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  1. slc

    Hello Kam, Stephen here, I'm in Paris until I leave on Wednesday. Let me know if you would like...

    Hello Kam, Stephen here, I'm in Paris until I leave on Wednesday. Let me know if you would like a visit. It's probably possible Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.. Take care, Stephan
  2. slc

    Are There Tinnitus Sufferers in Paris, France?

    Hello Kam, I'm in Paris and can visit you if you'd like. Would sometime on Monday or Tuesday work? I leave on Wednesday. I have an apartment in the 18th. Et comme j'ai dit, je parle français. Stephan
  3. slc

    Suicidal

    You are very welcome! I hope you find some relief. I forgot to mention that if you massage your back and neck, be sure to pay extra attention to your scalp. The scalp has many nerve endings, and Vata oil can be particularly beneficial when used with a good scalp massage. I've read at least one...
  4. slc

    Suicidal

    I cannot provide a full answer, but I was using 1.5 mg of clonazepam once daily at 9 PM before bed. Over time, I tapered down to zero. About two months after tapering to zero, my tinnitus worsened, likely going from moderate to severe, though it is hard to remember exactly. I then went back up...
  5. slc

    Suicidal

    Keep in mind that a general practitioner (GP), ENT, neurologist, or psychopharmacologist is qualified to prescribe Clonazepam. I had a good relationship with my neurologist, who prescribed Gabapentin for me based on a study suggesting synergistic efficacy when combined with Clonazepam. My ENT...
  6. slc

    Suicidal

    Massage is an excellent idea. I also got a massage, and it helped relieve stress and tension. Reaching out to this forum, taking steps like getting acupuncture with massage, and connecting with your wife are all great to hear. For many people who experience tinnitus and hyperacusis, the initial...
  7. slc

    Suicidal

    Many of us here have been through absolute hell when we first developed tinnitus or hyperacusis. Mine was so severe that I lost a significant amount of weight, couldn’t eat, and couldn’t sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time. I cried a lot and felt completely hopeless. What you are...
  8. slc

    Suicidal

    At my very worst, when I was dealing with newly developed catastrophic tinnitus and hyperacusis, I found myself holding onto a strange and unexpected thought. If the relentless suffering ever broke me, I took some comfort in knowing that the tinnitus and hyperacusis would stop if my life ended...
  9. slc

    Warning: Binaural Beats and Pure Tones Turned My Tinnitus from Mild to Moderate

    Hello. I found another thread that addresses binaural beats. It looks like some people have improved. There were a variety of responses and discussions. Good luck.
  10. slc

    Encouragement Requested: Sudden Increase in Tinnitus, Nighttime Especially Difficult

    Wow, the above track (at least the first one) needs a MAJOR warning. Two seconds of hearing it just about propelled me to the ceiling. It could be dangerous, especially for people with hyperacusis or even mild sound sensitivity. I'm glad it worked for you, but two seconds of that were torture...
  11. slc

    Am I More Susceptible to Further Hearing Damage Compared to Someone without Hearing Loss?

    My instinct regarding sound exposure is to take reasonable precautions, which will vary depending on one’s personal situation. For those with hyperacusis, more rigorous protection is necessary. Similarly, for those with reactive tinnitus, additional precautions are also important. For me...
  12. slc

    2024 US Presidential Election

    To your point, they collectively contribute to the Social Security system, Medicare, and billions of dollars in taxes. In doing so, they help sustain Social Security, Medicare, and the country’s overall financial stability. (Undocumented Immigrants' Payments Into Social Security Detailed in...
  13. slc

    Four Months into Severe Tinnitus, Reactivity, Hyperacusis, Dysacusis and Visual Snow

    Hello, I noticed you mentioned trying Ayurvedic medicine. It is worth noting that Ayurveda often takes time to show results and usually involves panchakarma for optimal effectiveness. The tinnitus I experience changes throughout the day and from day to day. Over the past few months, it has...
  14. slc

    Extremely Loud, High-Pitched Tinnitus: Doctors Refuse to Prescribe Prednisolone

    I recommend looking for studies that show a reduction in tinnitus symptoms with Prednisone. Be sure to also review the potential side effects. If your doctors still refuse to prescribe it, even after you share relevant studies, consider seeking a second opinion or finding another doctor. In my...
  15. slc

    Are There Tinnitus Sufferers in Paris, France?

    I don't live in France, but will probably be in Paris the last week of January. Sadly, a close friend of mine passed away and I will probably attend her memorial mass in Tours. I have lived in Paris, worked there, and do speak French, although from your post, it appears you speak English quite...
  16. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    The two studies were quite comprehensive. We know that Auricle shows promise in reducing the actual decibel level for a significant percentage of participants. However, it’s important to note that these participants did not receive the placebo sound-only treatment first, which could influence...
  17. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Auricle.fr, according to WHOIS, lists IONOS SE (formerly 1&1 Internet SARL) as the registrar. Here is the WHOIS, which is available to the general public. This is part of the WHOIS listing, but as to who registered the site, we're in the dark: I agree with the above post. Someone purchased the...
  18. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Not to detract from your insight; you made a valid point. Authors David Martel and Calvin Wu, two of the co-authors of From Hidden Hearing Loss to Supranormal Auditory Processing by Neurotrophin 3-Mediated Modulation of Inner Hair Cell Synapse Density, have been part of Dr. Shore's University...
  19. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    After reading the above post, I searched for Susan Shore’s publications. It turns out that Auricle is not the final outcome of her research—she continues to be actively involved in tinnitus studies. I came across a 2024 article titled “From Hidden Hearing Loss to Supranormal Auditory Processing...
  20. slc

    Speech in Noise Comprehension

    Thanks, Frédéric. The app looks quite useful, especially the idea of "measuring one's sound environment and protecting hearing health." Additionally (translated): "It allows for a precise evaluation of hearing health and auditory issues through a hearing test conducted with background noise...
  21. slc

    Suicidal

    Yes, my situation was quite unusual. I had catastrophic hyperacusis. I kept my storm windows closed in the summertime because I couldn’t handle the noise from distant air conditioners, which sounded as loud as Boeing 747s to me. I even installed heat pumps in my house, but I could only operate...
  22. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Lenire’s advertising was somewhat misleading. Upon closer reading, it became clear that Lenire only claimed a certain percentage of users were less bothered by their tinnitus—not that the decibel level was reduced or that the tones shifted to a more bearable pitch. Similar relief might be found...
  23. slc

    Investigation of the Effectiveness of Sound Enrichment in the Treatment of Tinnitus Due to Hearing Loss

    Ok, I’m no expert, but I would start by determining if a broader range of sound, such as white noise, might work. Perhaps the author includes information on this in the study, or maybe the study’s author could provide insight into whether white, blue, or violet noise would be helpful. If that’s...
  24. slc

    Constantly Spiking Tinnitus — Bedsheets, My Own Movement, You Name It

    My experience was somewhat different from yours. For instance, the sound of bedsheets didn’t bother me. What did help a bit was self-massage with organic sesame oil, as well as sessions with a massage therapist. This seemed to calm my nervous system. I especially focused on massaging my scalp...
  25. slc

    Constantly Spiking Tinnitus — Bedsheets, My Own Movement, You Name It

    Do soothing sounds, like ocean waves or rippling water, provoke an adverse reaction for you? Or perhaps they might be calming. When I had severe hyperacusis and tinnitus, I found there were very few sounds I could tolerate. The sound of flowing water—such as when watering the garden—or using a...
  26. slc

    Suicidal

    You are still in the early stages, and there is a good chance your situation will improve. It's incredibly difficult to cope with crippling tinnitus and hyperacusis, but improvement is possible. I’ve been there myself (see my previous post). If you can find a soothing sound that doesn’t worsen...
  27. slc

    Suicidal

    Things may improve. My first year with hyperacusis and tinnitus was absolute hell. I cried a lot and even once sat on the floor, banging my head against the wall. Life was miserable. Thankfully, the hyperacusis eventually resolved. I still have some sensitivity and avoid power equipment, loud...
  28. slc

    Suicidal

    I’m really sorry to hear about how difficult and oppressive the situation is for you. In my case, about 13 years ago, my catastrophic hyperacusis began to calm down within a year. It sounds like you’re making progress, and it’s great news that your hyperacusis has been improving. I also dealt...
  29. slc

    Why Is There No Cure for Tinnitus?

    I recommend reading the Lenire thread in Treatments. Quite a few people have reported a worsening of symptoms, sometimes long-term. A few have seen improvement, but I’m personally staying away from Lenire.
  30. slc

    Tinnitus Management Clinic — Cleveland Clinic

    If you do get insurance to cover hearing aids, I strongly suggest considering devices that produce pink, white, or brown noise. In my case, pink noise provides a slight sense of comfort. I use these devices when my tinnitus becomes severe. As for audiologists and even ENTs, there is often...
  31. slc

    My Pain Hyperacusis and PTSD Testimony — Asking for Some Words of Encouragement to Carry On

    Hello Pierre, I would describe the hyperacusis I experienced as pain hyperacusis. Everyday sounds, like air conditioners, seemed as loud as 747s, and even the sound of crickets was overwhelming. My nervous system was so heightened that when I was exposed to a series of fire truck sirens, I...
  32. slc

    My Pain Hyperacusis and PTSD Testimony — Asking for Some Words of Encouragement to Carry On

    Hello Pierre, My situation is quite different from yours, but after an intense exposure to a house alarm lasting over five minutes at a very close distance while I was disengaging it, it took about two years for my symptoms to reduce. I went to India for 10 weeks of Ayurvedic treatment called...
  33. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Perhaps it's because I have mild rather than severe tinnitus symptoms today, but I'm positively framing this. Auricle is serious about the FDA submission. The Susan Shore et al. studies show promise, albeit with questions folks have raised about the placebo treatment/washout period affecting the...
  34. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    I don't remember what the decibel level for the audio was or if this was even described in the study. I wonder if the audio level can be reduced to something that is just audible and still has a beneficial effect. When things first kicked in 13 years ago, I had catastrophic hyperacusis and...
  35. slc

    8-Year-Old Complaining of Tinnitus: No Noise Trauma — Could It Be Earwax Blockage?

    Another possibility is a bacterial or fungal infection, although she likely would have complained that her ear or side of the head hurt. Eczema can also sometimes block up an ear canal. The earwax should be straightforward for an ENT to diagnose, or even a GP, given how difficult it may be to...
  36. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Not necessarily a waste of time. The American medical system is a patchwork of for-profit and non-profit institutions, all strangled by an insane insurance system. That being said, you can pretty much make an appointment with an audiologist and pay out of pocket for hearing aids, for example. I...
  37. slc

    Suicidal

    Good luck with it. I have had reasonable success using Ayurveda, an ancient Indian approach to medicine. There are Ayurvedic hospitals and medical schools in India, plus a fair amount of modern research studies showing benefits. If you would like to read more about that approach, there is a...
  38. slc

    Suicidal

    Ten days of relief is pretty phenomenal in and of itself. I fully get knowing that there is a way to end things brings relief. I've been there. It can be really tough depending upon how severe my tinnitus is (from 4 to 8). Still, I also attempt and can succeed at engaging in activities that I...
  39. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    The response from Jon Pearson seems hopeful and indicates a clear intent to seek approval. It appears that progress is being made towards clinical availability. They are avoiding the release of partial information about the approval process, which could lead to widespread inaccurate speculation...
  40. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    I'd have to reread the studies, but didn't they fine-tune the treatment for the second study? If so, this might account for the carry-over effect.
  41. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Thanks, @RunningMan. Yes, I surmised this was the case from your chart, but I wasn't totally certain. Thanks for clarifying this. I had previously theorized that somehow the sham sounds or the sham nerve stimulation had stopped the crossover group (receiving first sham and then actual...
  42. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    I should be able to look this up myself, but I’m having trouble locating the link to the first study. So, did the first study also use the same approach of sham treatment and then switch over to the actual treatment? Did they use a different number of weeks (compared to weeks used in the second...
  43. slc

    Lenire — Bimodal Stimulation Treatment by Neuromod

    Lenire's advertising (which I carefully read a while back) claims to reduce the bothersomeness of tinnitus, not actually reduce tinnitus. Two different kettles of fish as I see it. Tinnitus, assuming it is mild or moderate, could be made less bothersome by using sound therapy, engaging in...
  44. slc

    Electrical Ear Canal Stimulation as a Therapeutic Approach for Tinnitus — A Proof of Concept Study

    From my reading of the study, I found the following: "habituated/compensated (below 47 points) and unhabituated/decompensated." This indicates to me that the researchers are using habituation and compensation as equivalent terms. And in contrast, those who have not habituated to tinnitus are...
  45. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    We can, at least to a limited extent, determine how Tinnitus Talk might have affected researchers and even research. The Q&A with Dr. Shore is one example. It alerted her to concerns within this community. The efforts of @Hazel and @Markku (and others) who have cataloged, collated, and attended...
  46. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    I also noticed that once the placebo group had become part of the treatment group, the treatment was not effective. Research on why that was the case might add insight into bimodal treatment. It seems that being exposed to, what I’m assuming, tones not calibrated for treatment inhibited the...
  47. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Dr. Shore addressed worsening of tinnitus in the Q&A:
  48. slc

    Can You Habituate to Hyperacusis?

    I developed catastrophic hyperacusis and tinnitus more than 11 years back. We're talking closed storm windows in the summer without air conditioning because the sound of crickets and other people's air conditioners sounded like Boeing 747s. I'm happy to say that the hyperacusis has pretty much...
  49. slc

    Suicidal

    I wonder why some acoustic traumas cause a lasting spike and others do not. For me, I seem to recover from lower pitched loud sounds more quickly than I do from high pitched ones. But in addition, if the body is in a calmer state, the parasympathetic nervous system might be better equipped to...
  50. slc

    Suicidal

    Has the worsening been linked to acoustic trauma (alarms, power tools in the neighborhood...)?
  51. slc

    Suicidal

    When I first developed hyperacusis (at a catastrophic level along with catastrophic tinnitus), it took many months for the hyperacusis to diminish. I don't know if this was due to the treatments I tried or if it might have diminished on its own. Crossing my fingers that at least the hyperacusis...
  52. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Yes, I have been wondering about this as well. They are both bimodal approaches; however, Perhaps this has already been looked out, but if the study followed the participants for a longer time, one would expect most of the placebo group to eventually revert back to baseline, BUT the treatment...
  53. slc

    First Tinnitus Spike Since 2014 — From Having Mobile Phone on Speaker

    Yes, the alarm exposure was really intense. I think that is why the spike has taken over a year to settle down. In the last 2 months, I have finally gotten to the point where I can go without white noise maskers on certain days, sometimes even for most of the week.
  54. slc

    First Tinnitus Spike Since 2014 — From Having Mobile Phone on Speaker

    Similar issue, I was exposed to a faulty alarm. I very foolishly dealt with the problem by first removing the batteries (which didn't work) and then unfastening the hardwired alarm. I cannot believe I didn't use my noise-cancelling headphones but it was late and I was tired and sleepy. My head...
  55. slc

    Ayurveda / Ayurvedic Herbs — Indian (Asian) Medicine and Tinnitus

    Sorry to hear about the panic attacks. Those are tough. Some of the things I have done that might be useful to you are a vata-pacifying diet, massage with vata or sesame oil, hot baths with epsom salts, alternate nostril or just calm breathing, warm milk with spices such as nutmeg, turmeric and...
  56. slc

    Ayurveda / Ayurvedic Herbs — Indian (Asian) Medicine and Tinnitus

    Let me know how it goes. A good Ayurvedic practitioner can prescribe an herbal formula that includes any number of herbs depending upon the person's symptoms, often a mixture of 10 or so herbs. Ashwagandha has properties that may be particularly useful. I haven't used L-Theanine, but I'll keep...
  57. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    I am guessing that Auricle will train audiologists to adapt the device to individual users. It seems that setting the frequency, or band of frequencies, will be needed. It would be great if that could be done remotely during an online appointment. I wonder how they will address us folks whose...
  58. slc

    Ayurveda / Ayurvedic Herbs — Indian (Asian) Medicine and Tinnitus

    I've been dealing with a spike for the past year and I reviewed my Ayurvedic toolbox about a month ago. Karna Purana, oil drops in the ear, is one of two changes I've made; the other is taking Ashwagandha. Since I started doing Karna Purana every evening before bed and adding Ashwagandha to my...
  59. slc

    New University of Michigan Tinnitus Discovery — Signal Timing

    Hopefully we’ll be able to get data from real world treatment. I would hesitate to use it all day until I learned more, lol! But your point is well taken. It would be a very useful follow-up study to assess different lengths of time for treatment, both in terms of daily dose and number of weeks...
  60. slc

    Hyperacusis Worsened from Ear Infection — What's My Outlook for Improvement?

    I can speak to my experience with hyperacusis which was catastrophic when it first developed along with tinnitus more than a decade ago. The hyperacusis resolved within less than a year. In my view, it makes sense that an ear infection would affect not just your hearing, but your hyperacusis as...