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  1. Gr8fulDude

    Has Anyone Habituated to Ultra High Frequency Tinnitus That Can't Be Masked?

    I have two different high frequency pitches. They have become so familiar to me that I can almost meditate to the noise. With time, anything is possible.
  2. Gr8fulDude

    Be Honest. Do You Still Enjoy Life?

    Yes I am able to enjoy life immensely. It took a few months to habituate but as the tinnitus faded into the background more, I noticed it less and less to the point it has no influence on my quality of life.
  3. Gr8fulDude

    What Music Can You Still Listen to Despite Your Tinnitus/Hyperacusis/Dysacusis?

    I listen to lots of live Grateful Dead and get lost in it.
  4. Gr8fulDude

    My Own Voice Is Too Loud and Distorted in Right Ear — What Is This?

    Agree with @billie48! I have experienced the same thing but rarely notice it as much now. Not sure if it goes away or we habituate but it’s important to try not to stress about it as it tends to focus the mind on it.
  5. Gr8fulDude

    Can Smoking Weed Cause Tinnitus?

    Cannabis can make my T louder if I notice it, but it never agitates me. Nothing better than exercise and meditation, especially in stressed times. Instead of looking to weed to de-stress you, maybe ease back for a bit and save it for times when you can truly relax, hopefully really soon!
  6. Gr8fulDude

    Is White Noise Harmful in the Long Term?

    If low volume white noise can distract the mind from focusing on tinnitus to allow for meaningful sleep, I say go for it! Not sure about using ear buds or noise canceling headphones for that. You can buy a machine at a place like Bed, Bath and Beyond for as little as $30 that can sit on your...
  7. Gr8fulDude

    Best Earplugs for Concerts, Movie Theatres, etc?

    Try Etymotic ER20. They cost under $20 and reduce loudness without distorting sound.
  8. Gr8fulDude

    Can Antidepressants and Other Medications Help Tinnitus?

    Some good comments here. The anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and sleep meds can really help through the early, dark and sleepless days when the limbic system has the brain on high alert, fixated on the new disturbing noise. But it is often just a step on the path to wellness. Without sleep it...
  9. Gr8fulDude

    Marijuana / Cannabis and Tinnitus

    If it calms and relaxes you and sparks some creativity, I say go for it. Any perceived effect on T should go away within a few hours and not be permanent.
  10. Gr8fulDude

    What Sleeping Pills Do You Take?

    It's true that long term regular use of benzos like xanax, ativan (lorazepam) and temazepan can be addictive. Remeron/Mirtazapine at low doses can also nicely sedate but they can leave you groggy and require tapering from long term use. Imovane is another prescribed sleeping pill but it leaves...
  11. Gr8fulDude

    Allergy People, What Do You Take for a Decongestant?

    Flonase and Claritin D. Neither have ever affected my T, one way or the other.
  12. Gr8fulDude

    Tinnitus Reduced by Mirtazapine (Remeron)

    Mirtazapine (Remeron) is odd because its sedative effect decreases with higher doses. Many will find it effective for inducing sleep at doses as low as 7.5mg which is likely far too low for any meaningful antidepressant effect. While some find it relieves tinnitus, I suspect it is the...
  13. Gr8fulDude

    Tinnitus Since Yesterday After Concert — What Should I Do Now?

    Please see a doctor now if you are not better and ask about prednisone.
  14. Gr8fulDude

    All Those Music Lovers — Recommendations for Hearing Protection?

    I recommend Etymotic ER20 ear plugs: http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hearing-protection/er20.html
  15. Gr8fulDude

    Antidepressant (Mirtazapine/Remeron) Contributed to Tinnitus Spike... Need Advice

    The prospect of Mirtazapine causing a spike after taking it for more than a year seems unlikely. Most find it does the opposite but even if it causes a spike it should resolve after discontinuance. Should you discontinue be sure to consult your doctor first.
  16. Gr8fulDude

    Mirtazapine — What Kind of Experiences Did You Guys Have?

    While Mirtazapine is used to treat anxiety and depression, it also has an off label use as a sleep aid. It is supposed to be less addictive than benzos but may require tapering to quit. It can be an effective sedative even at 7.5 and 3.75 mg doses. But there is no substitute for good diet...
  17. Gr8fulDude

    Went to the Gym for the First Time

    I use Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones and they are great. Just keep the volume reasonable (i.e. below 60%).
  18. Gr8fulDude

    Has Melatonin Calmed You Down Some at Night in Regards to Your Tinnitus?

    I tried melatonin, valarian and magnesium. I found the magnesium helped me relax. Not sure if valarian or melatonin helped. I agree that exercise makes a difference. But I really found deep breathing and meditation were most helpful.
  19. Gr8fulDude

    Seriously. Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

    @jdjd09 I never understood how people found their tinnitus got louder or quieter. For me it is more a question of whether it is noticeable at a given point in time. Mine doesn't get louder or softer. It fades into the background to the extent that I often don't notice it. If I think about...
  20. Gr8fulDude

    Seriously. Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

    Habituation has brought me to a point where I usually don't notice it anymore and even when I do it doesn't bother me. I often don't even hear it unless I pay attention to it. For most, this just starts to happen in time once you get beyond the initial anxiety. Meditation and deep breathing...
  21. Gr8fulDude

    Seriously. Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

    My audio gram is similar to yours. I have not yet tried a hearing aid as it seems unlikely to stop my T and I still can hear without a problem. As others have said, most audiologists allow for a trial period so you can have a worry free trial if you want. Just give yourself some time to...
  22. Gr8fulDude

    Seriously. Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

    I suffer from high frequency hearing loss and have had full-on T for a few years now. The hearing loss is mainly in one ear but the ringing is high pitched and two toned and feels like it's in both ears. My initial panic and anxiety reaction settled down after a couple of months and I began to...
  23. Gr8fulDude

    Need Some Advice (Wife Is in Fear of Me Taking Xanax, She Said Zoloft Was Safer)

    Your wife is right that some can develop dependency, addiction and withdrawal from Xanax, but low doses for a few weeks or perhaps a few months may not be problematic. Zoloft has other issues such as side effects for some and withdrawal issues for others and while some feel it helps their T...
  24. Gr8fulDude

    I Don't Know If I'm Strong Enough

    What @Carlos1 said. Give yourself time and you will habituate. I found yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises helpful. You are going to come out stronger. We are here for you.
  25. Gr8fulDude

    Best Earplugs?

    i recommend these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Musicians-Earplugs-Etymotic-ER20-ETYPLUGS-1-Pair-Standard-fit-Ear-Protection-/111897037649?hash=item1a0d954b51:g:2MsAAOSwFqJWtMwZ
  26. Gr8fulDude

    How Do You Learn to Go Back to Sleep?

    Good advice from @billie48 and others here. My sleep has definitely changed since the onset of my T a few years ago but I am used to it now and function just fine. In the beginning, I worried about it which only added to my anxiety. I used a white noise machine (being careful not to totally...
  27. Gr8fulDude

    What Helps You With Your Anxiety?

    Regular outdoor exercise, deep breathing and Mary Jane.
  28. Gr8fulDude

    Need Help, I'm Feeling Very Hopeless

    My intrusive T is likely the result of high frequency hearing loss which sounds like your issue too. After the initial shock and panic, everything settled down and I started focusing on it less. Three years later and I am not bothered by it but it is still there. I live my life no differently...
  29. Gr8fulDude

    Don't Read the Internet?

    What @erik and @linearb said.
  30. Gr8fulDude

    So Who Still Goes to Concerts!

    I've seen many concerts some of which likely contributed to my T and will see many more, but with protection when it's loud. I use Etymology ER20 plugs. I wish I used them before. There is no reason you can't enjoy so long as you are smart.
  31. Gr8fulDude

    Hey Team, We're in This Together...

    Good advice. That includes going to shows to dance and shake your bones with some of the great bands you love (with good plugs and without getting into trouble). In time you will notice the T less and less as you habituate. Or maybe it will simply disappear. Try not to give it too much...
  32. Gr8fulDude

    Any Good Over the Counter Medicines to Help Me Sleep Better?

    Probably not enough studies on effects of long term use of herbal medications but lots of people take melatonin daily. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is not suitable for long term daily use. Best to speak with a doctor or pharmacist about using medications and perhaps a naturalpath about using...
  33. Gr8fulDude

    Positive Experience: I Went to a Concert Last Night

    I saw Prince several weeks ago in a 3500 person theatre. Awesome show. The first half of the show sounded like Jimi Hendrix. I wasn't going to let my T stop me. But I am more mindful about protecting my hearing and my health.
  34. Gr8fulDude

    Headphones & Tinnitus — Do / Can You Still Use Them?

    Wish I was warned about hearing loss and T from concerts and loud headphones. Now I am wiser and use good plugs for concerts and decent headphones but at a much lower volume. I don't think I will waste money on a high end speaker system though given my compromised hearing which probably limits...
  35. Gr8fulDude

    Reading for Pleasure — Can You Still Do It?

    Once I got over the initial bump, reading helped soothe me and make me forget about T. Don't give up. It will happen for you. Great suggestion by jimH above.
  36. Gr8fulDude

    Positive Experience: I Went to a Concert Last Night

    Although I likely got my T from hearing loss from concerts and loud ear buds, I won't let it stop the music. I use etymotic er20 plugs at concerts now and I lower the volume on my iPod to prevent further damage so I can enjoy what I can.
  37. Gr8fulDude

    Any Good Over the Counter Medicines to Help Me Sleep Better?

    When you dream you are in the deepest stage of sleep which is good. Natural remedies such as chamomile, melatonin and valerian root may help but there seems to be little scientific evidence to support it. Magnesium before bed may also be helpful. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine sold over...
  38. Gr8fulDude

    Natural Medicine Formulas to Help You Sleep?

    3mg melatonin, plus valerian root, plus magnesium
  39. Gr8fulDude

    Habituation and Sleeping

    @Street Spirit - Thank you for the compliment which is appreciated even more coming from a fellow Canadian! @Robert44 - I have found that meditation can really help when I can't sleep because it still gives the body some much needed rest. Try not to beat yourself up about the concert you saw...
  40. Gr8fulDude

    Habituation and Sleeping

    Time will help you habituate and if you can get back to sleep for now with higher volume, I say go for it. Hopefully you will soon not need your pillow but give yourself some time.
  41. Gr8fulDude

    Another Concert Thread

    I have seen many concerts since the onset of my T. I suspect my T is noise induced from the many concerts I saw in my youth foolishly without protection and from keeping my iPod too loud. I now use etymotic er20 plugs and they do a terrific job maintaining the sound quality (as best I can...
  42. Gr8fulDude

    Volume Levels

    This is the kind of information that should be publicized more. I wish I had it before I got my T.
  43. Gr8fulDude

    Someone Heard from Louise?

    Louise you have been a kind supportive soul on this board. We wish you better and quieter days to come.
  44. Gr8fulDude

    I Can't Do This...

    Look for those moments when you do not notice your T and take comfort in knowing they will only grow as you start to feel better. It will happen.
  45. Gr8fulDude

    Poll: Do You Still Enjoy Listening to Music?

    In the words of Jim Morrison: "When the music's over, turn out the lights."
  46. Gr8fulDude

    Does TRT Work?

    Read Dr. Nagler's posts on TRT.
  47. Gr8fulDude

    Need Some Advice on Sleep

    Time will be your best healer as you habituate and focus less on the noise. You are right that a lack of sleep feeds into the T. At first I used a simple sound machine with static like a radio between stations but at a volume lower than the T. I took valerian, melatonin and magnesium before...
  48. Gr8fulDude

    Tinnitus, Live Music and Habituation

    Good message and approach. I am in the same boat. I am more cautious but won't let my high frequency hearing loss and tinnitus stop me from enjoying concerts and music.
  49. Gr8fulDude

    For What Situations Do You Wear Earplugs? And How Has Your Tinnitus Progressed?

    I probably got my T from loud concerts and headphones. I am more careful now and get my hearing checked annually. I was told that if you can't hear someone talking next to you, the noise is too loud and it is time for protection. I use Etymotic ER 20 musicians' Hi-Fi earplugs. They cost...
  50. Gr8fulDude

    Any Tips on How to Get a Better Sleep...

    Howmedics makes a good white noise machine with various sounds for about $25. I got mine at bed, bath & beyond.
  51. Gr8fulDude

    How Do I Take Measures?

    The sooner you stop searching for things that will make your T go away, the sooner you will start to find those moments where you forget you have T. Those moments will only increase over time. Then you will be on the path to habituation.
  52. Gr8fulDude

    If Your Tinnitus Vanished, How Would Your Life Change?

    I don't think my life would change a bit because I no longer let T stand in the way of my enjoyment. Nor should you.
  53. Gr8fulDude

    Age-Related Hearing Loss

    Good question. I only know that my T developed with high frequency hearing loss in my 40s which I assumed was from loud concerts and headphones, but maybe not. Looking back, I wish I was more protective of my hearing but I am more cautious now and use earplugs at loud concerts and reduced...
  54. Gr8fulDude

    Starting to Feel Scared About New Tinnitus Changes

    When you habituate, like most do, the T will fade into the background and you will no longer notice it for longer periods of time and it won't bother you since you won't react to it. The sooner you can get the anxiety under control, the sooner you will start down the path to habituation.
  55. Gr8fulDude

    A Positive Thread: What Calms Your Tinnitus?

    Meditation and Mary Jane.
  56. Gr8fulDude

    Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Near MA, US

    Dr. Nagler may have some suggestions.
  57. Gr8fulDude

    "Do Antidepressant Drugs Really Work?"

    ADs may help some with depression and anxiety but should be complemented by CBT. For those who believe ADs lowered their T, I suspect it is more likely that the T did not change but their perception of it did with the help of an AD. For those who experience an increase in T with an AD...
  58. Gr8fulDude

    Sleep Loss and Tinnitus

    My sleep has not been the same since my tinnitus started but I seem to get about 5 to 6 hours which allows me to function fine. I sometimes wake up well before 6am and can't fall back asleep but i can't say for sure that the tinnitus is a cause since my mind often starts contemplating the...
  59. Gr8fulDude

    How to Deal With Anxiety?

    I recommend reading Tinnitus: A Self-Management Guide for the Ringing in Your Ears by Henry and Wilson.
  60. Gr8fulDude

    Earplugs Advice

    For protection in loud environments I recommend Etymotic ER 20 musicians' Hi-Fi earplugs. They are comfy and cost less than $20. Sound investment.