a must, so I'm doing it now. Won't eat for a while....

I have hyperthyroidism, take daily levothyroxine medication. I spent a couple of days in Mayo hospital last November with hypothyroidism caused by over medication. It's well adjusted now. My entire body was out of whack. I was an emotional wreck, anxiety level high, sweating like a horse, blood pressure crazy, and so on. An interesting lesson on the effects of the thyroid.

I'm off now to read the rest of your messages and learn what you're discussing. Hope I wasn't too much of an intrusion....blessings to you, elizabeth