If anybody thinks they may have Tinnitus, I would strongly suggest seeing an Ear Dr to rule out any other cause(s). I have had numerous ear surgeries over the years to remove benign tumors (cholesteotomas) in both my middle ears. I have had the bones of my middle ears removed and replaced with prosthetic bones and my eardrums and ear canals completely rebuilt.
One of the symptoms that made me initially see an Ear Dr was different sounds in my ear, which included throbbing sounds, the sound of waves and a ringing, along with slowly deteriorating hearing. This could easily have been written off as Tinnitus. The earlier that you catch something like this, the better chance there is of successful surgery/treatment. Don't count on your family Dr being able to diagnose this. Luckily, I live across the street from what is considered one of the 2 best ear hospitals in the US.