Hi Gary,
My surgeon mentioned there are cases where the contralateral ear can develop "sympathetic" responses on the opposite side of the AN, but don't know if they can "test" for this or what treatment is called for.
My contralateral ear started on and off ringing one year after surgery. Within two months it began full-time in earnest. Another annoying addition was pressure changes, "heart beat" noise when lying on that ear that comes and goes and at times the level of hearing comes and goes. I have noticed a pattern of head pain following after these symptoms. I became concerned and my surgeon (5-hours from me) recommended I see an ENT close to home. Based on my additional symptoms of headaches and visual issues (flashing lights, blurring) they ran an ECOG and ABR. They were thinking Menier's Disease. I was also tested for nystagmus as my "field of vision" was like a bad video. Bounced around while walking and would not hold still when I looked to my right (contralateral side). Test results were negative for Menier's/Hydrops, positive for nystagmus (fancy word for my eyes don't hold still) which is consistent with the surgery, and my ABR showed abnormalities. In the end the doctor only responded to the tinnitus coming from NSAID use for my headaches, but did not address the other ear/eye issues or better ways or doctor that would treat my headaches. I continue with ibuprofen when I have head pain as this works and am tired of seeing multiple doctors (three) to help with headaches, visual disturbances, contralateral ear problems and a newer development--intermittent jaw pain. I have felt "passed" around, was yelled at by one due to him feeling threatened because I brought in info from an official website--sigh, and another told me to seek psych counsel. I treat myself now and vowed to my husband the next time I see another doctor I'll have to be unconscious.
I ignor the tinnitus, get on with my life just fine dealing with "the new me" and am happy! I will be having MRI end of this year and we'll see if there is a "new" development then.