Difficult

[johnny123]

This started on May 15th of this year in the middle of the night. It woke me up at three am and it started as a high pitch whistle in my left ear. It has since spread to my right, but I do not really notice it in my right ear until I go to bed at night and can hear the whistle there as well.

Have been to the ENT and he has said that my hearing is good based on the audiogram that they used at the hospital. He has recommended that I do an MRI just to be sure that there are no tumors.

However, he has said since I have it in both ears and no noticeable hearing loss, chances are low that it is that. The biggest problem I am facing now is the constant panic attacks and stress.

I have not been able to progress much at all during these five or six weeks and it has negatively impacted my life to the point where going to work is difficult. I have tried the maskers and while some do work, I can not stop checking to see if the noise is still there.

Basically, I am lost and have no idea what to do. I also feel off balance and have developed some hyperacusis which is driving me mental as well.

Everything is just so surreal right now.

 

[fishbone]

This started on May 15th of this year in the middle of the night. It woke me up at three am and it started as a high pitch whistle in my left ear. It has since spread to my right, but I do not really notice it in my right ear until I go to bed at night and can hear the whistle there as well.

Have been to the ENT and he has said that my hearing is good based on the audiogram that they used at the hospital. He has recommended that I do an MRI just to be sure that there are no tumors.

However, he has said since I have it in both ears and no noticeable hearing loss, chances are low that it is that. The biggest problem I am facing now is the constant panic attacks and stress.

I have not been able to progress much at all during these five or six weeks and it has negatively impacted my life to the point where going to work is difficult. I have tried the maskers and while some do work, I can not stop checking to see if the noise is still there.

Basically, I am lost and have no idea what to do. I also feel off balance and have developed some hyperacusis which is driving me mental as well.

Everything is just so surreal right now.

Awwwww Man,

I know how you feel. It was the same for myself and many others on this site. It's kinda scary, to have noise coming out our heads all of a sudden. I suggest that you get as much support as possible from sites like this and family/friends that are understanding and loving.

Some will resort to meds to curb their anxiety and some will resort to exercise to control their anxiety/emotions. It can be a challenge living with tinnitus, it takes lots of guts/courage and willpower to move forward each day. It's going to take time for you, to adjust/cope and move forward.

Do know that you are not alone, all of us been in your shoes.

My tinnitus formula -

Time - Time is a healer. Take it day by day.

Support- Gain as much support/love as possible

Distraction/relaxation- Do something to take the mind of the noise/tinnitus

This board and myself will always be here to support you

PS- The biggest mistake we make or have made when tinnitus came, was to scan for it and constantly listen for it. This will just make us more obsessed with the noise.

 

[GregCA]

I have tried the maskers and while some do work, I can not stop checking to see if the noise is still there.

If you do have to check to figure out if the noise is there, then you are in a pretty good spot: it means it is not obnoxiously penetrating your consciousness, and you can easily let you mind ignore it.

Get distracted and force yourself to avoid "looking for it". As soon as you want to do it, go do something else.

Sound enrichment may render this task a bit easier.

Good luck!

 

[Michael Leigh]

I have not been able to progress much at all during these five or six weeks and it has negatively impacted my life to the point where going to work is difficult. I have tried the maskers and while some do work, I can not stop checking to see if the noise is still there.

Hi @johnny123

The advice @fishbone has given you I agree with so won't go over that again. Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Unless there is an underlying medical problem or medication causing the tinnitus, the usual cause is sound. The fact you also have hyperacusis is an indication that exposure to loud sounds were responsible for the tinnitus. Were you a frequent user of headphones or going to places where loud music is played? If yes there is the reason. Many other things can cause tinnitus too. Please read my post below: New to tinnitus what to do. I advise you not to use headphones even at low volume and especially if the tinnitus was caused by "loud noise". Please also click on the link: Tinnitus, A Personal View.

All the best
Michael

PS: Experiencing problems with balance is not normally associated with exposure to loud noise, although it can occasionally happen. If this persists then I advise you go back to ENT for tests.


New to tinnitus what to do?


The onset of tinnitus can be difficult for a lot of people to cope with. It comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. When it is mild, moderate or occasionally heard in quiet surroundings it is usually not too bothersome and a person can go about their daily affairs quite happily and unperturbed by this anomaly. This type of tinnitus usually comes on gradually and in some cases it's associated with hearing loss, as we get older and the usual treatment is the wearing of hearing aid/s.

Tinnitus can be also be caused by an underlying medical problem, build up of ear wax (cerumen). Jaw problems. Some medications and even irregular blood flow through the body causing Pulsatile tinnitus. One of the most common causes is exposure to loud noise or music that has been played at high levels that can affect the cochlea in the ear. This type of tinnitus can be loud, intrusive and very debilitating. Often leaving a person at a loss and not knowing which way to turn to escape the noise. I fully understand how difficult it can be for someone new to this condition to take this in and believe it to be factual.

If you are having difficulty sleeping you might have been advised to try a nighttime sedation or an ant-depressant to help cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompanies tinnitus. These medications can be helpful especially in the early stages and they don't have to be taken long term, so it's something to consider. They can act as a safety net so you don't become too down.

A referral to ENT will usually be recommended. In the mean time try to keep occupied with something you like doing, as it helps to distract the brain from focusing on the tinnitus. Avoiding quiet rooms during the day by playing low-level non-intrusive music such as classical in the background can be helpful.

At night a sound machine placed by the bedside playing nature sounds or listening to favourite mp3 tracks or Cds are good. Keeping the volume just below the tinnitus is ideal and set to play throughout the night until morning. It takes time to get used to sound therapy so please stay with it. Whilst in a deep sleep it supplies the brain and auditory system with sound enrichment. Over time the tinnitus is pushed further into the background helping to make its perception less noticeable during waking hours.

In the early stages of tinnitus, if one chooses not to use sound enrichment sleeping can sometimes be difficult and there is also the chance of the tinnitus becoming more intrusive as sleeping in a quiet room can allow the brain to increase it's own background activity. In doing so it will also increase the tinnitus making it more intrusive during waking hours.

There is a tendency for newbies to try and cure their tinnitus which is quite understandable. There are many remedies, treatments and concoctions out there. Some affordable others quite expensive. I am not averse to trying to help myself but want to say, there are charlatans and con artists eager to relieve someone in distress of their money so please be careful. Even tried and tested treatments I wouldn't recommend a person try until they have been seen at ENT. Often a person after been seen at ENT is advised to wait a while.

Many people habituate to tinnitus within six months sometimes a little longer and it has been known to go away. The ear is a very delicate organ and many Doctors prefer to wait before investigating further and then suggesting a treatment. If other problems are experienced such as: pain in the ears, deafness, dizziness or balance problems this is of more concern and a person will usually been seen quicker.

It is best to have a word with your GP if you're feeling stressed or depressed in any way, as previously mentioned there are treatments available. Leaving things alone until your ENT advises you of the next step is the best thing to do in my opinion. Don't try to fix anything or throw large sums of money at treatments that you have no way of knowing whether you'll get any relief.

I advise not to listen to audio through headphones even at low volume especially if the tinnitus was "noise induced" and keep away from loud sounds. By all means go out but anywhere that plays loud music then wearing noise-reducing earplugs, the type that has attenuation filters would be a good idea. 18 to 30 decibels reduction should suffice. While reducing external sound they will not impair sound quality.


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

 

[billie48]

The biggest problem I am facing now is the constant panic attack

Welcome to the forum. That was what I had to deal with too when my ultra high pitch T and severe H were new. I was in a mess with relentless anxiety and panic attacks. I never thought I would recover and have good life again. But today I live a normal, productive and absolutely enjoyable life. I wrote my success story sharing some helpful strategies. Check it out in the Success Stories section to see if it will help. The title is "From darkness to light, my journey with tinnitus and hyperacusis". Take care. God bless.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@johnny123 "It woke me up at three am and it started as a high pitch whistle in my left ear. It has since spread to my right, but I do not really notice it in my right ear until I go to bed at night and can hear the whistle there as well."

Johnny, you may notice it more at night due to a silent environment, stress and dehydration. Playing some soft pink music - a stream, waterfall or rain may help, but not by headphones. It may also help with hyperacusis.

AND/OR

You were cleared by an ENT, noting something other not within their standard practice examinations.
Have you had any dental work up to 2 months before onset? You may have TMJ and you may clench your teeth as night and haven't noticed doing so yet. This is often a cause of a high pitch whistle when other things are ruled out by an ENT and a general doctor that could cause "off balance".

Do you have any soreness within your neck, face, eyes, mouth, jaw or shoulders?

Since you are early on, controls can be placed that may reverse your T & H.
If you clench teeth, a mouth guard may help.

If you have any neck soreness maybe from an injury:
Consider a neck X Ray. Try a soft low pillow. Try to sleep on sides or back, not stomach. Drink a fair amount of water.
Try to control extreme forward head posture - control forced extreme head turning - try a cold towel or a bag of peas on your neck --- if there is soreness.

 

[johnny123]

Thank you everybody for the words of support. I will keep you posted and it is nice to find a place where there are so many warm people who offer advice and encouragement. Thank you.

 

[johnny123]

@johnny123 "It woke me up at three am and it started as a high pitch whistle in my left ear. It has since spread to my right, but I do not really notice it in my right ear until I go to bed at night and can hear the whistle there as well."

Johnny, you may notice it more at night due to a silent environment, stress and dehydration. Playing some soft pink music - a stream, waterfall or rain may help, but not by headphones. It may also help with hyperacusis.

AND/OR

You were cleared by an ENT, noting something other not within their standard practice examinations.
Have you had any dental work up to 2 months before onset? You may have TMJ and you may clench your teeth as night and haven't noticed doing so yet. This is often a cause of a high pitch whistle when other things are ruled out by an ENT and a general doctor that could cause "off balance".

Do you have any soreness within your neck, face, eyes, mouth, jaw or shoulders?

No soreness at all. It just came out of left field.

Since you are early on, controls can be placed that may reverse your T & H.
If you clench teeth, a mouth guard may help.

If you have any neck soreness maybe from an injury:
Consider a neck X Ray. Try a soft low pillow. Try to sleep on sides or back, not stomach. Drink a fair amount of water.
Try to control extreme forward head posture - control forced extreme head turning - try a cold towel or a bag of peas on your neck --- if there is soreness.

Thank you for the advice.