Are There Tinnitus Sufferers in Paris, France?

[Kam75]

Hello,

I am reaching out, like throwing a message in a bottle into the sea.

I will not go into too much detail about my story, as it would take pages, but essentially, I am someone enduring extreme suffering because of tinnitus.

I have been living with severe, disabling tinnitus for six years now. I experience at least five different sounds: dental drill, electrical hum, pipe sounds, Morse code beeping, and high pitched tones. This all started after a music festival where I wore custom made hearing protection rated at 25 decibels.

I cannot shake the overwhelming sense of injustice because this should never have happened to me.

Since then, I have been living in complete isolation at home. My tinnitus keeps me awake at night, and I feel like I am losing my sanity.

I am writing in the hope of connecting with people near me who understand what I am going through. I am turning 34 soon, but I do not mind if you are younger or older. Age does not matter to me.

Tinnitus Talk is a great forum, but after so many years of isolation and suffering, I deeply need to meet someone in real life. Virtual connections are not enough anymore. I need a friend I can see and talk to in person.

If you are from the Ile de France region, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you so much.

 

[delta784]

I am not from Paris, but I feel the same. I am 29 years old, and my tinnitus started after taking a drug (methylprednisolone) that was supposed to help with my mild acoustic trauma. An ENT doctor ruined my life, although I also blame myself for asking for and taking that medication.

I am from Istanbul, Turkey, and I feel hopeless. I fear I will lose everything in my life because of this. I also have Morse code tinnitus in both ears.

 

[Kam75]

Hi @delta784,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. My tinnitus also worsened because of an anti-inflammatory medication (Naproxen) that a doctor prescribed for foot pain.

It's true that some types of anti-inflammatory drugs are ototoxic, and this has been proven.

Stay strong. I wish I had better words of comfort. We're dealing with a truly horrible condition.

 

[Carolan]

If I lived near you, I would reach out. However, I live in Ghent, Belgium, so that wouldn't be much help to you.

That said, I completely understand your question and the need for social connections that align with your abilities.

 

[slc]

I don't live in France, but will probably be in Paris the last week of January. Sadly, a close friend of mine passed away and I will probably attend her memorial mass in Tours. I have lived in Paris, worked there, and do speak French, although from your post, it appears you speak English quite fluently.

I have been in your shoes where I isolated at home for at least 6 months and was a basket case for far longer. Tinnitus ranges from doable moderate to severe at times, but is no longer catastrophic (and I no longer have what was also catastrophic hyperacusis).

Coincidentally, assuming I do come to Paris, I'll be flying from France to India where Ayurvedic treatment has helped diminish the severity of the tinnitus I experience. I'm not sure of my schedule yet, but perhaps we could meet.

I did just find what appears to be an active association with physical group meetings in Paris.

The website is dizzying (literally) in its presentation with swirling text and such.

Courage et prends soin de toi,
Stephan