I have tinnitus and agree with George H. It's not just the ringing, although for me, it's only in the left ear and I've had it as long as I can remember. It's better some days, worse others...sometimes (usually in the summer) my left hear feels 'hollow'..like I'm talking in a tunnel, which is far more distracting than the ringing, and also my balance is mostly off. I've been known to walk into door frames hard enough to bounce off and leave knarly bruises on my upper arms which I then have to explain if I'm wearing short sleeves---no, I've not gotten beaten, I'm clumsy as hell. They didn't name me grace and there was a reason.

The Tinnitus I try not to concentrate on, and I pretty much don't notice it...sometimes, if it's bad I'll make sure there is some other noise in the room and concentrate on that...usually at night is the worst time because I like it quiet. Which of course, in my head it never is! lol

Interesting what you experianced, and I'm glad it stopped and hasn't returned. Ditto the not using Qtips...get your ears cleaned professionally..safer and much more effective.