Recent content by Tweaker

  1. Tweaker

    Suicidal

    I can relate to your story, @Theezy. Mine has also unfortunately worsened over time, despite doing my best. I still manage to work full time, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. I have had tinnitus for 15 years, so I understand your pain. Mine worsened significantly after COVID and some...
  2. Tweaker

    Suicidal

    I found an audiologist who was really helpful at the time. They checked my hearing and provided counseling, which made a big difference. During the worst period, when I wasn’t getting any sleep, I took sleeping tablets to help me through. Speaking with others and attending a support group also...
  3. Tweaker

    Suicidal

    My situation was similar. I was 39 years old with two children, aged 3 and 6, when my tinnitus became chronic. I was a complete suicidal wreck for several weeks. I’m now 54, so keep going—you will get better at coping. It’s amazing how the mind can adapt. I still have ups and downs, and trust...
  4. Tweaker

    Should I See an ENT? Share Your Thoughts on ENTs and Tinnitus!

    You may find peace of mind by seeing an ENT specialist, but be cautious about the types of tests they perform. This is based on my personal experience. A standard audiogram has always been fine for me. Tympanometry has also been okay when it only tested middle ear pressure, but be aware that...
  5. Tweaker

    Mine is crazy loud these days. I have multiple frequencies, like an electrical storm. Crickets...

    Mine is crazy loud these days. I have multiple frequencies, like an electrical storm. Crickets are the closest thing to masking but nothing works that well tbh. Left ear is worse. Trying to stay calm is key but this can be difficult.
  6. Tweaker

    Bad Tinnitus After Airbag Deployment in Car Accident — Did Two Weeks of Lexapro Further Damage My Hearing?

    My tinnitus is very loud these days too, so you are not alone in dealing with this horrid condition. I understand your concern about driving and the possibility of airbags deploying in an accident. Try to hold on to the positive hearing test results, even with the airbags having gone off. This...
  7. Tweaker

    45 mg of Mirtazapine Doesn't Help Me Sleep — Need Advice for My Disabling Tinnitus

    I don’t feel any side effects from taking it. The main issues are sleep deprivation, worsening electrical-type tinnitus, and severe anxiety when coming off it.
  8. Tweaker

    45 mg of Mirtazapine Doesn't Help Me Sleep — Need Advice for My Disabling Tinnitus

    I’ve been taking Mirtazapine for years. I’ve managed to reduce my dose to a quarter of a 15 mg tablet, but I’ve never been able to stop entirely for more than 10 days due to the difficult side effects. So, I feel somewhat stuck on it as well. When I take this small dose along with a very low...
  9. Tweaker

    Could the Acoustic Reflex Test Have Made Me Permanently Worse?

    I wish I could go back in time and skip that appointment for a hearing check. I’m still trying to accept what happened and move on, but it’s not easy. It’s been two years, and the thought of it still gives me shudders.
  10. Tweaker

    Could the Acoustic Reflex Test Have Made Me Permanently Worse?

    Loud intermittent beeps.
  11. Tweaker

    Could the Acoustic Reflex Test Have Made Me Permanently Worse?

    The acoustic reflex test permanently worsened my tinnitus, and I wasn't aware that it was being performed as part of the tympanometry procedure at the time.
  12. Tweaker

    Poll: Whilst Wearing Earplugs, Does Your Tinnitus Perception Increase?

    I don't understand how tinnitus sufferers can wear earplugs in the house or in bed to sleep, because my perception of tinnitus increases to insane levels when my ears are plugged. Hence, the poll. I'm genuinely curious if this is normal. Since tinnitus is internally perceived, it makes sense to...
  13. Tweaker

    What’s The Longest Time Habituation Can Take?

    I have a similar story to yours. My tinnitus is now severe. Habituation is not a simple process for some of us, especially for those whose tinnitus has worsened over the years for various reasons.
  14. Tweaker

    Acoustic Trauma (Flipped the Toilet Seat Down to Flush): Advice & Next Steps?

    My understanding is that the window for steroids is one month if they are to make any difference, but the sooner, the better. It sounds like you are making good progress, though. NAC is also helpful. I don't have any experience in using steroids after acoustic trauma, as it's not standard...
  15. Tweaker

    Seeking Advice on Managing Tinnitus with Work-Related Headphone Use

    If you work from home, why not use a Jabra conference speakerphone? I have several meetings a day and never use headphones in calls at home. The Jabra doesn't give me any issues.