Search results for query: *

  1. MichaelP

    Hey, thanks for the reponse, can't even remember what thread I was talking about! Glad to hear...

    Hey, thanks for the reponse, can't even remember what thread I was talking about! Glad to hear you're doing better though :)
  2. MichaelP

    Lenire — Bimodal Stimulation Treatment by Neuromod

    Not sure where the right place to ask is and I imagine it's already been mentioned somewhere, but anyone thinking of attending this who either lives near or fancies a trip to Arizona? It has a very brief talk from Dr. Hubert Lim. 47th ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGY MEETING March 5 - 7, 2020...
  3. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    No eye pain or blurred vision, still a lot of tension in that part of my head and am experiencing the gloomy dark and sometimes static like visions in that part of my head every time my eyes have been closed for a while. He gave me the meds for migraines, he didn't even mention high blood...
  4. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    @Greg Sacramento didn't you say the meds are ototoxic as well?
  5. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    At what point do i worry then? Just feel a bit confused. If it brought on a massive pain in that area, those visions in the area that have lasted 3 days and a constant feeling of unease in that area isn't that more serious? The eye test came before the 'incident' as well. I also just had an...
  6. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    @Greg Sacramento Also, do you know anywhere I can read more about this? I looked up hypertension, but didn't see anything about those weird patterns mentioned, and I had a blood pressure test and finger thing (is that for pulse?, I literally have no clue) and I'm guessing they were fine as...
  7. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    I wouldn't say I have any abdominal pain or slowness peeing. I feel like as soon as something is mentioned these days though I'm sensing it, basically I guess I have a little bit, but it's also 2pm and I'm only just about to eat as I've been in bed all day trying to sleep, but freaking out every...
  8. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Hi Greg, I was just wondering if you know anything about migraine auras? Kriszti said I could try asking you. I'll paste my message to her below: "I haven't been able to find any answers to this new experience I've been having and it's affecting my sleep massively. I had my first...
  9. MichaelP

    Diclofenac for Migraines — Ototoxic?

    Has anyone taken Diclofenac to help with migraines? The medicine is called Voltaren D50. I have been prescribed that by a doctor (as well as Buccastem), but it is listed a number of times on the following ototoxic list by the ATA: https://www.ata.org/sites/default/files/Drugs Associated with...
  10. MichaelP

    Going to Bars/Clubs/Concerts with Hearing Protection — Wise or Not?

    What NRR are your custom made plugs? I worry that if I ever go to a party/loud bar I won't know whether it's too loud or not!
  11. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Thank you Kriszti. I definitely calmed down when I realised it was likely to be more temporary. I plan to sleep now, hopefully for a long time, but we'll see! I feel like I probably shouldn't ask what bigger problems there could be if I were to have them often...? I'm pretty sure this stems...
  12. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Thank you. I'm certain it's that now. Lack of sleep and constant stress do sound familiar. Although I'd say it was more lack of sleep at the moment. And yeah, to say I freaked out would be an understatement! Left work immediately and called an emergency help line as I thought it might be...
  13. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Hi @Elfin Looks like you're probably right. A scintillating scotoma is what it looked like: It was that exact shape as well, although facing the other way and looked much much brighter. I think that's a relief?? Although obviously not having it would be more of a relief. Kind of...
  14. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Thank you so much for the quick reply. I've been proper freaking out about it. I did read about migraine auras, but I'm not really sure what they are... But seeing as it came at the exact time I had that (what now appears to be) fleeting tinnitus, I assumed it was something to do with that...
  15. MichaelP

    Intense Zig-Zag Flickering Pattern — Visual Snow, Visual Migraine (Aura) or Scintillating Scotoma?

    Hi, Pretty sure I just had visual snow. Was sitting at my desk in the office, heard a loud high pitched ring in my right ear and then just after noticed a small, bright intense zig-zag flickering pattern in my field of view. Kind of panicked, walked off to see if it disappeared. Googled it...
  16. MichaelP

    Office and Earplugs — Too Much?

    Thanks for the advice. I just meant using them purely for their noise cancelling capabilities, not to play music. So like when on an aeroplane, or on a noisy bus, just so it turns the loud plane CHHHH into a more gentle hiss.... I wasn't sure if there was any worry about using NC headphones...
  17. MichaelP

    Anyone Else Get Psoriasis with Their Tinnitus?

    Hi John, Did you ever find any link between the two (psoriasis and tinnitus)? I actually got psoriasis many many years before tinnitus (but only a very small localised bit), but I've noticed recently that the fingernails on my thumbs both have a raised ridge across the middle of them, which I...
  18. MichaelP

    Am I Safe to Use This Topical Steroid Cream/Ointment (Contains Also Neomycin)?

    Dear Dr Nagler, I have a very small patch of psoriasis on the glans of my penis and have been prescribed a topical steroid cream and at a later date an active form of vitamin D (Calcitriol) as an ointment to treat it. I occasionally use both as if it gets too out of hand the Calcitriol...
  19. MichaelP

    Office and Earplugs — Too Much?

    @Kvothe @Michael B @boliston @Mister Muso Thanks everyone for the advice/suggestions. Turns out it was pretty quiet in the end (well, apart from the odd moment, but nothing particularly near me). Better to be safe than sorry though! oh, and NC headphones are safe @Mister Muso ? I've read a...
  20. MichaelP

    Office and Earplugs — Too Much?

    That's a good idea! Do you feel the need to wear earplugs at any time, or find it overly loud in certain situations? Thanks.
  21. MichaelP

    Office and Earplugs — Too Much?

    That's good to hear! I guess it probably seemed like a bit of a ridiculous question then haha. I really had no idea how loud they get though. I'll just keep a pair with me in case. Any ideas how I know if the sound level meter I bought is accurate? I mean, it seems pretty accurate, but...
  22. MichaelP

    Office and Earplugs — Too Much?

    Hi all, I'm starting an office job tomorrow and would like some opinions on anyone else who does or doesn't wear earplugs at any time in them. I believe it to be a large busy office, but I have no clue how loud it will get (although I do have a dB meter so can check this). What sort of...
  23. MichaelP

    Lenire — Bimodal Stimulation Treatment by Neuromod

    Ah ok, my bad! Sorry for interrupting! :)
  24. MichaelP

    Lenire — Bimodal Stimulation Treatment by Neuromod

    Doesn't it cost a lot of money for the appointment/trial to use Lenire? I can't imagine, ethically or perhaps legally, that they could put some of those people in a placebo group? Or have I confused this with some other trials/treatment?
  25. MichaelP

    Going to Bars/Clubs/Concerts with Hearing Protection — Wise or Not?

    no problem. Yeah, definitely consult with a doctor or better yet ENT before putting anything into your damaged ear. The loud sound when you tap against an earplug in your ear is normal (it is unlikely to be dangerous but obviously don't do it too much!). It's caused by the occlusion effect...
  26. MichaelP

    Going to Bars/Clubs/Concerts with Hearing Protection — Wise or Not?

    Hey Yas, I've had tinnitus for about the exact same length of time as you, and this might not be the advice you're looking for but, personally, I wouldn't go to that concert either. I'm pretty sure my tinnitus is from noise damage, especially as I went to a bar last Friday (with pretty high...
  27. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    Thanks for the reply. I haven't heard of those ones, but yeah, I imagine if your hyperacusis is really severe then you'd want the strongest dB reduction you can get. Cheers!
  28. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Thanks for the quick and well written reply, Matt! In particular I liked this paragraph, thanks for these words, hopefully it's the case! I imagine this is probably true, I guess there's limits to how much aggravation the system can take before more damage is produced though? It's...
  29. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    Hi Juan, Just wondering if you know what brand of custom earplugs you bought and what filters you were using? I think I probably will get some customs for environments that aren't as extreme in volume as clubs/concerts (not that I am going to be attending them any time soon, but if I were to...
  30. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Hi Matt, I realised on this forum you don't get a notification to posts below yours unless someone tags you or you quote their post. So, in case you didn't see my comment I've done just that! :) Thank you for the advice, some very interesting points that I wasn't aware of previously and will...
  31. MichaelP

    Concerts and Loud Shows with Earplugs — How Safe Are They with 32 dB NRR Custom Earplugs?

    Fingers crossed, thanks! For one ER filter it is 60NZD (40USD) and one ACS Pro filter is 45NZD (30 USD). So not a huge price difference, the site is a little confusing though, but it's the only place I've found that do them here (New Zealand)! I've been doing a bit of reading and the...
  32. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    Actually, it might just be because I'm distracting myself from the sound even when there's something quiet playing. Or maybe it's related to being tired. I'm absolutely shattered and currently sitting up in silence and I think I'm getting closer to experiencing it now. Think I'm going to put...
  33. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    Interesting theory! I've just been discussing with another member of this forum about some neck exercises to do. Although his Tinnitus is related to an accident he had and so it's lowering the sound of his tinnitus, I mostly want to do it because my neck muscles have always been insanely...
  34. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    I sure hope so! Glad yours has reduced for you :)
  35. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Hi @foam Thank you, I hope so! What do you mean by this though?
  36. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Will do @Michael Leigh I just looked and he's started 46 posts, but I'll definitely read ones that look relevant. Thank you
  37. MichaelP

    Should I Listen to My Tinnitus in Order to Get Accustomed to It?

    I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has commented on my post with their advice. There are now far too many comments for me to reply to everyone, but I have read all of them and taken all of your suggestions on board. Cheers! Michael
  38. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    I intend to take it as slow as possible in order to recover. My recent scare has signalled to me that I'm not ready for some environments yet. I'm using a laptop and don't have a printer, but will look into printing them out. Thank you, Michael, for all your help.
  39. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    I thought hyperacusis was when you experienced pain when hearing sounds? Day to day, prior to going to that bar, I hadn't really worn earplugs much at all and can't say I had any spikes, pain or other affects from sound. Then again, it's pretty difficult to tell whether sound is affecting...
  40. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    I should've read/replied to this post first, as it seems to answer what I'm experiencing at the moment! Maybe I do have a mild form of hyperacusis, I can't say I've noticed any pain from noises, but I'm clearly very sensitive to fairly loud sounds as shown by the bar I went to the other night...
  41. MichaelP

    Concerts and Loud Shows with Earplugs — How Safe Are They with 32 dB NRR Custom Earplugs?

    Thanks for the thorough rundown, Tom. The ACS and ER filters look different (link below), do you mean that they're interchangeable whatever brand I go with, or just that they will be of the same quality? https://www.pacificears.co.nz/product/pro-filters/...
  42. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Hi Matt, Thank you for the advice, some very interesting points that I wasn't aware of previously and will have to look into more. Temporary spikes (I have noticed I get them from exercise even if it is non-impact, e.g. yoga) I can live with; anything that might be permanently damaging I...
  43. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Thank you for this clarification. I actually thought I was being careful to be honest. We avoided many bars that I would call noisy and settled on a bar that had comparatively moderate noise, but nothing that seemed excessive. I wore high NRR earplugs the entire time, as I mentioned, and the...
  44. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Hi @Mister Muso I just saw your message after I replied to the previous one. Yeah, I believe you're right, especially based on my incident the other night, needless to say I'm kicking myself about it, despite, I thought, taking precautions and not going anywhere I would class as excessively...
  45. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Thanks for the info @Tybs . I haven't had any recent trauma or taken any medications lately that could've caused it. The only reason I thought it might be TMJ was due to my jaw tensing a lot more lately than it had been previously and on one occassion I specifically remember having specifically...
  46. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Hi @MattS For almost 4 weeks now. My apologies though, I think I must have incorrectly described what I'm experiencing, I don't believe I have hyperacusis, well, it's possible I might have a very mild version, but I can only think of one such thing that describes what I believe hyperacusis...
  47. MichaelP

    Should I Listen to My Tinnitus in Order to Get Accustomed to It?

    Hi Michael, I will take time to read them more carefully. As I've mentioned in my original post though, I've been hearing/reading conflicting information, hence asking for some clarification/advice on what best to do. I feel that if I am playing music under the level of my tinnitus that I...
  48. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Hi @Michael Leigh I have a bluetooth speaker that reproduces a much wider frequency range than my phone. I'll try using that. Thanks for the info and recommendations of soundmachines, I'll take a look at them sometime soon. I see you've just responded to my question regarding this, which...
  49. MichaelP

    Should I Listen to My Tinnitus in Order to Get Accustomed to It?

    I have only had tinnitus about 3 weeks and I would say it was mild, although I seem to be increasingly getting a much louder ring in my right ear which is staying longer than it had previously, which I find a little worrying. My question is, whether to listen to the tinnitus in order to get...
  50. MichaelP

    Ototoxic Drugs — Are There Safe Amounts You Can Take?

    Hi Dr Nagler, I just wondered whether there are safe amounts you can take of certain drugs that are listed as ototoxic? In particular, I'm referring to Ibuprofen, as I would often take this drug if I have inflammation from an injury or a bad headache (as it works much better than, for example...
  51. MichaelP

    Custom Earplugs (ACS, Elacin, Etymotic, Westone, etc.)

    Hi @Tom Cnyc I just wondered what you meant by saying you couldn't handle a bar after 3 months? Did it make your tinnitus worse? But after 6 months you'd recovered enough or things had settled down enough that you could play with a band? Apologies for keep asking you questions! Thank you...
  52. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Thanks, @MattS. Think I'll go for the 17 and 26 filters, with maybe the solid insert for any particularly loud situations I might find unavoidable. Why do you think in time I'd be able to use less? Because my auditory system would have recovered a bit or stabilised? I'm not really sure if...
  53. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Hi @Michael Leigh What would you advise in terms of sound enrichment? I mentioned up the page how I've been using a phone app called 'Sleepa', which can combine many different nature (wind in trees, waves, birds...) and relaxation sounds (chimes, white/pink/brown noise....). I've been...
  54. MichaelP

    Concerts and Loud Shows with Earplugs — How Safe Are They with 32 dB NRR Custom Earplugs?

    Hey Tom, What custom earplugs do you have? I was thinking of getting the ACS Pros, which have the following filters: 10, 15, 17, 20, 26, 27 or 31 and the respective attenuation curves (10, 15 and 17 filters not shown on there). Do you think the 31s would be about equivalent to foam...
  55. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Was my post moved into this thread? Or did I do it accidentally somehow, as I'm pretty sure I created a new one as this one doesn't really answer my question. Well, if anyone has any experience with the ACS Pros and what filters are best to get and for what situations you use them in it'd...
  56. MichaelP

    Which Custom Earplugs Should I Buy?

    Hi everyone, I just got tinnitus a little over 3 weeks ago and would like some advice on which custom earplugs to buy. I have read quite a lot of other posts and some reviews, but it is always more helpful getting some direct advice/experiences. I'm thinking I want to get some ACS Pro's as...
  57. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    I'm not really sure if I've been exposed to any loud sounds since I first noticed it? I haven't been to a bar or party (or other loud event) since I first noticed the tinnitus and I think I used headphones once (quietly a few days after it first happened), but then I haven't used them at all...
  58. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    I'm quite happy to be wrong, but I was under the impression that I do have something wrong with my auditory system? I know tinnitus is understood to be my brain boosting signals it's lost, but surely that's because there's been damage to the little hairs in my inner ear? I mean, technically...
  59. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Hi Michael, Apologies for not replying to your post back when you first sent it. I imagine you're probably right, I think I was just hoping it wasn't that and was instead something that might be treatable, or would mean my hearing wasn't damaged. I think perhaps I noticed it first after...
  60. MichaelP

    So Many Questions: Tinnitus for 12 Days Now, Potentially Caused by Noise/Stress

    Thanks for the link, Bill, I've seen that post of yours before and it was very helpful. Is the jaw thing common whatever the cause of the tinnitus? I'm just trying to ascertain what the cause might be so I can tailor my reading to more relevant articles/posts. I definitely intend to...