Finding MD/Counselor Specialized in Tinnitus — Perhaps Online?

[Dave555]

I'm not very hopeful, but does anyone have advice on finding a doctor or psychologist who understands what it's like to have tinnitus? I've been to ENT's and they are useless. Has anyone tried online psychologists, for instance? I have other things I'd like to talk about, but it would be nice if they also understood my ailment.

Also, does anyone know if there are any anxiety drugs that can help me freak out less when I think tinnitus is spiking? I feel like if I go to my regular doctor and ask for anti-anxiety drugs he'll think I'm a junkie. But I would like to have the option to occasionally take something that will relax my mind, just like every few weeks... but again I feel like without a doctor that understands tinnitus they will think I'm just a drug addict. I'm not on any meds now, and it seems like doctors are paranoid about prescribing anything.

 

[LukeYoung]

I'm not very hopeful, but does anyone have advice on finding a doctor or psychologist who understands what it's like to have tinnitus? I've been to ENT's and they are useless. Has anyone tried online psychologists, for instance? I have other things I'd like to talk about, but it would be nice if they also understood my ailment.

Also, does anyone know if there are any anxiety drugs that can help me freak out less when I think tinnitus is spiking? I feel like if I go to my regular doctor and ask for anti-anxiety drugs he'll think I'm a junkie. But I would like to have the option to occasionally take something that will relax my mind, just like every few weeks... but again I feel like without a doctor that understands tinnitus they will think I'm just a drug addict. I'm not on any meds now, and it seems like doctors are paranoid about prescribing anything.

I think if you explain to your doctor your concern and let them know it makes you anxious they may help prescribe something

 

[Contrast]

What are you going to accomplish seeking help for an incurable disease?

 

[Gman]

I'm not very hopeful, but does anyone have advice on finding a doctor or psychologist who understands what it's like to have tinnitus? I've been to ENT's and they are useless. Has anyone tried online psychologists, for instance? I have other things I'd like to talk about, but it would be nice if they also understood my ailment.

Also, does anyone know if there are any anxiety drugs that can help me freak out less when I think tinnitus is spiking? I feel like if I go to my regular doctor and ask for anti-anxiety drugs he'll think I'm a junkie. But I would like to have the option to occasionally take something that will relax my mind, just like every few weeks... but again I feel like without a doctor that understands tinnitus they will think I'm just a drug addict. I'm not on any meds now, and it seems like doctors are paranoid about prescribing anything.

Psychologists don't prescribe meds. I don't know what they do really in a clinical sense, not much. Psychiatrists do prescribe, that's what they love to do.

Did your doctor actually say anything to that extent or are you imaging it? You can get anxiety meds, just go easy on them and don't over use or for too long. They helped me through a horrific period for a short amount of time.
Or get something natural .... magnesium, l-theanine, 5HTP, lemon balm, passionflower, amongst others...

 

[Dave555]

What are you going to accomplish seeking help for an incurable disease?

That's a good point, but I would like to see if my anxiety can be reduced. I also had issues I wanted to talk to a psychologist about before the T came along and sidelined things.

 

[Dave555]

Did your doctor actually say anything to that extent or are you imaging it? You can get anxiety meds, just go easy on them and don't over use or for too long. They helped me through a horrific period for a short amount of time.
Or get something natural .... magnesium, l-theanine, 5HTP, lemon balm, passionflower, amongst others...

I'm imagining it for the most part. I'll talk to my doctor again. I know the ENT would not prescribe anything, but maybe that's normal.

 

[Gman]

I'm imagining it for the most part. I'll talk to my doctor again. I know the ENT would not prescribe anything, but maybe that's normal.

Explain how you are feeling. If they don't prescribe you anything, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or visit another doctor.

ENTs are generally a waste of space, in my experience. I had a similar situation when I explained my situation. He said, even if he could prescribe me something, he wouldn't. I'm quite sure he was referring to anti-anxiety medication. I hadn't even asked for anything. What a dimwit.