Constantly Changing Tinnitus Tones, & Struggling with Hearing Loss and Uncertainty for the Future

[Cherylann]

Hi all,

I lost hearing in my right ear in October 2024, and then the tinnitus began. It started as a low sound in my right ear but later spread to my left, with various tones reaching high up into my head. My hearing is now very sensitive, and I have had to miss out on things like going to the cinema and a wedding reception.

I am on Mirtazapine for depression and insomnia. I am scared for the future. I have been off work for 13 weeks and am currently living with my parents.

Since mid-October, I have started swimming and running again, which I used to do regularly. But I am still totally devastated. Right now, I am lying here with the tinnitus so high-pitched that I can barely hear anything else. It is so strange, just very very odd.

I am still in denial and cannot accept it yet.

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. I understand your situation, as I also lost all hearing in my left ear a few years ago. Along with that, I have a jet-engine-like tinnitus in my deaf ear and a high-pitched, dentist-drill-like tinnitus in my right ear.

Right now, I am habituated to the tinnitus and living a normal life. Give it time and have hope—your good life will return.

Did you receive any prednisone injections? Have you tried a hearing aid? If your tinnitus bothers you, you might consider masking it. Melatonin could also help if you're struggling with insomnia.

Wishing you a smooth recovery. God bless.

 

[YourTinGuy]

Hey @Cherylann,

I just want to say I hear you. Losing hearing so suddenly and then dealing with intrusive tinnitus on top of it is devastating. It takes time to process something like this, and it is completely okay to feel how you are feeling right now.

One thing that stood out to me is that your tinnitus started in your right ear (where you lost hearing) but later spread to your left. This could be your brain adjusting to the hearing loss and overcompensating, which is common. The fact that your hearing is now very sensitive might mean your auditory system is in a state of hyper-awareness. Many people in this situation experience reactive tinnitus or hyperacusis as their brain tries to adjust. Yours truly suffers from tinnitus, TTTS and hyperacusis.

It is really good to hear that you have started swimming and running again. Keeping your body and mind engaged will help in the long run, even if it does not feel like it right now. A few things you might want to explore:

- If you have not already, consider trying a hearing aid or a CROS system. Even though you have lost hearing in one ear, sometimes amplifying external sound can help balance how your brain processes tinnitus. Some people find it reduces the "void" effect that can make tinnitus feel louder. CROS hearing aid will also catch sound from your deaf ear side and bring it to your other ear.

- If your sound sensitivity is bothering you, look into sound therapy, but go slow. Some people benefit from gradual exposure to soft background noise, like nature sounds or pink noise, to retrain the brain. Others need to take it slow and avoid overexposure. Since you are struggling with loud environments, a good balance will be key.

- For sleep struggles, Melatonin + Magnesium (Glycinate or Citrate, 200-400 mg) might be worth discussing with your doctor. I know it helps me sleep better and with TTTS.

- Give yourself time. Right now, you are in the early stages of adjusting to both hearing loss and tinnitus, and it makes sense that it feels overwhelming. Many people eventually reach a place where tinnitus is no longer front and center. It does not happen overnight, but with time, your brain can learn to tune it out more. The goal is to gradually habituate tinnitus until its negative effect is gone.

If you ever want to talk through things or update us on how you are doing, we are here for you. You are not alone in this.

Wishing you best health,
Guy