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  1. Michael Leigh

    I Have Noise-Induced Tinnitus — What Should I Do?

    Tinnitus Talk Reminder: this is only @Michael Leigh's opinion and experience, and should be taken with a grain of salt, like anything you read on the internet. Always consult a medical professional! I have noise-induced tinnitus — what should I do? I have been asked this question a lot over...
  2. Michael Leigh

    The Resurgence of the Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

    Reel-to-Reel tape recorders are complex, mechanical machines. Good working examples should be fully serviced by a technician and can easily cost over £1000/ $1,254/ € 1,172 for 10.5 inch tape recorder. I am not a connoisseur on reel-to-reel tape recorders but I am someone that takes listening to...
  3. Michael Leigh

    Thank You So Much, I Just Didn't Know About Tinnitus

    Thank you so much, I just didn't know. I can hardly believe there are still people in 2023 that have never heard of tinnitus, but it's true. Some casually go about their day listening to music through headphones and earbuds at high volume levels blissfully unaware of the dangers of exposure to...
  4. Michael Leigh

    How I Got Back Into Reading

    My favourite author is Peter James, who writes the Roy Grace books about a fictional Detective Superintendent, based in Brighton & Hove, and has become a TV drama series. I have enjoyed every episode. I live in Brighton but I'm originally from London, born and bred, and moved here in 2014...
  5. Michael Leigh

    Keeping Things Simple with Tinnitus

    Keeping Things Simple with Tinnitus People have often told me the onset of their tinnitus felt like riding an emotional roller-coaster, because no two days ever felt the same. I agree with this analogy as I think back to my own experience 27 years ago. The sudden impact of severe tinnitus and...
  6. Michael Leigh

    Sound Enrichment and White Noise Generators

    This post is intended for information only. It is based on using sound enrichment and white noise generators which I have used to help with tinnitus management. We are all different so please don't consider anything that I write to be professional medical advice. If you need help with your...
  7. Michael Leigh

    My Experience with Epsom Salts — Helped My Sciatica Pain and Improved My Tinnitus

    My Experience with Epsom Salts Back pain is a very common condition that most people experience at some time in their life. Like many medical ailments it spans a vast range in severity. From the occasional twitch to a niggling ache or a strain in the back from participating in a certain...
  8. Michael Leigh

    The Typewriter

    I learnt to type on a Adler Primus portable typewriter over 30 years ago when the home computer and Internet were not as common as they are today. When I bought my first PC, it felt like I had truly arrived. The simplicity of the back space, cut and pasting text to your heart's content at a...
  9. Michael Leigh

    Can I Habituate to Variable Tinnitus?

    Can I Habituate to Variable Tinnitus? It is always pleases me when someone says they have habituated to tinnitus and able carry on with with their life, doing all the things they want to do and put closure to the difficulty they once had managing it. The hope is for tinnitus to become a distant...
  10. Michael Leigh

    What Causes a Tinnitus Spike and Can It Be Cured?

    What Causes a Tinnitus Spike and Can It Be Cured? Spikes are a regular topic of discussion in tinnitus groups. Some people regard them as a minor inconvenience due to the fact they have learnt to accept it over time. Others not so fortunate find the sudden increase in tinnitus much more than a...
  11. Michael Leigh

    How to Habituate to Tinnitus

    How to Habituate to Tinnitus. Whenever I see habituation discussed in tinnitus forums, it seems to cause a lot of frustration and controversy. Perhaps it's because each person is able to have a different opinion on what it actually is? Some believe it's only obtainable for a select few but I...
  12. Michael Leigh

    Will My Tinnitus Get Worse?

    Will my tinnitus get worse? I visit a number of tinnitus groups and correspond with people by email and telephone. Three questions are often asked: When will a cure be found, will I habituate, and will my tinnitus get worse? On my started threads there are posts on habituation and how to...
  13. Michael Leigh

    Does Your Hi-Fi System Sing?

    Does your system sing? When a HI-FI system is set up correctly it should Sing. Some Audiophiles call this Synergy or Audio Nirvana. When the audio system sings it is quite easy to know: for when you look at your speakers they will completely disappear and all you will hear is the music, which...
  14. Michael Leigh

    Habituation and Tinnitus Treatments

    Habituation And Tinnitus Treatments Tinnitus joins a long list of medical ailments and conditions for which there is no cure at present. If you are new to tinnitus you may not be aware that it is very common and many people, learn to live with it after a while, and are able to carry on doing...
  15. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus, The Way Some See It

    Tinnitus, the way some see it. Mention tinnitus to a friend, relative or co-worker and you might be asked what is that? After explaining its symptoms you’re likely to hear, they’ve experienced it after a night clubbing but it always goes away. The more enlightened will say, they have it or...
  16. Michael Leigh

    What Is Severe Debilitating Tinnitus?

    What is severe debilitating tinnitus? People that are new to tinnitus have often told me, they didn’t realize it was such a common condition. When discussing it with a friend or family member the reply is: “I just ignore it” “Mine only bothers me at night once asleep I’m fine”. Another might...
  17. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus and Negative Counselling

    Tinnitus and negative counselling The onset of tinnitus can be a daunting experience when it is loud and intrusive. Understandably, a strange new sound that hasn’t been heard before can be alarming and leave a person at a loss of what to do. The first port of call is usually the family doctor...
  18. Michael Leigh

    The Complexities of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

    The complexities of Tinnitus and hyperacusis. This post is based on my experience with tinnitus and hyperacusis, caused by “exposure to loud noise”. I have also corresponded with people affected by these conditions and their experiences have helped me to write this piece. Please read it as...
  19. Michael Leigh

    Why Is My Tinnitus Getting Worse and Not Improving?

    Why is my tinnitus getting worse and not improving? A few people have contacted me recently and asked, why is my tinnitus getting worse and not improving? Understandably this is cause for concern because the truth is that many things can be responsible. It can be disheartening when a person...
  20. Michael Leigh

    The Tinnitus Experts

    The Tinnitus Experts I first got tinnitus twenty one years ago and along with it, severe hyperacusis. This was caused by listening to music through headphones at too high a volume, although at the time I wasn’t aware I was causing harm to my auditory system. I had TRT which required wearing two...
  21. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus Today and the Way I See It

    Tinnitus today and the way I see it. Tinnitus has been around for centuries and goes back to the Egyptians, when the first written account and medical treatment for it was recorded. Some say not much progress has been made in the medical field for treating it and I disagree. With such a close...
  22. Michael Leigh

    The ENT Doctor and Hearing Therapist

    The ENT doctor and Hearing Therapist Some people have asked me, why do I recommend a person to be referred to Hearing Therapist or Audiologist for tinnitus treatment, management and counselling? When a person is seen by an ENT doctor for the first time, a detailed history of their tinnitus...
  23. Michael Leigh

    Acquiring a Positive Mindset

    Acquiring a positive mindset A few people have contacted me and asked what do they need to do to be more positive, as they are finding it difficult even though they try not to think negatively when their tinnitus is intrusive. Others are wondering will they improve to the point where the...
  24. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus and the Negative Mindset

    Tinnitus and the negative mindset. Whether a person is new to tinnitus or has had it for a while, they will know how debilitating it can be when it’s loud and intrusive. If hyperacusis is present it can make a bad situation worse and I fully understand this, as someone who’s had tinnitus for...
  25. Michael Leigh

    Is Positivity Important?

    Is positivity important? Tinnitus is a complex condition that comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. If hyperacausis is present it can cause additional problems depending on how severe it is? I believe if one is able to adopt a positive mindset towards...
  26. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus Questions & Answers

    The questions below are from people that have contacted me for advice about tinnitus. My answers are based on personal experience with “noise induced tinnitus” and hope they will be helpful to someone. Please regard them as information only and not medical advice. If you need help with your...
  27. Michael Leigh

    Inspiration

    I think the question below from a forum member is an interesting one and hope my reply, will give inspiration to someone that might be having difficulty with tinnitus. Michael Leigh To all you that write or read a lot, how do you manage this with tinnitus? Do you always mask the writing process...
  28. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus Answers

    Tinnitus answers I was recently asked the following questions by a few people and have decided to submit my replies here, as they might be of help to others. Names have been omitted. “My T was caused by headphones, I’m 8 weeks in and can’t cope, any advice please”? “You have had T for many...
  29. Michael Leigh

    Can Tinnitus Counselling Help?

    Can tinnitus counselling help? There are various kinds of treatments and coping methods for tinnitus that fit into four main categories: Sound therapy, medication, counselling and relaxation techniques. Most people are familiar with sound therapy. It has proven to be helpful relatively...
  30. Michael Leigh

    From Darkness Into Light

    From darkness into light. Tinnitus is not an easy condition to live with when it is severe. So it always pleases me to hear when someone habituates and is able to put the passed behind them and look forwards to a brighter future. A forum member contacted me recently to express just that and has...
  31. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus and Mental Health

    Tinnitus and mental health. Type tinnitus into any search engine and you will see links to thousands of websites. They will explain its symptoms, causes and a variety of treatments that are available in the medical field. It seems everyone is catered for, because there is no shortage of...
  32. Michael Leigh

    Microsuction and Irrigation

    Microsuction and Irrigation. The ear is a delicate and sophisticated organ that some people might not give much thought to, as the majority of the time it’s able to take care of itself, until something goes wrong with it. Attached to the side of our head we see the outer ear known as the...
  33. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus, The Half That Is Not Often Told

    Tinnitus, the half that is not often told. Anyone new to tinnitus and decides to research it, will soon learn that it’s a common condition, that many people habituate to without too much of a problem and are able to carry on with their life, doing everything that they want to. In time they...
  34. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus.

    Tinnitus. Tinnitus is condition that comes in many different forms and intensities. Most people habituate and are able to carry on with their life doing everything that they want to without too much difficulty. It usually becomes a problem when it is loud and intrusive and begins to interfere...
  35. Michael Leigh

    The Habituation Process

    The habituation process. Habituation is frequently talked about in tinnitus forums and probably comes in at second place to the popular question: when will a cure be found? It seems some people have become quite taken with this word and believe it is the most important thing to strive for when...
  36. Michael Leigh

    A Change of Lifestyle?

    A change of lifestyle? I am writing this post, in the hope that it will make some people look at their lifestyle and consider changing it, when it comes to tinnitus that was caused by exposure to loud noise. At another tinnitus forum that I visit, someone who is a musician and has played the...
  37. Michael Leigh

    The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

    The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. This post will not be about that classic 1966 western with the same name. That stared: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. However, if the title has sparked some interest then I’m pleased. Anyone that hasn’t seen this film please try to, as I think...
  38. Michael Leigh

    Look at What You Can Do, Not What You Can't

    Look at what you can do, not what you can't. Tinnitus comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. I have had this condition for 20 years. In 2008, it increased to insurmountable levels with large fluctuations in intensity daily. This ranged from: Silent, mild...
  39. Michael Leigh

    Why Is My ENT Doctor Useless?

    Why is my ENT Doctor useless? Over the years I have read many posts at tinnitus forums. Therefore, it is of no surprise to see familiar questions and comments recurring especially by those that are new to this condition. Understandably, some people are in distress and are seeking help. They...
  40. Michael Leigh

    TRT, As I See It

    TRT, As I See It. I think some people misunderstand TRT and the way it can help tinnitus. Whilst a person is entitled to an opinion, if they haven’t been on the programme and only read reports on it, I don’t believe they are getting the full picture. A number of people have asked me about its...
  41. Michael Leigh

    The Big Picture

    The Big Picture Tinnitus can affect us in a variety of ways. One of the most difficult hurdles for some to get over is to stop thinking of their past. The way life used to be before the onset of the condition. If we are not careful this can cause stress, anxiety and in some instances delay the...
  42. Michael Leigh

    Hyperacusis, As I See It

    Hyperacusis, As I See It. Some members have asked for my opinion on hyperacusis as they are finding it increasingly difficult to live with. They want to know if there is a way of treating this condition so that their life can become a little easier? Or whether it can be completely cured? For a...
  43. Michael Leigh

    Why Has My Tinnitus Spiked? Why Has Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Increased?

    Why has my tinntus spiked? Why has my tinnitus & hyperacusis increased? I believe when tinnitus and hyperacusis was caused by exposure to loud noise and the symptoms have reduced over time and a person habituates. If these conditions start to become worse again, it is likely (but not always)...
  44. Michael Leigh

    What Is TRT and When Should It Be Started?

    What is TRT and when should it be started? I have talked about TRT in many of my posts. One tinnitus talk member recently told me that I have mentioned it no less than twenty five times. He went on to ask, am I an Audiologist promoting my practice in this forum purely for business purposes...
  45. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus, A Personal View

    Tinnitus, A Personal View This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. I have used medical terms where I thought it necessary and to give clarification. I have tried to keep the content factual and accurate. Please...
  46. Michael Leigh

    Can Antidepressants and Other Medications Help Tinnitus?

    Can antidepressants and other medications help tinnitus? Tinnitus is a complex condition that comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. It can be: mild, moderate, severe or extremely severe. Because its intensity can vary considerably, it can be difficult to...
  47. Michael Leigh

    What Happens in TRT Sessions?

    Someone recently asked me: What happens in TRT sessions? I feel this question deserves an appropriate answer but I’m unable to do that in a few sentences so please bare with me. Whenever I mention TRT and the benefits that a person with tinnitus is likely to get from it, someone says to me...
  48. Michael Leigh

    Are Spikes from Loud Noise Permanent?

    Are spikes from loud noise permanent? Someone recently asked me, whether a spike in tinnitus caused by loud noise would be permanent? I don’t think there is a definitive answer, because tinnitus is a complex condition and if hyperacusis is also present it can complicate matters further. Some...
  49. Michael Leigh

    Sound Enrichment and White Noise Generators for the Tinnitus Newbie

    Sound enrichment and white noise generators for tinnitus newbies. Tinnitus is a common condition that many people are able to cope with when it is mild or moderate. On the other hand, it can also be a complex condition, because it comes in many different forms and intensities and no two people...
  50. Michael Leigh

    Tinnitus, Earplugs and Nightclubs

    Tinnitus, earplugs and nightclubs. Someone that has tinnitus I believe they should try and live a normal life as they possibly can. This includes going out to clubs, concerts and other venues of entertainment where music is played if they wish to. For some, tinnitus can be difficult to live...
  51. Michael Leigh

    Should I Mask My Tinnitus?

    Should I mask my tinnitus? Tinnitus is a complex condition and if hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) is present it is even more. Many newbies have difficulty coping with tinnitus and understandably, getting rid of this constant intruder, that has suddenly invaded their life becomes paramount on...
  52. Michael Leigh

    A Possible Help for Tinnitus? Chinese Herb Er Long Zuo CI Wan

    Er long Zuo Ci Wan Tinnitus is a complex condition and anyone experiencing it and wants help, should first see their health care provider, so tests can be carried out to find what is causing it. Clonazapam is sometimes prescribed for people with very severe tinnitus but it can be addictive if...
  53. Michael Leigh

    To Tinnitus Talk Members, Your Help Would Be Appreciated (Your First Experience with a Doctor)

    Dear Tinnitus Talk members. I would appreciate it if you would please spare some time to give me the benefit of your experience, when you first went to see your GP or family Doctor for help with your tinnitus. For instance, were you told that familiar line: “It’s tinnitus there’s no cure...
  54. Michael Leigh

    What Is Reactive Tinnitus?

    What is Reactive Tinnitus? A word often used in tinnitus forums these days is: “Reactive” tinnitus. People affected will say something like: “ I have habituated but my tinnitus is reactive to certain sounds” or “ I have reactive tinnitus”. I believe there is some confusion here and will...
  55. Michael Leigh

    What Happens After Habituation?

    What happens after habituation? People that have had tinnitus for while, usually under a year, have often asked me this question as they look forward to the day they will habituate. Some wonder will they habituate to the point where they no longer hear the tinnitus? Will they be able to do...
  56. Michael Leigh

    Finding a Cure for Tinnitus?

    Finding a cure for tinnitus? I wrote a post a while back titled: Answers to Hyperacusis and Habituation, and in it mentioned two of the most common questions asked about tinnitus are: How long does it take to habituate and how do I know if I have hyperacusis? Anyone that wants to read it...
  57. Michael Leigh

    Is Habituation Possible?

    Is habituation possible? I have often been asked this question by many people that are new to tinnitus and those that have habituated for some time but have noticed a resurgence in it’s severity, which hasn’t calmed down and cast some doubt on whether it will return to it’s manageable...
  58. Michael Leigh

    What Should I Aim For?

    What should I aim for? Tinnitus is a common condition that many people habituate to without ever been seen at ENT. However, we know how debilitating it can be when it becomes severe and intrusive. Unfortunately, the majority of people outside of this forum are unaware of that. The fact that...
  59. Michael Leigh

    New to Tinnitus, What to Do?

    New to tinnitus, what to do? The onset of loud intrusive tinnitus can be very traumatic for most people. I use the words loud and intrusive, because tinnitus comes in many forms and intensities. When it is mild, moderate or occasionally heard in quiet surroundings it is usually not too...
  60. Michael Leigh

    Computers & Tinnitus Part 2

    Computers and Tinnitus I recently wrote a post titled: Computers and Tinnitus. For those that would like to read it please click on the link. https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/computers-and-tinnitus.12059/. It is quite understandable that some people will have doubts as to whether tinnitus...