whistling in the ears

I've had tinnitus in my left ear for more than 15 years but without hearing loss except the high frequencies due to age (46). I'm a dentist and I doubt its related to TMJ problems. My suspicions are its related to shooting an m-16 without proper hearing protection during my time in the medical corp reserves (was wearing empty cartridges, don't ask where my plugs were), not from my own rifle but the guy in the foxhole on my left. The first year or two were pretty depressive but I've since learnt to live with it.

My tinnitus was caused I believe by taking Prilosec many years ago when it was still perscription. I didn't even realize the relationship until I read on a site about acid reflux some people had the reaction that never went away. Years later I recently tried Protonix, another proton pump inhibitor and the next morning I woke up with the worse ringing I have ever had. I stoped after one pill. Months later it has subsided a bit, but It is now worse than it was before the recent 1 dose. I feel like suing my doctor because I told him before he wrote the scip thatI was hesitant to try this class of drugs due to my experience with Prilosec and he told me that he has never heard of tinnitus as a side effect, and I took his word. Sure enough it is listed.

Many sounds bother me, even clapping. Luckily my tube amps are about the only sounds that are fine. Solid state has a real white hash I am sensitive to, but in general my system is very laid back, natural and relaxed.

I have the same condition. It was almost to the point of keeping me awake when my GP sent me to an ENT for all of the usual tests (for padding the insurance bill, I'm sure).

His advice was, as some others have stated here, to avoid caffeine and aspirin. He also said to avoid sodium. That has proven to provide the greatest relief for me.

But just try to avoid sodium in restaurants or processed foods!

Helpful thread, thanks.
I just developed severe tinnitus and coincidently just took 14 days of Prilosec from a gastro doc.
Also, I too am 52.5 and also just finally got my dream system put together.
I am new to this hobby and have been listening lots and developing an appreciation for audiophile sound. In the NY Times article posted by Bdgregory it could be inferred that audiophiles have a greater propensity for Tinnitus.
"researchers in the United States and Europe have independently discovered that the brain areas responsible for interpreting sound and producing fearful emotions are exceptionally active in people who complain of tinnitus."
Sucks, damn ringing doesn't take a break.
I will try some of the advice here, cut back on the caffine, sugar, iboprofen and aspirin, see an ENT.
Incedently, I work with a gent who was the pres of the www.ata.org and sat on the board for years. He has suffered from tinnitus and accutitas (sp)since the 80s from playing in a rock band for many years. His is so severe he must wear earmuffs when traveling in the car. It apparently can keep getting worse if caution is not heeded.

don't be discouraged. If cared for properly,it will subside... It may be a long time though