I'm an audiologist. Several people have given you good information. It is most likely tinnitus due to nerve damage in your cochlea. Ear drum damage would not cause tinnitus. And sensory-neural hearing loss (nerve damage) isn't only due to exposure to loud sounds. If, as a child, you had a lot of ear infections it could explain your current tinnitus. But tinnitus isn't only caused by nerve damage. Certain medications, especially ones for high blood pressure can also cause tinnitus. The best thing for you to do is contact an audiologist and get your hearing tested including bone conduction testing to find out if you have damage in your cochlea. Hope this helps.