Search results for query: *

  1. MindOverMatter

    Loudness Hyperacusis, Followed by Pain Hyperacusis (Noxacusis)

    What I used for some time early on was introducing “positive soundscapes” to train my brain to focus on them instead of the noises (reactivity and hyperacusis) I experienced in my head. You can choose any soundscape you find soothing. Just make sure to use a high-quality speaker and play it at a...
  2. MindOverMatter

    Giving up is conceding that things will never get better, and that is just not true. Ups and...

    Giving up is conceding that things will never get better, and that is just not true. Ups and downs are a constant in life, and I've been belted into that roller coaster a thousand times. - Aimee Mullins -
  3. MindOverMatter

    Second Acoustic Trauma: Seeking Advice on Ear Fullness/Pressure

    This is a good description. The psychosomatic aspect, in my opinion, can have a significant impact. New neural pathways must be formed after acoustic trauma, and that is a slow process. Anxiety, “fear of sounds,” tensing up, stress, poor sleep, and similar issues fuel TTTS and are all obstacles...
  4. MindOverMatter

    NeuroMed Tinnitus Program — Founded by Dr. Hamid Djalilian

    I just want to add a recommendation: try a mix of both Magnesium Glycinate and L-Threonate, taken before bed.
  5. MindOverMatter

    Can Discontinuing Pristiq Help My Reactive Tinnitus? Should I Wear Hearing Protection 24/7?

    Who gave you this advice? In my personal experience, this isn’t good advice, at least not for the long term, when it comes to reactive tinnitus. As mentioned earlier in this thread, overprotecting against ordinary, low-volume sounds, like vents, A/C, and similar noises, will only make your...
  6. MindOverMatter

    Can Discontinuing Pristiq Help My Reactive Tinnitus? Should I Wear Hearing Protection 24/7?

    Spot on, I do this most of the time. Nature is my special go-to place where I can focus on the beauty surrounding me. This doesn’t mean that all days are bright and shiny, not at all. But now I have a better toolkit to manage those less-than-good periods. Certainly gradual, slow, and...
  7. MindOverMatter

    If I remember correctly, it took me closer to probably 8-12 months before I saw any major...

    If I remember correctly, it took me closer to probably 8-12 months before I saw any major improvements @Yellowblue44 With many days feeling back to square one or even worse. Often its the mind playing tricks with us due to anxiety and being stuck in fight or flight mode. Setbacks will happen...
  8. MindOverMatter

    Can Discontinuing Pristiq Help My Reactive Tinnitus? Should I Wear Hearing Protection 24/7?

    First of all, @teayom, I believe it won’t do you any good to focus on worst-case scenarios. You’ll have to let go at some point because you can’t control everything. Why not think that you might get better? That’s what you want to believe, right? Look for that silver lining. Once you begin to...
  9. MindOverMatter

    Introducing natural sounds is a good way of getting auditory input @Yellowblue44 I never wore...

    Introducing natural sounds is a good way of getting auditory input @Yellowblue44 I never wore plugs in shower. React. t winding up due to showering is not dangerous imo. What is "dangerous" is your reaction to it. Yes, I drove with reactive t/sound sensitivity. Not easy, by no means, but...
  10. MindOverMatter

    Can Discontinuing Pristiq Help My Reactive Tinnitus? Should I Wear Hearing Protection 24/7?

    @teayom, Easier said than done, but let it react. There is no real danger in the annoyance or the increased sensitivity you're experiencing due to things like air conditioning, even though it may feel that way. Trying to cover it up will only make you more sensitive in the long run. This is...
  11. MindOverMatter

    I did not do this on my own. Had close follow-up /support with an audiologist specialized in t/h...

    I did not do this on my own. Had close follow-up /support with an audiologist specialized in t/h over a long span of time. I still meet up with her from time to time. I would advise you to get some professional help if you can. Building tolerance is a slow and challenging non-linear process...
  12. MindOverMatter

    @Yellowblue44 I never used ear sound generators. I have hearing aids due to a complex hearing...

    @Yellowblue44 I never used ear sound generators. I have hearing aids due to a complex hearing loss (often referred to as a "cookie bite" loss). But I did use sound therapy on these, usually pink noise, for about 4 hrs every day. Once I did rebuild the tolerance for this again. I did this gradual...
  13. MindOverMatter

    Tinnitus After Hitting Head in Attic

    It’s easier and takes less time to habituate to a low level of tinnitus, but that's not decisive, in my opinion. Many factors come into play. Acceptance is always the first step. I also believe a person's individual characteristics play a significant role. No two people are alike. I can hear my...
  14. MindOverMatter

    Desperate Cry for Help: Severe Tinnitus After Going to Bar with Loud Music

    One month of tinnitus is nothing, @wheatley. So, no, that’s not a sign of anything. You can’t draw any conclusions from that. You need to sort your thoughts out first; otherwise, it will be hard to cope. Once you have control over the mental aspect, you can eventually start looking forward...
  15. MindOverMatter

    @ErikaS Spot on. We have a very similar understanding and experience with this. Funny thing...

    @ErikaS Spot on. We have a very similar understanding and experience with this. Funny thing though, you just had a course of doxycycline, right? 2 weeks? I had it at the same time as you and had a major spike - probably due to the combo weakened immune system and some harsh sound exposure...
  16. MindOverMatter

    Desperate Cry for Help: Severe Tinnitus After Going to Bar with Loud Music

    I'm sorry to hear about your situation, @wheatley. Unfortunately, these stories are all too common. Since you're only a month in, you're still in the acute phase, which means there are great possibilities for improvement. I highly recommend adding counseling or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with...
  17. MindOverMatter

    We are all different, but I don't think its a good idea to quit work all together. But you need...

    We are all different, but I don't think its a good idea to quit work all together. But you need a type of job that gives you that needed flexibility. I did start my own company during my worst period, and still managed to get through. After that was up and running, I've adjusted my work load in...
  18. MindOverMatter

    The "morse code" type of t usually calms down eventually, but not in a state of fight of flight...

    The "morse code" type of t usually calms down eventually, but not in a state of fight of flight when the level of anxiety often is sky high. This is my own personal experience @Zigs as I've had several bouts with this. And it always gotten better for me. Although a slow process, and it will take...
  19. MindOverMatter

    I do not know your potentially other struggles, issues and PTSD. But you don't have to be...

    I do not know your potentially other struggles, issues and PTSD. But you don't have to be defined by t and h, even though it is life challenging. I think you should share your story with your friend. It might be good for you. I speak openly to anyone about my journey with this, and it makes it...
  20. MindOverMatter

    I think you should put away some of your thoughts @ECP , because it totally downplays yourself...

    I think you should put away some of your thoughts @ECP , because it totally downplays yourself. You are not a burden. Good friends dont see obstacles as a burden.What about you choosing the venue? Seeing only the issues with things, and thinking the worst, is adding fuel to an already difficult...
  21. MindOverMatter

    It makes me sad to hear this too. I know 100% where you are coming from @ECP The biggest...

    It makes me sad to hear this too. I know 100% where you are coming from @ECP The biggest difference is, seems like (judging from what your write), is that I still find a lot of joy in many situations of life. I could always want differently, and grieving is okay and human - but it doesn't help...
  22. MindOverMatter

    @Zigs That is the nature of this condition. Unpredictable.

    @Zigs That is the nature of this condition. Unpredictable.
  23. MindOverMatter

    This is most likely TTTS @Zigs It is a condition that is very much related to high anxiety and...

    This is most likely TTTS @Zigs It is a condition that is very much related to high anxiety and stress. When stuck in fight or flight mode, this is very common. At least to my own experience. This will ease up with time, but unfortunately this rollercoaster can be unpredictable and totally un-linear.
  24. MindOverMatter

    Tinnitus Much Worse After Doxycycline

    @Diskgrey, antibiotics ending in "-mycin" are typically labeled as ototoxic. Doxycycline, however, is considered one of the safest antibiotics. I recently completed a two-week course myself. If your elevated tinnitus is due solely to the Doxycycline, it should eventually subside. It's also...
  25. MindOverMatter

    Sound Annoyance and Worse Tinnitus After Out in a Loud Venue (Measured at 97 dB) for One Hour

    This happened to me too, @star-affinity, about 3 months ago. It took me about a month to recover from that spike. There was even a DJ playing loud music in the restaurant. I had custom earplugs in for most of the time, but not for the first 15 minutes or so, as they’re hard to use during...
  26. MindOverMatter

    Shaking Head Quickly Stops My Low-Frequency Tinnitus Hum — Is It from Anxiety?

    We tend to forget exactly how things were... But I was in a bad place for a long time. Just moving my head on my pillow and hearing the sound of the sheets made me crumble. I couldn't stand the sound of running water or frying food. I remember going on a trip to a waterfall about six months...
  27. MindOverMatter

    Shaking Head Quickly Stops My Low-Frequency Tinnitus Hum — Is It from Anxiety?

    Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your experience, @Yellowblue44. No one deserves to deal with this condition, but unfortunately, life isn't always fair. Having had stable tinnitus for about 15 years, only for it to suddenly worsen after an acoustic trauma, I understand firsthand how...
  28. MindOverMatter

    What happened @BellaMia ? I had a massive spike myself in May/June that took about a month or so...

    What happened @BellaMia ? I had a massive spike myself in May/June that took about a month or so to calm down. These things happen. As long as we live they are unavoidable. You will overcome this.
  29. MindOverMatter

    NeuroMed Tinnitus Program — Founded by Dr. Hamid Djalilian

    I know this was intended for @marqualler, and he might respond to you later on. I just wanted to add my thoughts. Yes to both, @ErikaS. I continued with life as best I could, balancing work (even starting a business during this escalation) and family, though in altered ways. It's all about...
  30. MindOverMatter

    Ive had those same thoughts many, many times @ErikaS What I've learnt after my worsening/trauma...

    Ive had those same thoughts many, many times @ErikaS What I've learnt after my worsening/trauma in 2019 is that thinking the worst will only make the spike last longer. Telling the brain that this might stick around. There is a bigger chance that it will pass. Temporary shifts, or spikes, is an...
  31. MindOverMatter

    I No Longer Leave the House — Things Got Worse Overnight: Ear Pain and More Intense Tinnitus

    This doesn’t seem to be severe pain hyperacusis, but rather loudness hyperacusis with possibly reactive tinnitus. Ear burning, pressure/fullness, and TTTS (Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome) are not uncommon with this condition. Even so, regardless of what you call it, this is a traumatic...
  32. MindOverMatter

    I No Longer Leave the House — Things Got Worse Overnight: Ear Pain and More Intense Tinnitus

    What you describe is familiar to me, as you’ve detailed it. However, we all experience these things differently. No two people are the same, and no two people have identical experiences, making it a condition that is difficult to compare. Hyperacusis and tinnitus manifest in many different...
  33. MindOverMatter

    I No Longer Leave the House — Things Got Worse Overnight: Ear Pain and More Intense Tinnitus

    Just remember that you've experienced acoustic trauma, @Zigs. To this day, there are no medications that can cure tinnitus or hyperacusis. However, medications might help somewhat in your current state, but I believe that counseling, along with CBT and mindfulness, is crucial. Having support...
  34. MindOverMatter

    I No Longer Leave the House — Things Got Worse Overnight: Ear Pain and More Intense Tinnitus

    This sounds very familiar to my story. In my experience (every case is different), healing wasn't linear at all—especially during the first year after the trauma. It takes a lot of time and patience. You might have a few good days, and then, out of nowhere, you'll have days where you struggle...
  35. MindOverMatter

    I No Longer Leave the House — Things Got Worse Overnight: Ear Pain and More Intense Tinnitus

    You have every right to feel sorry for yourself and grieve over what, for now, may feel like "a lost life." You are good, no matter what. You're still here, still showing up as best as you can. You need time to recover. You've made it through once, or even several times, and you can do it...
  36. MindOverMatter

    Sounds like reactive t to me.

    Sounds like reactive t to me.
  37. MindOverMatter

    I do @Bob3382 - it has become a part om me. I went to counseling for more than 3 yrs - where CBT...

    I do @Bob3382 - it has become a part om me. I went to counseling for more than 3 yrs - where CBT was a major part of it.
  38. MindOverMatter

    @weehiru My advice to you is to try not to measure your t. It will only apply negative emotions...

    @weehiru My advice to you is to try not to measure your t. It will only apply negative emotions, and increase your perception of t. Making it worse. A spike like this is very normal, and it will come down once you will be able to calm down again.
  39. MindOverMatter

    Somatic Tracking for Hyperacusis

    It is completely safe to try out a protocol of somatic tracking, with mindfulness being one of the main components. Audiologist or not, tinnitus or not, it is safe no matter your alignments in life.
  40. MindOverMatter

    Newest Dentist Visit Recommendations for a Person with Pre-Existing Tinnitus / Hyperacusis?

    Go for laser dental treatment if possible, and you can afford it.
  41. MindOverMatter

    Keep the faith in better days @Bob3382 They will come. CBT takes time to implement. Its a...

    Keep the faith in better days @Bob3382 They will come. CBT takes time to implement. Its a continuous process.
  42. MindOverMatter

    The process of healing involves a lot more solitude & anxiety than love & light. But it's worth...

    The process of healing involves a lot more solitude & anxiety than love & light. But it's worth it in the end. You can do it.
  43. MindOverMatter

    Low Frequency Tinnitus

    The low-frequency humming got better every time.
  44. MindOverMatter

    You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass...

    You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. - T. Hawkeye
  45. MindOverMatter

    Usually the day after for me - lasting, usually, in the range of 1-4 weeks

    Usually the day after for me - lasting, usually, in the range of 1-4 weeks
  46. MindOverMatter

    Low Frequency Tinnitus

    I've had a couple of bouts with low-frequency tinnitus, so I can't tell exactly (I can't remember). But probably around 3-6 months. Everyone is different.
  47. MindOverMatter

    Low Frequency Tinnitus

    Mine went as well. It was probably caused by a mix of things: sound exposure/ear fatigue, TTTS, stress, and TMJ.
  48. MindOverMatter

    Unilateral Tinnitus After Shooting without Hearing Protection

    This is often the reason tinnitus either gets or feels worse. The isolated sound in your ears/head might not be worse, but your perception of it will get worse and worse in the acute state you are in now. It's a vicious circle. You have to remember that you are in a state of shock, and your...
  49. MindOverMatter

    Unilateral Tinnitus After Shooting without Hearing Protection

    Nobody asked for this @Sherif, and nobody chose to get tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. However, life doesn't always turn out according to plan—or how we would like it to. Things out of our control occur, and life changes. But now is not forever. You are still early in, and a lot will change in the...
  50. MindOverMatter

    Noxacusis Got Worse from Neighbor Slamming Their Front Door Three Times Consecutively

    LDN is a very different type of medication and could effectively reduce inflammation and pain - such as nerve pain. In my opinion, it's worth a try in your case, as the downside is usually minimal. And given you have MS as well, it might give you an even better effect. It's worth discussing...
  51. MindOverMatter

    I think the answer says itself @snizzleberry Your should be extremely grateful. But you should...

    I think the answer says itself @snizzleberry Your should be extremely grateful. But you should NOT return to everything you did before. It can backfire any time.
  52. MindOverMatter

    Noxacusis Got Worse from Neighbor Slamming Their Front Door Three Times Consecutively

    @Jenny_S, I'm sorry to hear about your issues. You should try out LDN (go slow and be patient) for your nerve pain. Many have had good effects from it, and there are minimal side effects. The worst side effect, for most, is usually interrupted sleep for a few weeks in the beginning.
  53. MindOverMatter

    Low Frequency Tinnitus

    Yes, when I've had more prolonged bouts of humming and low-frequency tinnitus, it has always been related to TTTS. Once TTTS has resolved, the humming is pretty much gone.
  54. MindOverMatter

    I've come a long way with accepting and adapting, and more and more days where I feel habituated...

    I've come a long way with accepting and adapting, and more and more days where I feel habituated (again). But its important to find a good balance in life with this, as mentioned. I enjoy life, and I would say even more so, gratitude wise, when I have a good day. Every day can't be good. Its the...
  55. MindOverMatter

    Almost 100% Cured of Hyperacusis and Tinnitus

    I get where you are coming from @Michael Leigh, but I will also add that my audiologist, to my knowledge, does not have tinnitus or hyperacusis. So, I think you should nuance it a bit. She is very knowledgeable about tinnitus/hyperacusis (and its possible impact on many), emphatic, and...
  56. MindOverMatter

    To my own personal experience, if you have those kind of fluctuations, and good days in between...

    To my own personal experience, if you have those kind of fluctuations, and good days in between, that is a good sign. Progress is nothing but linear with this. Trail and error. Balance in life is important. Protect, but don't over protect, and lower your stress. Get out in nature, and do more of...
  57. MindOverMatter

    Reactive t/h/TTTS can be challenging and a struggle for sure. Even more so when you are pretty...

    Reactive t/h/TTTS can be challenging and a struggle for sure. Even more so when you are pretty new to it. Ive had t for 20 yrs and the latter for around 5 or so (I've stoppes counting). High frequencies has been quite a challenge for me too through the span of years. I was in a dark place in...
  58. MindOverMatter

    @snizzleberry I have good news for you. If you can only hear it with ear plugged, and dead...

    @snizzleberry I have good news for you. If you can only hear it with ear plugged, and dead silence around you (aka sleeping), you will habituate very soon. I can hear it over most soundscapes, if I want - but most of the time it doesn't bother. Tinnitus that is (not talking about reactive t and h).
  59. MindOverMatter

    Almost 100% Cured of Hyperacusis and Tinnitus

    Most ENTs don't have in-depth knowledge about tinnitus + hyperacusis, but there are audiologists trained in tinnitus and hyperacusis. Some of them are very knowledgeable. But you need to find the right person and preferably have a good connection with the person. I've been with the same...