Car Accident Started It All

[dz dave]

Rear ended in 1994, tinnitus started in my left ear immediately . Thought the herniated disk was the worst part of the accident. Nope. Menieres started within a couple months then lost hearing in my left ear by 1999 with very loud tinnitus that rivaled any ambient sound volume around me.

I was in pharmaceutical sales and grew to training then management/training. Loved it. Until thinking, comprehension, focus, everything started hindering my success. Lost that job in 2010 due to market downturn and had a hard time finding something. Went into industrial sales and did ok considering how bad the tinnitus was getting. Was still motivated to perform at my best and beyond, though it was a struggle. Needed to find something, anything. Wasn't as concerned about my deafness as I was having the ringing in my left ear so I looked for any solution. Came across the University of Iowa and a single-sided cochlear option and qualified for it. Tinnitus was almost eliminated immediately in the left ear when the implant was on. However, I found that my good ear had tinnitus almost as loud but the hearing was still over 70%?????

Three years later and I feel so debilitated. Focus is impossible, motivation and interest is almost non-existent and I'm having a hard time just doing what I need to do to succeed at my job. The tinnitus is so loud that I have to sleep with the cochlear on just so I only hear it from one side. I do what I have to do at work and usually do it well, but a new boss has made life so frustrating, I find it difficult to stay motivated. Look for a new job? Hard at 52. Disability? Not sure I can afford it. Meds? Docs put me on Lexapro in the past saying I showed signs of depression. Um, no, I know exactly what is wrong and it's not depression. Those meds made me manic and made my life even worse. So many details I'm leaving out in all this, but suffice it to say I'm at a loss where to go with all this. Exercise is the only thing that gives me a sense of relief. Can't do that for a living..... Any way, sorry for the long story - should write a book. The tinnitus is so loud that I went to YouTube, found 11000 Hz and turned the stereo up to where my tinnitus is even with the level from the stereo. No one can even believe that's what's in my head 24/7. Louder than concert halls, that's for sure

 

[GregCA]

Welcome @dz dave -
This is a place where you know you'll be understood. We don't hold the secret to a cure, but we do understand what you are going through.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Glad your CI is helping Tinnitus on that one side. Does it also help your hearing?

 

[dz dave]

Yes, it helps control the tinnitus when on and the hearing is excellent. I wasn't as concerned about the hearing as much as getting rid of the tinnitus, but it was a nice "side effect". The tinnitus is so loud in my right ear, though, and have too much hearing left to qualify for a cochlear - even the hybrid. So I feel I'm stuck in some kind of purgatory, as a hearing aid will not help with the tinnitus.

I feel in some ways I have become disabled, though I hate that term. Just so much I can't do that I used to in pharmaceuticals and training that I definitely do not have the capacity for. It seems the tinnitus is getting louder in my "good ear" to the point it's severe and chronic. And making me feel so debilitated. Psychiatrists only want to prescribe meds and that is not the solution - only a gateway to other issues like being manic then. It would be nice to find a psychologist or someone who specializes in tinnitus because it is a mental issue in and of itself. I don't like pity and don't complain about it too much, but it's depressing how much life it has taken away - income potential and personal life.

 

[GregCA]

Yes, it helps control the tinnitus when on and the hearing is excellent.

That's great news!

The tinnitus is so loud in my right ear, though, and have too much hearing left to qualify for a cochlear - even the hybrid.

This becomes moot if you pay for it yourself, doesn't it?

Have you considered that? What I mean is that the "price" that you see through insurance companies isn't the price you can get via direct transaction with the provider. Often, if you show up saying "this is not covered by my insurance", you'll be given a quote that is very different from what the insurance would show you on your bill.

If it works so well for you other ear, perhaps it's something to consider, even if expensive.

 

[dz dave]

Even if that was the case, the FDA would not allow the surgery if there is at learner 15% hearing left in thexear. I have close to 60% but seems lower due to the tinnitus.

Then cost would become an issue, as the surgery and accessories came to $90K for the one side. Assuming a 50% savings of paying cash, I don't have that kind of $. I do appreciate the ideas, though.

 

[Deb2019]

dz dave - I feel as though you are writing your posts for me - LOL! I've been dealing with pretty much the same exact issues you are! It all started with a car accident in June 2016. Immediate Tinnitus in left ear (among vision and other problems from concussion). Some hearing loss in the left and the Tinnitus has migrated to the right ear. Just prior to the accident, I was slated to start a great job with the Federal Government and unfortunately, had to decline due to vision problems. But the vision problems are nothing in comparison to the MADDENING Tinnitus! My life has been turned completely upside down and I have not been able to sleep more than an hour or so at a time. The ringing is so loud that even two white noise machines running doesn't help minimize the intensity of the ringing! I have been to two major concussion centers, numerous medical doctors and specialists, several chiropractors, and most recently psychologists and headed to a psychiatrist this week. My neurologist, ear specialist and PCP said there is nothing that can be done and that I "just need to learn to live with it" and "this is the new you". I tried working part-time for a compliance firm, but after a year, found that my inability to concentrate and focus on the work started to impact my work product. Rather than humiliate myself in the work place, I was left with only one option - to resign. I work out 3-4 times per week, eat a healthy diet and try to keep stress to a minimum. At 51, I was fortunate enough to be selected for yet another federal govt. job which I will be starting on Monday. I am absolutely terrified that I am going to fail in the position, due to my inability to focus (due to no sleep). Like, you being on meds is not really an option, as the side effects are horrible for the ones I have reluctantly tried. And the docs are all quick to say you need to try this or try that. They are at a loss and the meds are the only thing they feel MAY help, despite the horrible side effects. One question I have for you, did you tell your employers about the Tinnitus and how it impacts your ability to fully function at work? I have been reluctant to say a word, as I know I would no longer have the option of working if my employers are aware of my issues.

I am sorry that you have been dealing with the Tinnitus and the negative impact it has on your life, but it makes me feel a little more "normal" knowing I am not the only one that has been dealing with this nightmare! My poor husband - has resorted to staying in another room since this all started in 2016. Because I am awake all night, it isn't fair to have it impact him too.

I am thankful to have just found this forum and will continue to follow what others are doing to get at least a little relief from this "hard to understand" Tinnitus nightmare! Best to you in finding some relief! I certainly can relate to your frustrations!!!

Deborah

 

[dz dave]

Deb, sorry to hear about your issues, as well. I developed the Menderes about 6 months after the accident -crazy dizzy spells that lasted until I'd throw up. Took me Liz one proactively to stave off the dizzyness that my body told me would be coming. Once I lost my hearing a few years later the dizziness stopped. I was left with the severe tinnitus and complete deafness in my left ear from 2000-2015. Started losing hearing in my right ear and didn't know how bad the tinnitus was in my right ear until I got the cochlear in 2015. The cochlear masked the tinnitus in the left ear and isolated it 24/7 in my right ear. I have to sleep with the cochlear on just to minimize the tinnitus to one ear.

I don't have the problems sleeping asyou fmdo and am sorry to hear that it affects you so much. Not that what I take helps with tinnitus, but I was on adderall for focus and concentration after my cochlear and quit taking it two years later because of the side effects. I did a lot of reasearch and found L-Tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea were natural alternatives to adderall and have been taking them in a bulk powder form for two years now. My bosses knew after I was hired and had a chance to prove myself when I started 2 years ago. Up for a promotion now. But the new boss doesn't know. I'd say to keep it to yourself and prove you can do the job first then if you like what you do and the company, you can let them know. My old boss knows how much harder I had to work to overcome the obstacles and I think that made him look at me even more positively.

I have other goals and would like to use my personal trainer certification to start a gym or career in the industry but the tinnitus has caused my income levels to drop and savings decline as my career has seemed to go back to sales versus management. There is a lot I haven't talked about here - the dark thoughts, how much can I be expected to take of this, can I truly live with this for 30+ more years? I guess I take each day at a time and try to do what I can to stay positive. Starting to eat better and want to work on getting my body and mind in synch. Exercise does help and I'm trying to set goals to get a shredded look, which has eluded me because I lik to eat. Definitely a foodie. Feel free to reach out via my personal email davekoch66@gmail.com and we can talk live at some point if you have questions at all.

One final thought - I have to think this happened for a reason and that, combined with the fact that I love to train and educate people tells me there's something in store for me but need to find the right person or persons to help me move forward. It's tough. I wish you all the best in your new job and congratulations for getting that! Not an easy task to get as far as you did. Kick ass and the discussion of tinnitus will be a non issue in my mind.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@Deb2019
You might find some of the references at the bottom of article helpful.

http://www.fowlerkennedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Post-Concussion-Treatment-Guidelines.pdf

 

[Deb2019]

@dz dave - Thanks so much for the detailed information Dave! I will reach out to you via your gmail account when I have a bit more time to respond...too much information to post here - LOL!

 

[Deb2019]

@Deb2019
You might find some of the references at the bottom of article helpful.

http://www.fowlerkennedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Post-Concussion-Treatment-Guidelines.pdf

Thanks so much for this link Greg! I'll review it shortly...

 

[Lane]

I have not been able to sleep more than an hour or so at a time.

Hi @Deb2019 -- Welcome to the forum. Just to mention, in the beginning of my tinnitus about a year ago, I couldn't sleep more than 5 minutes at a time. I finally bought a home unit mHBOT chamber in September, and it immediately had a enormous beneficial impact on my sleep.

I'd had sleep problems for many years prior to my getting tinnitus (probably from serious concussion), and even though I tinnitus at this time, I'm sleeping much better than I have in 25-30 years. Below are a couple of posts where I mention that some places rent out a home chamber.

I can't recommend highly enough that people with sleep problems at least give HBOT a try to see what it might do for them. It's also an incredible therapy for people who've had any kind of head or brain injury, such as concussions, strokes, aneurysms, etc.. -- All the Best!

1. 
   Post
   Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
   Just to mention, I discovered recently that some businesses rent (lease) out mHBOT units for home use. The company I discovered was in Denver,...
   Post by: Lane, Oct 8, 2018 in forum: Treatments
2. 
   Post
   Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
   I live in Oregon, and purchased a unit (called the Dive) made by the company Summit to Sea--at This Site. I've got a little less than $7,000 in it...
   Post by: Lane, Dec 13, 2018 in forum: Treatments

 

[Gman]

@dz dave @Deb2019
Very sorry to hear about both of your situations.
I was wondering though, in each of your cases, did tinnitus start spontaneously as a result of physical trauma from the crash, or was it from the sound of the air bag deployment?

 

[dz dave]

Ironically, the airbags didn't deploy. Never had tinnitus or hearing issues at all until that accident, then the left ear rang immediately. I was hit while I was stopped - the other car hit me at an estimated 55mph. So, I think both sound and trauma could have caused mine. Audiologists think the tinnitus in the right ear is noise-induced, though I do everything to protect my hearing when around loud sounds. Have for almost 20 years.

 

[Deb2019]

I couldn't sleep more than 5 minutes at a time. I finally bought a home unit mHBOT chamber in September, and it immediately had a enormous beneficial impact on my sleep.

Hi @Lane! Thanks for posting this information...glad to hear that you have found something that actually helps! Did you by chance get any assistance from your health insurance to purchase the HBOT? I will certainly look into this! Best to you!

 

[Deb2019]

did tinnitus start spontaneously as a result of physical trauma from the crash, or was it from the sound of the air bag deployment?

Hello @Gman! My Tinnitus started immediately after I was rear-ended from behind. I was completely stopped and there was an SUV in front of me...a 16 year old driving a commercial box truck hit me at 45 mph and sandwiched me into the SUV in front of me, which was also stopped. My SUV was totaled $58 K! According to paramedics, I was lucky to be alive. So, I try to keep that in my mind, that things could be worse. It's just that this Tinnitus has cost me two great jobs already (for not being able to sleep due to the maddening, relentless ringing!)

I did hit my head on the steering wheel, so my Tinnitus is probably a combination of the trauma and the sound of the airbag deployment. All medical docs think it is just from the trauma, but I have little faith in them at this point! Hope you and all of the others suffering from T. are able to find at least a little relief!

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@Deb2019 Post concussion and whiplash has similar associations, but there are a few differences.
Post concussion - head, eyes, neck - c spine straightening, cranial arteries, arteries of the neck and neck muscle spasm influence.
Whiplash - also increases hinging of jaw, neck and facial and all that of concussion, but any eye influence is often from the sternocleidomastoid muscles in the neck.

I have posted a lot about injury and tinnitus, maybe a 1000 posts.

There are one or two notable concussion centers in most large cities.

Focus for now on how to get sleep:
Sleep on sides or back. Not stomach. Some find it hard to sleep on back if there's artery pressure.
Use a pillow under neck so that there's no air space under neck.
Sound therapy: Try a continuous CD of a running brook at or little above whisper level placed ten feet away from head. Trying to completely mask isn't a correct method for concussion.
If you want to discuss more - PM message me.

 

[Gman]

Hello @Gman! My Tinnitus started immediately after I was rear-ended from behind. I was completely stopped and there was an SUV in front of me...a 16 year old driving a commercial box truck hit me at 45 mph and sandwiched me into the SUV in front of me, which was also stopped. My SUV was totaled $58 K! According to paramedics, I was lucky to be alive. So, I try to keep that in my mind, that things could be worse. It's just that this Tinnitus has cost me two great jobs already (for not being able to sleep due to the maddening, relentless ringing!)

I did hit my head on the steering wheel, so my Tinnitus is probably a combination of the trauma and the sound of the airbag deployment. All medical docs think it is just from the trauma, but I have little faith in them at this point! Hope you and all of the others suffering from T. are able to find at least a little relief!

Wow, yes you were incredibly lucky, well, except for the tinnitus of course! That kind of scenario certainly sits at the back of my mind when driving, especially knowing air bags, which are life saving, can also be harmful. These days cars are packed with them.

My tinnitus started spontaneously not long after yours but in very undramatic way, but still it's been a rough ride. I can relate to the serious lack of sleep and impact on career.

I really hope we can all find some peace with the treatments that are on the horizon, so we can function better in life again.

 

[MikeS]

@dz dave - Thanks so much for the detailed information Dave! I will reach out to you via your gmail account when I have a bit more time to respond...too much information to post here - LOL!

My tinnitus is from a car accident too. Like you, I was completely stopped at a stop sign. It was a T-intersection, and I was leaned forward, looking left while waiting for a car to pass. Then without warning, a teenage kid in a muscle car rear-ended me. Concussion & whiplash. Tinnitus started immediately -- first time I ever heard it. It fluctuates from day to day. Really impacted me at first, but I learned to work with it. I wear headsets at the office, and listen to ambient techno to tune out the static.