Do Most People Recover from Tinnitus While We Are Left Behind?

[Landman]

Are we, the constant sufferers on Tinnitus Talk, the minority or the majority? In other words, do most people with tinnitus improve or learn to adapt, and the people here represent a smaller group?

After being seen by a respected neurotologist, two different university medical school hearing disorder departments, three ENTs, and so many audiologists I cannot even remember, I am starting to wonder why they all seemed to think this is not a widespread problem, or that it would improve on its own. Do most people move on with their lives and recover, leaving just us on Tinnitus Talk to continue suffering?

 

[MindOverMatter]

Are we, the constant sufferers on Tinnitus Talk, the minority or the majority? In other words, do most people with tinnitus improve or learn to adapt, and the people here represent a smaller group?

After being seen by a respected neurotologist, two different university medical school hearing disorder departments, three ENTs, and so many audiologists I cannot even remember, I am starting to wonder why they all seemed to think this is not a widespread problem, or that it would improve on its own. Do most people move on with their lives and recover, leaving just us on Tinnitus Talk to continue suffering?

People with bothersome tinnitus are a minority, yes, but only when compared to how many people actually have some level of tinnitus worldwide.

What do you include in the word "recover"?
Most people who develop chronic tinnitus are stuck with it for life. However, it often becomes non-bothersome at some point. This is known as habituation. And yes, most of these people eventually leave Tinnitus Talk.

I was habituated for 15 years myself before a major worsening in 2019. But again, I got my life back. It took me much more time this time around, and my tinnitus is now variable and unpredictable. It is reactive at times, although much better overall. Life is not exactly the same as before, but I have made new discoveries that feel fulfilling. I found something good that came out of the bad.

Even so, I believe it is important to stay connected, at least occasionally, and support each other no matter what. Through the good and the bad. Life can change in a moment.

That said, I do not label myself as someone who suffers from tinnitus. To me, the word "suffer" carries a heavy and negative meaning. I accepted my situation a long time ago. Acceptance is crucial to any kind of healing, or whatever one prefers to call it, in my opinion.

I know many people do suffer a lot, especially mentally, as a result of their struggles. I understand how hard it is to come to terms with this, and no two situations or people are exactly the same.

 

[momus]

It is going to be difficult, if not impossible, to come up with a meaningful answer based on just one tinnitus website. Another issue is that only a small percentage of the population has reported tinnitus or is even aware of it. As much as we suffer, research into conditions like cancer and birth defects understandably takes priority.

It is not a one-size-fits-all situation, either. Tinnitus is very specific, and a sound that might help me cope could have no effect at all on someone else. We need to keep track of what works and what does not. Since this is mostly a do-it-yourself process, that is probably why this website exists. It is an excellent way for people to reach out, offer help, or point us toward new studies.

 

[MindOverMatter]

Another issue is that only a small percentage of the population has reported tinnitus or is even aware of it. As much as we suffer, research into conditions like cancer and birth defects understandably takes priority.

This is not correct.

There are several studies, including a large one from 2021 that was published in The Lancet in 2022, showing that tinnitus is reported by about 15 percent of the world's population. Whether people remain aware of it over time is another matter. The number of severe cases is significantly smaller, but even so, 1.2 percent is too much, in my opinion.

• 14.7% of the population suffered from any form of tinnitus
• 6.0% of the population experience "bothersome" tinnitus
• 1.2% of the population experience "severe" tinnitus

The most researched conditions are diseases and such. Tinnitus is not a disease per se.

 

[Jupiterman]

The most researched conditions are diseases and such. Tinnitus is not a disease per se.

The above statement is true for several reasons:

The medical profession, generally speaking:

1. Knows very little about tinnitus.
2. Shows little interest in tinnitus.
3. Offers no effective treatment.
4. Often views it as more of a psychological condition, or even as a personality disorder.
5. Is aware of how difficult a cure would be, so tends to avoid research.
6. Seems to want to wash their hands of it.

 

[Tryn2BHopeful]

In my opinion, when people habituate or reach a point where they can function, they usually do not come back here. This site can be a difficult place, and understandably so. It can be hard to process and may leave some people feeling even more desperate. I left this site for a while, and I have returned because I am now dealing with worsened tinnitus caused by my own mistakes.

However, I do believe we are in the minority. Coming to this site gives us an outlet for our suffering, as very few people truly understand the physical and mental toll this condition can take. To be honest, this is not a group anyone wants to be part of, but I am grateful that Tinnitus Talk has provided a forum for us and for all the support they offer to the tinnitus community.

 

[Laurie1961]

The above statement is true for several reasons:

The medical profession, generally speaking:

1. Knows very little about tinnitus.
2. Shows little interest in tinnitus.
3. Offers no effective treatment.
4. Often views it as more of a psychological condition, or even as a personality disorder.
5. Is aware of how difficult a cure would be, so tends to avoid research.
6. Seems to want to wash their hands of it.

Has anyone had a history of medical bone imaging that included radio contrast dye, such as a bone scan or CT scan?

In my opinion, the weak response from the medical community suggests that the cause of this torture — at least in many cases — is known, or perhaps even intentional.

 

[Maruashen]

Based on my own experience, I left this website when I habituated last time.

I think I stayed here for the first three months, then life got better (I do not think my tinnitus did), and after eleven months I came back to update some people.

Now, eight years later, I am back because I got a new spike and damage to my ear that made my tinnitus increase a lot.

During this period when I was "habituated," I was just enjoying life and myself as much as I could. For the first two years, I protected myself a lot and usually carried a decibel meter with me. As more years went by, I started to use earplugs less and less, and I worried less and less.

So yes, to summarize, I think most people do recover, but recovery does not need to mean "no tinnitus." It can simply mean that life goes on and you start to think about it less.

This time around I seem to have a harder time habituating. I do not know why, but it has been three months since my damage, and I listen to my tinnitus all the time. All the overprotection with earmuffs has made my hyperacusis go crazy. But I think that is on me. I should have reintroduced myself to everyday sounds earlier, instead of overprotecting for too long to let my ears "rest."