Chit Chat and All That...

[T-Spike]

I read that you have reactive tinnitus, so it doesn't react to music at all? If so, then you're very extremely fortunate...

It does, but I don't know if it was fluctuating in a good way that day, or I just managed to ignore it. When I listened to music earlier this week, I could still hear it.

 

[Exit]

I got severe reactive tinnitus too...

The type that reacts instantly.

In the past half year or so it has also started linger on for some minutes or an hour after e.g., driving or showering.

It sucks. It reacts to absolutely everything except a radio on volume 1%.

Anybody wants to explain how you send someone a hug on their posts?

Hugs

 

[Stacken77]

I got severe reactive tinnitus too

Hey @Exit, I have pretty bad reactive tinnitus too. Mine reacts instantly and lingers for quite some time. I've also experienced permanent increases, so it is pretty distressing.

I have pretty bad hyperacusis too.

By your experience, would you say that the reactive tinnitus and hyperacusis is related? I believe this is my experience.

Anybody wants to explain how you send someone a hug on their posts?

In the bottom right corner of each post on the forum, there are a set of "reactions" which you can give to the post. One of the reactions is giving a hug.

 

[Damocles]

In the bottom right corner of each post on the forum, there are a set of "reactions" which you can give to the post. One of the reactions is giving a hug.

It works!

 

[Damocles]

I've been tempted to watch Cowboy Bebop, but it's impossible to find on any streaming service in my country.

What country are you in?

 

[Exit]

Thanks for your reply, @Stacken77.

When you say permanent increase, do you mean more reactive tones, more frequent "reactions" or new tones that don't react?

I got more tones that react. They more or less react always to exactly the same things (all things), except my 1980 house phone sound. You know Drrrrr Drrrrr, that one came along 3-4 months after my trauma. And, oh joy, it reacts to water and engines. The only places where I didn't hear my tinnitus. :/

There's a connection between new traumas and reactivity.

Drrr drrr goes away after 4-8 weeks and when it's gone I can hear water and engines almost normally. The other reactive sounds though, they are always there regardless of my hyperacusis state. For instance, the one time all my reactive sounds disappeared I had severe hyperacusis. But after the loud bang outside they all came back within 12 hours. And my hyperacusis went worse than ever too. But that subsided within 2-3 weeks. The tinnitus however never got better. I have around 12 tones that mingle or go in sequences.

Your photo gives me the creeps btw. Are you really enjoying that cup of drink with those muffs on? Well good for you, I couldn't do that. So I'll just drink hot coffee inside in 30 degrees Celsius with the windows closed, because the neighbours enjoy themselves noisily.

 

[Exit]

Yeah it does! but only on the posts were there's already a smiley hug

 

[Stacken77]

Thanks for your response @Exit.

When you say permanent increase, do you mean more reactive tones, more frequent "reactions" or new tones that don't react?

My reactive tinnitus basically manifest so that almost all tones increases in volume, or perceived intensity, when it reacts. Sometimes this increased intensity did not return to baseline after the noise exposure stopped. I've also had new tones pop in to the mix along the way.

Your photo gives me the creeps btw

Haha, well, I were actually really enjoying my coffee (actually Swedish "fika"). Problem is, we have hens at home, and the rosters crows insanely loud, so I needed double protection, but I could still enjoy the coffee in the bright sun.

 

[Exit]

My reactive tinnitus basically manifests so that almost all tones increase in volume, or in perceived intensity, when it reacts. Sometimes this increased intensity does not return to baseline after the noise exposure has stopped. I've also had new tones pop in to the mix along the way.

My original tinnitus sounds have not changed much but I have got a lot of new ones. They all seem to have a reactive version of themselves...

Sometimes all it takes to react is taking my ear off the pillow.

 

[Ava Lugo]

I got severe reactive tinnitus too...

The type that reacts instantly.

In the past half year or so it has also started linger on for some minutes or an hour after e.g., driving or showering.

It sucks. It reacts to absolutely everything except a radio on volume 1%.

Anybody wants to explain how you send someone a hug on their posts?

Hugs

When you say it reacts instantly, does that mean it rides on top of any noise? My guess is that's what you meant but I know some people also think of reactive tinnitus as spikes after noise exposure. I didn't get a chance to read all your posts yet so that's why I'm asking.

You have reactive tinnitus on a daily basis aside from when it got better?

Does your tinnitus also distort external sound? Mine does.

 

[Exit]

When you say it reacts instantly, does that mean it rides on top of any noise? My guess is that's what you meant but I know some people also think of reactive tinnitus as spikes after noise exposure. I didn't get a chance to read all your posts yet so that's why I'm asking.

You have reactive tinnitus on a daily basis aside from when it got better?

Does your tinnitus also distort external sound? Mine does.

Hey Ava,

Yes it rides on top of everything except partly water when I'm "lucky". It's instant and reacts almost to everything. A horrible screechy sound like when a bus brakes except with two tones, so more like a bus and a truck combined!

If my sister sits 5 metres away with a jacket and turns her face so that her chin touches her jacket, that's enough to set it off... awful.

Sometimes it goes constant some minutes or even an hour after noise exposure. I prefer that because than it's one constant frequency. That's my break from reactive tinnitus, even though it still reacts to something with a little jump in frequency.
I have lots of other noises when it's not reacting, but they are much easier to deal with.

I've been reading your posts because of the similarities, except I think you've got it even worse...

I know about the one ear that's sealed and stuff, not easy to escape.

Big hug to you.

I'm going to bed soon, a rough last night because of summer heat and windows closed.

Let's chat more another day.

How does yours distort?

 

[Ava Lugo]

Hey Ava,

Yes it rides on top of everything except partly water when I'm "lucky". It's instant and reacts almost to everything. A horrible screechy sound like when a bus brakes except with two tones, so more like a bus and a truck combined!

If my sister sits 5 metres away with a jacket and turns her face so that her chin touches her jacket, that's enough to set it off... awful.

Sometimes it goes constant some minutes or even an hour after noise exposure. I prefer that because than it's one constant frequency. That's my break from reactive tinnitus, even though it still reacts to something with a little jump in frequency.
I have lots of other noises when it's not reacting, but they are much easier to deal with.

I've been reading your posts because of the similarities, except I think you've got it even worse...

I know about the one ear that's sealed and stuff, not easy to escape.

Big hug to you.

I'm going to bed soon, a rough last night because of summer heat and windows closed.

Let's chat more another day.

How does yours distort?

Can you tell me why you think my reactive tinnitus is worse? I'm just curious, that's all, because I think in one post you said it reacts to small sounds except on 1 percent volume or something like that. I didn't read all your posts yet so I can't remember if you have hearing loss or not but I do.

I am still interested in chatting more about this. I don't remember asking if you have reactive tinnitus every day or not but I think I did. I was just a little busy by the time I read your reply but for some reason there a lot of people who get days of no reactivity, but mine is everyday.

 

[Exit]

Can you tell me why you think my reactive tinnitus is worse? I'm just curious, that's all, because I think in one post you said it reacts to small sounds except on 1 percent volume or something like that. I didn't read all your posts yet so I can't remember if you have hearing loss or not but I do.

I am still interested in chatting more about this. I don't remember asking if you have reactive tinnitus every day or not but I think I did. I was just a little busy by the time I read your reply but for some reason there a lot of people who get days of no reactivity, but mine is everyday.

The reactive screech never stops for me. It is always reacting to same things / levels.

Running water masks it but then I usually hear my baseline tinnitus in it so water gets a drrrr sound or a whistle from my iii, eeee and uuhhhs... Is that what you have when you say distortions?

My hearing loss is mostly above 12 kHz so I'm not bothered with that, I can hear birds chirp and such. How about you?

My tinnitus is masked in stormy weather in the woods while walking on gravel. Do you hear your tinnitus in that setting...?

I agree with everyone saying it's impossible to tune out/get used to.

Before an incident outdoors, my reactive tinnitus miraculously went full mental on me before it 10 days later turned to nice tranquil cicadas. They didn't react either, well sometimes they were louder but still I felt my life was back.

Bad hyperacusis combined with a bang outside took that improvement away in a period of 12 hours.

 

[Ava Lugo]

The reactive screech never stops for me. It is always reacting to same things / levels.

Running water masks it but then I usually hear my baseline tinnitus in it so water gets a drrrr sound or a whistle from my iii, eeee and uuhhhs... Is that what you have when you say distortions?

My hearing loss is mostly above 12 kHz so I'm not bothered with that, I can hear birds chirp and such. How about you?

My tinnitus is masked in stormy weather in the woods while walking on gravel. Do you hear your tinnitus in that setting...?

I agree with everyone saying it's impossible to tune out/get used to.

Before an incident outdoors, my reactive tinnitus miraculously went full mental on me before it 10 days later turned to nice tranquil cicadas. They didn't react either, well sometimes they were louder but still I felt my life was back.

Bad hyperacusis combined with a bang outside took that improvement away in a period of 12 hours.

I guess that's what I mean by distortions. For me, I hear an iiii in music and music often sounds distorted especially when it has bass and drums in it so I don't listen to a lot of stuff anymore. I only listen to music when I'm drunk. When I'm drunk or quite tipsy, I don't notice the reactive tinnitus as much.

Do you still like music or does it sound weird cause of the reactive tinnitus?

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what to do other than commit suicide.

What have you done to get your mind off intrusive inescapable reactive tinnitus when you can't mask it?

 

[Exit]

I guess that's what I mean by distortions. For me, I hear an iiii in music and music often sounds distorted especially when it has bass and drums in it so I don't listen to a lot of stuff anymore. I only listen to music when I'm drunk. When I'm drunk or quite tipsy, I don't notice the reactive tinnitus as much.

Do you still like music or does it sound weird cause of the reactive tinnitus?

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what to do other than commit suicide.

What have you done to get your mind off intrusive inescapable reactive tinnitus when you can't mask it?

Dear Ava, music was my passion and now it's heartbreaking just to see familiar song titles in the car or new songs from artists I used to listen to.. So, no, I don't listen to music anymore except a CD with no bass and little snare drums that I have on repeat 24/7 to camouflage my neighbours somewhat... (hyperacusis doesn't like sudden sharp noise).

During daytime I also have a fan on even though it sets off my reactive tinnitus.

First half year I lived on hope, then this last year my neighbours have been insane with drilling, screaming and banging stuff so they chase me around day and night... that kind of takes my mind of tinnitus...

My setback showed me how vulnerable my ears are so ever since it's been a constant fight to avoid setbacks. Hoping for positive Frequency Therapeutics news and googling the hell out of Tinnitus Talk also gives some comfort.

I'm starting to think I have terminal cancer, that makes me worrying a lot less on the noisy future.

 

[Ava Lugo]

Dear Ava, music was my passion and now it's heartbreaking just to see familiar song titles in the car or new songs from artists I used to listen to.. So, no, I don't listen to music anymore except a CD with no bass and little snare drums that I have on repeat 24/7 to camouflage my neighbours somewhat... (hyperacusis doesn't like sudden sharp noise).

During daytime I also have a fan on even though it sets off my reactive tinnitus.

First half year I lived on hope, then this last year my neighbours have been insane with drilling, screaming and banging stuff so they chase me around day and night... that kind of takes my mind of tinnitus...

My setback showed me how vulnerable my ears are so ever since it's been a constant fight to avoid setbacks. Hoping for positive Frequency Therapeutics news and googling the hell out of Tinnitus Talk also gives some comfort.

I'm starting to think I have terminal cancer, that makes me worrying a lot less on the noisy future.

What other things do you still do, what else are your hobbies besides the music thing? Do people's voices ever make your tinnitus react as they are talking to you?

 

[Exit]

What other things do you still do, what else are your hobbies besides the music thing? Do people's voices ever make your tinnitus react as they are talking to you?

I've started going for walks a couple hours every weekday if there's not too nice weather and then crowds.

Also taken up Netflix marathon on mute. :S Mainly because there's always someone shooting, shouting or throwing glasses...

Yes people's voices, even people moving, sets it off. If I'm outside in a light breeze or have a fan on then it's ON all the time, so then it doesn't reacts to voices ;-)
I prefer that because it resembles a constant tinnitus a little then.

What do you do? Do you have hyperacusis?

 

[Exit]

That means a lot coming from a gorgeous girl like yourself.

So, what are you beautiful young gals doing a Saturday night...?

I'm bored, sad and very tired of everything... :/

I think I've seen almost everything on Netflix now. Lots of stupid stuff. Coming from a guy who lived 9 years without a telly.

A desperate hug to everyone

 

[aura]

So, what are you beautiful young gals doing a Saturday night...?

I'm bored, sad and very tired of everything... :/

I think I've seen almost everything on Netflix now. Lots of stupid stuff. Coming from a guy who lived 9 years without a telly.

A desperate hug to everyone

2 AM here and I'm eating ice cream.

Calories don't count on the weekend.

 

[Steph1710]

So, what are you beautiful young gals doing a Saturday night...?

Well I've been round my mates for dinner, and earlier I was round another friend's for lunch. Basically, if you have everyone cook for you, then you never have to do it haha! Actually, yesterday I had lunch cooked for me too. I'm so cheeky. And greedy. Definitely greedy.

I'm bored, sad and very tired of everything... :/

Why are you bored, sad and tired? Tell us? We can't promise to make things better, but we are very good listeners on here - which is surprising considering everyone's ears are totally fucked!

I think I've seen almost everything on Netflix now. Lots of stupid stuff. Coming from a guy who lived 9 years without a telly.

I hate Netflix. Get rid of it. Can you listen to music still? If so, dust off the records and get dancing. Trust me, you'll feel better. And if you can't listen to music, just sing. Or, write some fan fiction about someone you fancy, but make sure it's really smutty, and then post it on Tinnitus Talk so we can read it.

Of course I'm joking about the last idea, just trying to cheer you up.

A desperate hug to everyone

*Hugs* back. On a serious note, I'm sorry you're feeling really down. Life can be incredibly hard at the best of times.

Steph
<3

 

[Exit]

Well I've been round my mates for dinner, and earlier I was round another friend's for lunch. Basically, if you have everyone cook for you, then you never have to do it haha! Actually, yesterday I had lunch cooked for me too. I'm so cheeky. And greedy. Definitely greedy.

Why are you bored, sad and tired? Tell us? We can't promise to make things better, but we are very good listeners on here - which is surprising considering everyone's ears are totally fucked!

I hate Netflix. Get rid of it. Can you listen to music still? If so, dust off the records and get dancing. Trust me, you'll feel better. And if you can't listen to music, just sing. Or, write some fan fiction about someone you fancy, but make sure it's really smutty, and then post it on Tinnitus Talk so we can read it.

Of course I'm joking about the last idea, just trying to cheer you up.

*Hugs* back. On a serious note, I'm sorry you're feeling really down. Life can be incredibly hard at the best of times.

Steph
<3

Thank you Steph <3

Much appreciated!

Fridays and Saturdays are the worst for me, like for many illnesses, especially at youngish age you feel extraordinarily shitty. It's better on a grey Monday

With hyperacusis and my luck especially so because all my closest neighbours died of old age or moved out to buy houses.

And of course after all those peaceful years here, when I break my ears ,then I get awful rental neighbours and even a student collective living here... As we speak it's 2 AM and they come running after each other stumping and screaming in the stairs. Fun times indeed. I'm cold sweating from anxiety for what they might decide to do next. Fun sitting in a car half the nights.

I haven't listened to music in 17 months... Well, just 4 quiet songs on repeat 24/7. I have dysacusis so music is ruined like everything else.

I watch Netflix on mute because there's always some idiot in a film that suddenly screams or drops a glass or something just completely unthinkable!

Yep, perhaps one day I go back to listening to music but I know it will make me very sad to the point of being nauseous.

I used to love music. It was my getaway from everything.

Sorry to hijack this thread, wasn't much new happening in the Suicidal thread

Again thanks for your post <3

You sound very balanced and a fun girl, at least for having ear problems

Aren't you afraid going outdoors and getting worse all the time, so much so as it's not worth it to do anything...?

Hugs.

 

[Steph1710]

2 AM here and I'm eating ice cream.

Calories don't count on the weekend.

Probably the best sentence I've ever read!
Ha!

 

[Steph1710]

You sound very balanced and a fun girl, at least for having ear problems

Honestly, my health is so terrible, that ear problems are the least of my worries.

Yes they ring with a dozen different sounds, they crackle, they feel full, they are hot, and certain sounds are sharp and painful, and I have extremely loud pulsatile tinnitus on top of all that - BUT I will not give up my life.

I don't want to just exist. And I've got time to die later, but for now, I'm gunna carry on living.

Okay, so life is different now, but just like all things on this earth, we learn to adapt. Look at animals and plant life. Most don't simply die off, but rather adapt to a new environment, a new way of having to live. Which is what we all have to try do.

Fridays and Saturdays are the worst for me, like for many illnesses, especially at youngish age you feel extraordinarily shitty. It's better on a grey Monday

Well I am 31. So I can sympathise, but I also look at it this way - I spent all my childhood, teenage years, and twenties without tinnitus. So how lucky am I! What a privilege to go through all those years tinnitus free. Because for some, that hasn't been the case.

And of course after all those peaceful years here, when I break my ears ,then I get awful rental neighbours and even a student collective living here... As we speak it's 2 AM and they come running after each other stumping and screaming in the stairs. Fun times indeed. I'm cold sweating from anxiety for what they might decide to do next. Fun sitting in a car half the nights.

This is unfortunate, and I am sorry this is now the situation for you. Can the situation change? Is there anything you can do about your living arrangements? I know moving is sometime not possible for people, but is it something you might be able to do? Living in a state of fear and anxiety is not fair on yourself. You need to find a peaceful place where you can relax and sleep, because that's half the battle with this awful condition.

I haven't listened to music in 17 months... Well, just 4 quiet songs on repeat 24/7. I have dysacusis so music is ruined like everything else.

Okay, so music is out of the question. But can you at least remember certain lyrics which you love. I sit and sing through whole songs to myself, either in my head or out loud, all the time, because it makes me happy. I don't have to hear the music to enjoy the song. (Which is probably very strange to most people lol) Actually, as I type this, my head is playing Faith No More's Epic - a cheesy tune, but fun.

Aren't you afraid going outdoors and getting worse all the time, so much so as it's not worth it to do anything...?

Not at all. The outdoor is for me. I feel sick if I stay in a building for too long. But, that being said, I live in the middle of nowhere, so it's very quiet.
Are you in the city, town, country?

I would also like to make it clear that I am definitely not one of those people who say, "you can learn to live with it, it doesn't bother me anymore", because it does bother me, and if I could change it, I bloody well would!

Tinnitus sucks, and all the other ear issues with it. But, it's already stolen my hearing, and my peace - so like fuck am I gunna let it take my life away too.

Steph <3

 

[Exit]

Honestly, my health is so terrible, that ear problems are the least of my worries.

Yes they ring with a dozen different sounds, they crackle, they feel full, they are hot, and certain sounds are sharp and painful, and I have extremely loud pulsatile tinnitus on top of all that - BUT I will not give up my life.

I don't want to just exist. And I've got time to die later, but for now, I'm gunna carry on living.

Okay, so life is different now, but just like all things on this earth, we learn to adapt. Look at animals and plant life. Most don't simply die off, but rather adapt to a new environment, a new way of having to live. Which is what we all have to try do.

Well I am 31. So I can sympathise, but I also look at it this way - I spent all my childhood, teenage years, and twenties without tinnitus. So how lucky am I! What a privilege to go through all those years tinnitus free. Because for some, that hasn't been the case.

This is unfortunate, and I am sorry this is now the situation for you. Can the situation change? Is there anything you can do about your living arrangements? I know moving is sometime not possible for people, but is it something you might be able to do? Living in a state of fear and anxiety is not fair on yourself. You need to find a peaceful place where you can relax and sleep, because that's half the battle with this awful condition.

Okay, so music is out of the question. But can you at least remember certain lyrics which you love. I sit and sing through whole songs to myself, either in my head or out loud, all the time, because it makes me happy. I don't have to hear the music to enjoy the song. (Which is probably very strange to most people lol) Actually, as I type this, my head is playing Faith No More's Epic - a cheesy tune, but fun.

Not at all. The outdoor is for me. I feel sick if I stay in a building for too long. But, that being said, I live in the middle of nowhere, so it's very quiet.
Are you in the city, town, country?

I would also like to make it clear that I am definitely not one of those people who say, "you can learn to live with it, it doesn't bother me anymore", because it does bother me, and if I could change it, I bloody well would!

Tinnitus sucks, and all the other ear issues with it. But, it's already stolen my hearing, and my peace - so like fuck am I gunna let it take my life away too.

Steph <3

Thank you again for your support!

I'm starting to understand why Jazzer and others love you so much

Very sorry to hear about your other health issues... I admire your attitude!
Unfortunately I think I have inherited some darkness weighing over me. I've always preferred to be in a bubble with my health issues because I just get sad to see and feel stuff that makes me miss a good normal life. So with this new problem I just get sad when I see a song title or name of a singer I liked.

My main reason for getting a telly was actually listening and watching concerts. And now I'm stuck with Black Lightning season 2 and other absolute garbage on Netflix
Can you imagine they made 4 seasons? :O

Yeah the housing is a big problem, if I could live without fear and also go out without any worsening then I would feel 70 % better with myself. But I prefer screaming stomping idiots instead of crazy people drilling 3 times a week... They stopped at 4 am tonight so around 5 am I felt secure enough to go to bed.

So long story short I need to win the lottery and buy a house with some distance to neighbours and enough money to pay a man to cut the grass

I wish you a peaceful quiet Sunday! Here it's finally quiet and bad weather so no one outside screaming and grilling on balconies.

I'm in the city of Bergen, Norway. A very small city so in weekends or student party times it turns into a campus all over the city.

 

[Steph1710]

Thank you again for your support!

I'm starting to understand why Jazzer and others love you so much

Aww, thank you

I hate how everyone on here is suffering, so I try to keep make people laugh, and offer advice where and when I can. Whether I am any good at it or not, I dunno. But at least I try.

I have grown to love my Tinnitus Talk family. I am glad we can add you to the mix. Plus - you're from Norway, and Norway is awesome!

So, lately I've been writing a short story to distract me from my tinnitus in the evenings.

Originally it was supposed to be about two people who are stuck on each other but don't know the other one likes them (if that makes sense)?

Anyway, it wasn't supposed to be a sexual story, but somehow it's ended up really 'smutty' - slang for 'sexually dirty', in case you're wondering

I'm not sure how or why, but it's gone that way.

So, my point of telling you is, writing seems to be a good distraction for me. If you haven't tried it, have a go! Though perhaps write something a little cleaner than I what I have just written lol.

Anyway, I hope you're managing to have an okay day.

Steph <3

 

[Exit]

Anyway, I hope you're managing to have an okay day.

Steph <3

Thank you little Lady!

Today I've been tired, depressed and angry. At least not sad.

And your smutty mind was a nice distraction for a couple of minutes

Yeah we're all shocked it has gone that way

My story writing days are definitely over. I have had it on my mind some years while being sick and I always liked to read. But let's face it, nothing is more rewarding than watching crap on Netflix

Wishing you a good day Steph.

 

[Steph1710]

Thank you little Lady!

Hehe. I liked being called that.

Today I've been tired, depressed and angry. At least not sad.

Sorry my lovely. At least you're feeling some emotion, rather than nothing. It's when you feel nothing, that you have to start worrying.

And your smutty mind was a nice distraction for a couple of minutes

Good! That's what I'm here for.

Yeah we're all shocked it has gone that way

I have no idea what you could possible mean haha! I'm a good clean girl.

My story writing days are definitely over. I have had it on my mind some years while being sick and I always liked to read.

I have only just started reading again. Years at uni killed reading for me. I had forgotten how much I enjoy it.

But let's face it, nothing is more rewarding than watching crap on Netflix

I can certainly think of a few things more rewarding…

Wishing you a good day Steph.

Thank you. My day should be okay. I'm currently prepping an art gallery, ready for an install. I not only draw up the designs, I also materialise the exhibition atm, because the council are too cheap to have outside decorators come in and do it for us.
I'm head to toe in dust!

xx

 

[Mister Muso]

For the musicians among us, I thought I would practice using the online music notation Noteflight to represent what my tinnitus sounds like. Not real time but I experience most of these effects on any given day. The high notes are actually 3 octaves higher not just one octave, but in Noteflight terms that's effectively "off the charts".

 

[Mister Muso]

It works!

Group hug!

 

[Exit]

For the musicians among us, I thought I would practice using the online music notation Noteflight to represent what my tinnitus sounds like. Not real time but I experience most of these effects on any given day. The high notes are actually 3 octaves higher not just one octave, but in Noteflight terms that's effectively "off the charts".

View attachment 45543

I'm not a musician but this is awful, stomach turning idea my friend...

Send it to OTIC and FREQ, we got enough torture as it is.

I'll give you a big hug though