Sudden tinnitus and muffled hearing, and no GP appointments

I developed the same about a month ago, it never occurred to me that I should go to a doctor. The NHS site says it is common, rarely permanent and could take up to 6 months to clear.

Sudden hearing loss in one ear is not “tinnitus”. The best treatment is a rapid dose of steroids as the most frequent cause is inflammation (as wax abs infection ruled out) and unless addressed almost immediately can lead to permanent hearing loss whereas rapid steroids can prevent this. 111 were correct. If you presented to our local Specsavers for a test and hearing loss in one ear detected they would send you straight to A&E but you need to act swiftly. It is a scandal that the GP doesn’t know this. I have been through this with a good friend and with a family member. Pack the sarnies, take a cushion and go to urgent care and show them the 111 advice

I had shingles (again!) vety recently. Nerves in face affected. Saw GP, he checked my ears as I thought one was blocked, hearing dull, and I had this throbbing pulse in my ear. Ears clear.
Nerves affected were irritated and I had pulsating tetanus. Still have it, really really irritating especially when lying down as noise seems to be even stronger. GP said it may go, eventually. Still have a bit of dull feeling in ear. Being positive that with only one ear affected it will improve. Hope yours does too Midnightblue. Have to say strange system at your GP.

I have had tinnitus for years now. It started with reduced hearing in one ear (I thought my phone was playing up) then terrible distortion which made voices sound synthesised. My doctor referred me for a hearing test and ct scan. No obvious cause was identified. Now I have regained most of the hearing but have constant hissing. I’ve learned to live with it now.

And some doctors specalise more in one area than another? And have different interests in some medical aspects?

Our Gp surgery lists the doctors and which area they like/are most interested in.

Midnightblue

I’d still like to see a doctor, but do drs have this etiquette thing where they don’t like to override each?

When I worked at a surgery if anyone wasn’t happy after seeing a doctor I’d advise them to see another. The doctors never minded. It’s everyone’s right to have a second opinion. Some doctors are better at recognising certain conditions than others. When I developed pulsative tinnitus I had a hearing test right away, I think it’s why I’ve got into the habit of listening to podcasts or meditation music during the night.

Thus happened to me in February, I was petrified I was going deaf. I tried Otex and olive oil drops, did get GP appointment eventually. She said let's treat it as an infection and gave antibiotics. It lasted me the whole month and eventually cleared by itself. My advice would be carry on with olive oil drops.

I’d still like to see a doctor, but do drs have this etiquette thing where they don’t like to override each?

? go to a walk-in centre ?
or try 111 again. you have to hold on, be comfortably seated while you wait.
if i were you, i'd want it seen by a doc.

Hi Minimoon, thanks for the reply. I’ve made an appointment at a local hearing centre for next week, so I’ll see what that brings.

Meant to say I have constant tinnitus which was gradual onset, and my hearing isn't as sharp as it used to be.

If there is nothing wrong with your outer ear, do you think a hearing test with someone like Specsacers might be beneficial. The test is performed by a trained audiologist. That being said, I have no idea how long it would take to get an appointment.
It's something I'm thinking of doing myself.