I'm leaning towards the former option. I'd describe mine as very similar to yours (mentioned in another comment), and it doesn't present an issue unless you rea

I'm leaning towards the former option. I'd describe mine as very similar to yours (mentioned in another comment), and it doesn't present an issue unless you really think about it, where your mind consciously/subconsciously focuses on the frequencies the tinnitus manifests in. Getting to a place where it's just not something that you think about/bothers you is, all things considered, a pretty good place to be in. Edit: I don't mean to trivialize this issue, as it definitely does have a greater effect on some people more than others. So, your 3rd possible explanation is quite intriguing here too.