# Tinnitus spikes: what to write down and what to ignore

Canonical: https://romeoapps.app/en/tacet/tinnitus-spikes-what-to-write-down/
Author: Roméo Gambino · Published: 2026-09-12 · Updated: 2026-09-12 · App: Tacet (https://romeoapps.app/en/tacet/)

A short method for logging louder days, the four things worth recording, and how a journal turns bad nights into a useful conversation with a clinician.

## A spike is a change, not a verdict

Tinnitus often varies from day to day. A louder morning after a poor night or a stressful week is common and usually settles. Treating every spike as a new problem keeps attention locked on the sound.


## Record the same four things each time

The time you noticed it, what the previous 24 hours looked like (sleep, noise, caffeine, stress), how loud it feels on a simple scale, and what you did about it. Four fields keep a log quick enough to maintain.


## Rate loudness once, not all day

Score the spike once when you log it and once the next morning. Repeated rating during the day is a form of checking that tends to make the sound feel bigger.


## Look for patterns after a month, not a week

A handful of entries proves nothing. After thirty days, sort by loudness and read the surrounding context. Some triggers will be obvious; many spikes will have none, which is itself useful to know.


## Bring the log to your appointment

The NHS notes that a GP will ask about your symptoms and may look in your ears. A dated record of frequency, loudness and context answers most of those questions in seconds and leaves more time for what worries you.


## Know the signs that are not spikes

Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus in one ear only, a sound that pulses with your heartbeat, or dizziness are not ordinary fluctuations. Seek prompt medical advice rather than logging and waiting.


## Questions

### How often should I log?

Only when something changes. A daily entry is not required and can turn the journal into a checking habit.

### What loudness scale should I use?

Any simple scale you can use consistently, such as 0 to 10. Consistency matters more than precision.

### Can I share the journal with a clinician?

Yes. Tacet can export the journal as a PDF so you can bring it to a consultation without handing over your phone.

## Further reading

- NHS · Tinnitus — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tinnitus/
- NIDCD · Tinnitus — https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus