About Two Weeks In, High Frequency Tonal Tinnitus

[Aaron44126]

Does anyone know what to think about a clogged ear type feeling? What could this point to?

When the tinnitus is really bad, I can't tell which side it is on, it seems to be from both ears or right in the middle of my head. However, when I've got it under control, it pretty much always seems to be coming from the right side. So, I've been considering that it is some sort of issue with my right ear.

About two days ago I started feeling that my right ear might seem a bit full or clogged (sort of like it got wet -- even though it didn't and I'm quite sure that it's clear of wax). It was a pretty subtle sensation and I figured that I might just getting in my own head and making something up when nothing was there (but I still made note of it to discuss with the ENT). Well, today, I've got an absolutely sure sense of fullness in that ear. It came on pretty suddenly just while I was working.

My ENT appointment is still 13 days away... I'll do some more research when I can.

 

[billie48]

I can still sort of hear the tinnitus over the noise but all of the different sounds prevent my brain from paying much attention to it

This is probably a good set up that you can still hear your T but not annoyed by it due to the presence of other sounds. That seems to be the way TRT maskers are supposed to be set up. The theory is that if you can hear your T and not bugged by it with other masking sounds distracting the brain, then when done long enough the brain will slowly learn that it is okay to have the T sound around and that it is not a mortal threat. With that habituation and hardening of the brain to this T sound can occur over time. So be patient and don't jump into conclusion that you will always need masking in the future. Your T is very new and your brain is still learning and adjusting to this new alien sound. Give it time.

 

[Aaron44126]

Thanks @billie48. I've been experimenting with sound over the course of the week and have already found that I can lower the volume of my "masking" attempts and deal with the tinnitus. For example I am using a desk fan for background noise at work, and today I'm getting along with it at the "low" setting instead of the "high" setting that I had been using. I've also lowered the volume of my headband sound each day that I have used it.

Still can't stand silence... Not sure how long it will take me to get there.

 

[billie48]

Still can't stand silence... Not sure how long it will take me to get there.

And there lies the secret of habituation. Don't insist on a time table and don't pay attention to T, accepting it being there as a new normal and carry on with life, pursuing your goals and enjoying it as much as possible. Finding joy amid the pain (if any) is the key to overcoming the tyranny of T over us. When you start to 'do nothing for your T and don't care about it one way or another', you start to starve T with the fuel it needs to continue its tyranny over you. Its perceived loudness will decrease and you will have large stretch of time not being aware that it is still there. But that is ok and a T you aren't aware of is as good as it can get. Saying that, it takes time to get there and may be after struggling for a while that you will come to such a realization and then things will begin to turn around. Just read this success story of a guy who started to turn around when he simply did nothing for T. Take care. God bless.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/doing-nothing-worked-for-me.4778/

and this one from my first mentor Paul Tobey who struggled for years until....... :

http://www.ata.org/sites/default/files/my_choice_concert_pianist_personal_story_tobey_june_06.pdf

 

[Starthrower]

I also found a local support group in my area...from this forum none the less. I just did a quick search of my city and was able to connect with people. I'm hoping that having people to actually meet with and talk to that have gone through this will be very beneficial to my overall mental state...ya know?

That is so cool Ben!!! I remember reading that thread a few days ago. I don't log on to the computer that often these days. The two people in your area seemed very nice and helpful (I don't remember the names).
San Diego is very nice.

It will help you in this beginning stage with tinnitus.

As for sleeping. I was able to sleep well with the headband with some crickets and flowing water sounds. First good night sleep in over a week.

Thanks for sharing this. I have had my eye on the headband for a long time. I do agree that in the ear buds are not good. Use over the ear headphones. But, I found out the hard way you cannot sleep with them on....