@summer33 I have seen only my GP/primary carer. Having difficulty getting in touch with the Specialist because I am a 'public hospital' patient. (In Australia, many people on lower incomes go to public hospitals because they are cost free. But like the NHS in England you can't choose your hospital doctor). I will see the mycobacterial specialist at an appointment in 10 days time.
Yes Azithromycin can cause hearing problems and has some bad side effects but so do the other drugs in the big 3. But the Azithromycin is probably the most important drug for fighting this NTM.
For me, I was just a bit shocked to develop it so early in my treatment. However, so far the tinnitus I have is there but not too bad -- it gets a little bit worse as the day goes on. If it remains and doesn't go away, I can accept it as the price to pay to treat this awful illness. (But no, I definitely don't want any of the serious side effects that this drug or the others can cause! Please not for me, or for any of us -- I pray for that. The smaller side effects I will do everything I can to accept).
Ethambutol and Rifampicin / Rifampin (both in the big 3) can cause leg pain.and eyesight problems. Tell your doctor or specialist if you have them. Good luck to you, and to all of us. Annie