Freaking Out — Tinnitus After Traumatic Head/Brain Injury — Trying to Stay Calm

[JLP]

I'm sort of in panic mode over this tinnitus. It's been almost 10 weeks. My left ear has been thru a lot. Traumatic head/brain injury led to my ear bleeding for 2 days, then ended up with unilateral tinnitus. I fractured several bones around my left ear. I'm trying to stay hopeful and believe it will go away. Right now the tinnitus is reacting to my emotion. Trying to calm down.

 

[glynis]

Try playing some relaxing music as will help calm you down.
Hearing aids or white noise generators might help but fingers crossed your tinnitus will settle down a bit for you soon.
love glynis

 

[Starthrower]

I'm sort of in panic mode over this tinnitus. It's been almost 10 weeks. My left ear has been thru a lot. Traumatic head/brain injury led to my ear bleeding for 2 days, then ended up with unilateral tinnitus. I fractured several bones around my left ear. I'm trying to stay hopeful and believe it will go away. Right now the tinnitus is reacting to my emotion. Trying to calm down.

@JLP wow your injuries sound very serious. How did this happen?

Injuries take time for the nerves to heal especially around the ear area.

Don't worry about the "emotion" triggering the tinnitus. It is very hard to deal with sudden onset tinnitus like this. It happened to me also. Being calm takes a lot of practice when the noise is so loud in the brain. Good to practice breathing techniques.

What did or have the doctors given you or treat the injuries?

You will be okay JLP.

 

[JLP]

@JLP wow your injuries sound very serious. How did this happen?

Hi Starthrower, I was riding one of those electric scooters, and then paramedics woke me up on the road. I believe it was self-inflicted. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. Two closed brain bleeds and three skull fractures all around the left ear. My ear then filled with fluid which took almost 2 months to dissipate. I can still feel very very little fluid in there. Hoping that the ringing will stop when fluid is completely gone.

@JLP What did or have the doctors given you or treat the injuries?

The doctors sent me home with Norco and ibuprofen 600mg for the pain. I barely took any of it as I read it could make the tinnitus worst. They sent me home with a few other things as I developed a couple other health problems in the hospital which I'm cured from now. My ENT gave me Clonazepam to treat the anxiety I've developed from the tinnitus. My ENT also has T. She also said that the worst possible case scenario would be that it never goes away, which I'm trying to accept, but it's hard. My T is very reactive. Sometimes it's very low, other times it's headache loud.

@JLP You will be okay JLP

Thank you Starthrower. I really hope it reaches a constant unnoticeable level, or goes away.

 

[Starthrower]

Wow @JLP you went through a lot of trauma!!!

I can still feel very very little fluid in there. Hoping that the ringing will stop when fluid is completely gone.

There is a very good chance when the fluid build up clears your tinnitus will lessen. Good that you have medication for the anxiety. That is what saved me for a few months because the sudden onset of tinnitus really made me unsettled and nervous and anxious with any noise.

My T is very reactive. Sometimes it's very low, other times it's headache loud.

I have read that a lot of tinnitus people find the variation harder to handle at times. This is still early stage for you JPL so have hope and know it can get much better.


So sorry you are going through this. I sure understand. Sudden onset of intrusive tinnitus is so hard to handle.

You have taken all the right steps so far.

 

[Nonna]

I did the same thing for a whole year. Afraid to take ibuprofen from fear of making worse. 2, 3 yrs I am no longer afraid of ibuprofen. It may or may not make your ring a teeny tiny smidgen louder for a few hours. Its like if u had a coffee. It will not permanently make the ring louder. The ibuprofen helps bring down overall inflammation and helped lower my tinnitus.

Hi Starthrower, I was riding one of those electric scooters, and then paramedics woke me up on the road. I believe it was self-inflicted. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. Two closed brain bleeds and three skull fractures all around the left ear. My ear then filled with fluid which took almost 2 months to dissipate. I can still feel very very little fluid in there. Hoping that the ringing will stop when fluid is completely gone.



The doctors sent me home with Norco and ibuprofen 600mg for the pain. I barely took any of it as I read it could make the tinnitus worst. They sent me home with a few other things as I developed a couple other health problems in the hospital which I'm cured from now. My ENT gave me Clonazepam to treat the anxiety I've developed from the tinnitus. My ENT also has T. She also said that the worst possible case scenario would be that it never goes away, which I'm trying to accept, but it's hard. My T is very reactive. Sometimes it's very low, other times it's headache loud.



Thank you Starthrower. I really hope it reaches a constant unnoticeable level, or goes away.

 

[Lane]

Two closed brain bleeds and three skull fractures all around the left ear.

Hi @JLP,

You may want to check out how DMSO is now being used by conventional medicine as the best option to use for closed brain injuries. In these extremely dangerous life-threatening situations, it brings down inflammation faster than anything else they've run across, including different kinds of prescription medications. Inflammation is likely still high in your injured areas, and some kind of DMSO applications "could" go a long way toward reducing it--and possibly help your tinnitus at the same time. -- Best!

 

[Bill Bauer]

I was riding one of those electric scooters

Were you wearing a helmet?

 

[JLP]

Were you wearing a helmet?

Regrettably, no.

 

[Daniel Lion]

Your gonna be ok, my gut feeling. Hang tight. One day at a time. I feel for you. In the same boat.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Regrettably, no.

A relative of mine is a teacher. Several years ago, one of her students fell from his bike and hit his head on the pavement. He wasn't wearing a helmet, and he became a vegetable. Viewed in that light, you got lucky...

 

[JLP]

A relative of mine is a teacher. Several years ago, one of her students fell from his bike and hit his head on the pavement. He wasn't wearing a helmet, and he became a vegetable. Viewed in that light, you got lucky...

I'm very lucky on multiple levels. My fracture came close to the seventh and eighth cranial nerves. Fracturing the seventh cranial nerve could have paralyzed my face, and fracturing the eighth cranial nerve could have damaged my hearing. Although I'm not sure if I lost any hearing in my left ear yet. My right ear (the good ear) can hear up to 14khz, while my left ear (the damaged ear) can only go up to 10khz, but 6 weeks ago I could barely hear anything out of my left ear, so I know it's improving. I am truly grateful as my accident could have been a lot worst.

 

[MikeS]

My tinnitus is from a brain injury. Concussion in a car accident (I felt my brain hit the top of my skull). Happened 4 years ago. It was a lot to take in at first, because it came on all of a sudden -- started moment after impact. For me, the tinnitus fluctuates from my left ear to the top of my brain. And the intensity varies from day to day. I did not damage my ears -- it's a brain thing.

My tinnitus is white noise. When it is in my left ear, it's scratchy static. When it is on top of my head, it's more like white noise. I can also modulate it by turning my neck or pressing on the side of my head.

If you have something wrong with your ear -- like fluid -- then it may get better when fluid goes away.

For me, the fluctuation and changes in intensity were confusing, because it would feel like it was getting better one day, and then worse the next. Even if it does not get better, you do become more familiar with the noise, and accept it over time. There does come a point when you don't fixate on it as much.

 

[JLP]

If you have something wrong with your ear -- like fluid -- then it may get better when fluid goes away.

For me, the fluctuation and changes in intensity were confusing, because it would feel like it was getting better one day, and then worse the next. Even if it does not get better, you do become more familiar with the noise, and accept it over time. There does come a point when you don't fixate on it as much.

Hi @MikeS, I think the fluid is gone from my left ear, but unfortunately it's still ringing. Not sure if it's every going away since I fractured the left side of my skull. My tinnitus also fluctuates greatly, it's confusing. Sometimes I barely hear it, and then on days like today it's a loud high pitch hiss. I have an ENT appointment on Wednesday as my ear/hearing is still improving from the accident, and hopefully the tinnitus/hyperacusis will too.

 

[MikeS]

Hi @JLP,

Yeah, mine seems to fluctuate the most with sleep. Sometimes I wake up and it's mellow, and other days I wake up and it's loud. Sleep seems to reset it with me -- weird. I have had MRIs, CT but nothing shows up. I've tried physical therapy (because of whiplash), TENS units, and seen ENT, neurologist, and eventually a neurotologist. I tried reading medical articles online. I finally concluded that it is just a brain thing. I have come to realize how much the perception of sound is reliant on the brain. Kind of like why some people hear Yanny and others hear Laurel -- when the brain isn't able to figure it out, it just takes a best guess.

Out of all the articles that I read, this study from Michigan seems to fit my type of tinnitus -- the kind that fluctuates due to brain injury, and can be modulated. The study itself is promising, but what I like most about the article is how it explains fusiform cells. I do take these studies with a grain of salt, because there are many studies that claim to relieve tinnitus, but I have not seen it.

https://news.umich.edu/specially-ti...toms-in-test-aimed-at-condition-s-root-cause/

Because I am a computer programmer, tinnitus can break my concentration if I don't have external sounds to distract me from it. I listen to techno ambient music (or Call of Duty gamer music) when I code, and really like it. It makes me feel like I'm saving the world -- haha. It helps me a lot:

I like this guy Aes Dana:

I would also add that this is all part of life. Stuff is going to happen along the way. We don't leave this world with perfect eyesight, hearing, knees, full head of hair, and allergy-free. There will be some things like tinnitus that you may not be able to fix -- or who knows, with the pace of innovation these days, just maybe -- but I prefer to focus on the things that I can change by hitting the gym and staying in shape. And tinnitus is definitely one of those things that just becomes a part of you after time -- so just go with it

 

[Lane]

I have had MRIs, CT but nothing shows up. I've tried physical therapy (because of whiplash), TENS units, and seen ENT, neurologist, and eventually a neurotologist. I tried reading medical articles online. I finally concluded that it is just a brain thing.

Hi @MikeS,

Your history is interesting to me, as it's somewhat similar to mine. I think your tinnitus could actually be a combination of injuries from your whiplash AND it being a "brain thing".

Just want to mention that from my own research on whiplash (severe for me at age 15), you may be experiencing things that most medical professionals are woefully untrained to detect and diagnosis, even when using the latest scanning technology. If you have any interest, here's a link [The [Mechanical Basis of ME/CFS] to an article by a man who fought the medical establishment through thick and thin to finally get a proper diagnosis of Cerviocervical Instability (CCI) and Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI).

CCI and/or AAI can both be implicated in tinnitus, but most doctors aren't even aware of it, and most sadly, most don't want to be educated about it. Which leaves it up to us to go outside the norms of accepting whatever our current doctor may tell us or even insist on. -- If a "brain thing" is involved, I know of no better therapy for brain injuries than HBOT, another area of therapy most doctors are unaware of.

I admire your philosophical sense of equinimity, and acceptance of what could possibly become a permanent fixture in your life. But I wouldn't give up hope just yet that things can substantially improve for you. Continuing to track down a kind of therapy that just "might" help can sometimes lead to discovering a seemingly tiny little thing into a major shift. -- All the Best...

P.S. I don't want to come across as trying to force any of my own philosophy on you, but the above kind of thinking is what helps keep me going. So thought I'd share...

 

[JLP]

Hi @MikeS,

Yea, my tinnitus fluctuates so much it's like a tease when it's very mellow, because I start to believe it's actually fading. Can I ask if your T has gotten better since it first started, or has it always been the same? Does your T get worst in loud environments like mine?

I'm aware of the University of Michigan study. My T intensifies when I clench or move my jaw, so hopefully the device comes out soon and works! I'm willing to even try the Neuromod device if the reviews are promising and it comes out in the US soon. I notice we're both from LA, small world.

I would also add that this is all part of life. Stuff is going to happen along the way. We don't leave this world with perfect eyesight, hearing, knees, full head of hair, and allergy-free. There will be some things like tinnitus that you may not be able to fix -- or who knows, with the pace of innovation these days, just maybe -- but I prefer to focus on the things that I can change by hitting the gym and staying in shape. And tinnitus is definitely one of those things that just becomes a part of you after time -- so just go with it

I'm totally learning this. I'm reaching a new stage of acceptance, although I still have a few anxiety attacks here and there. I also prefer to focus on things we can control such as eating healthy, or staying in shape, but unfortunately my hyperacusis is still lingering around a bit so I've been afraid to expose my ears to the gym. Need to get those noise canceling earphones. I'll try my best to continue to accept my tinnitus, all while hoping a new treatment or cure comes out soon.

 

[MikeS]

Hi @jhl,

My tinnitus is the same since the accident. It would fluctuate, and I would sometimes think I'm getting better, only to have it come back strong again. The main difference is that I am more comfortable with it. My techno "coding" music helps a lot when I need to concentrate & work. If I'm moving around, and active, then I'm too distracted to care. Sleep helps too.

I also feel like weightlifting helps. I stopped, but I want to start back up. It seemed like I had more good days when I was lifting weight and putting on muscle.

After my concussion, my head wasn't right for awhile. Headaches (which were never an issue for me in the past).

Yes, I am bothered by loud noises in places with poor acoustics, like bars or restaurants. Or my loud family in the car - haha. The car ride with my family is the worse -- and I do tell them to quiet down sometimes. But mostly I just deal with it. I will go to an occasional concert, but nothing too loud. I don't listen to hard rock much anymore -- more like outlaw country these days. And I will wear earplugs at a concert, if that makes any sense

 

[JLP]

Hey @MikeS,

Since I'm a newbie I'm sort of terrified that my life has changed forever. I love going to restaurants and just being out socializing with friends. At least right now any environmental sound spikes my T. I'm sure I'll learn to manage but feeling a little overwhelmed as I'm imagining how this is going to affect work, or even dating for example. I'm trying to stay optimistic. Please Michigan device be a success and come out soon!

 

[Bam]

Hey @MikeS,

Since I'm a newbie I'm sort of terrified that my life has changed forever. I love going to restaurants and just being out socializing with friends. At least right now any environmental sound spikes my T. I'm sure I'll learn to manage but feeling a little overwhelmed as I'm imagining how this is going to affect work, or even dating for example. I'm trying to stay optimistic. Please Michigan device be a success and come out soon!

The story of Tom Shadyac may resonate with you. Long story short he had a bicycle accident which gave him tinnitus. He was suicidal but he got very very lucky. It went after 6 months and it completely changed his life. Many of us will never get a second chance like this, but if you are lucky enough to, i am sure you too will be reborn after this horrendous experience and never ever take any part of your freedom and health for granted. Good luck friend.

https://observer.com/2014/04/tom-shadyac-had-it-all-and-gave-it-away/

 

[JLP]

The story of Tom Shadyac may resonate with you. Long story short he had a bicycle accident which gave him tinnitus. He was suicidal but he got very very lucky. It went after 6 months and it completely changed his life. Many of us will never get a second chance like this, but if you are lucky enough to, i am sure you too will be reborn after this horrendous experience and never ever take any part of your freedom and health for granted. Good luck friend.

https://observer.com/2014/04/tom-shadyac-had-it-all-and-gave-it-away/

Wow @Bam, thank you for sharing that story. It's really all about how we perceive the moments that change our lives forever, and hopefully for the better.

 

[MikeS]

Hey @MikeS,

Since I'm a newbie I'm sort of terrified that my life has changed forever. I love going to restaurants and just being out socializing with friends. At least right now any environmental sound spikes my T. I'm sure I'll learn to manage but feeling a little overwhelmed as I'm imagining how this is going to affect work, or even dating for example. I'm trying to stay optimistic. Please Michigan device be a success and come out soon!

You should be able to do all those things. It's normal to feel frustration at first, because the sound is still foreign to you. As you accept it, it gradually becomes a part of you. You may make adjustments -- Los Angeles has a lot of bars & restaurants, so if you're anything like me, you'll favor places that are less crowded with better acoustics. I like the Library Bar in downtown L.A., because both times that I went, it was not crowded and had couches and bookshelves (and books) which gave it a cozy vibe for me to socialize with my friends. Also, rooftop bars like the Perch can be cool, because of the open space, views, and breeze (a little wind helps my T). As for dating, just don't talk about your T and you should be fine, because that's a sure-fire way to kill a date -- haha.

 

[Asian]

My tinnitus is from a brain injury. Concussion in a car accident (I felt my brain hit the top of my skull). Happened 4 years ago. It was a lot to take in at first, because it came on all of a sudden -- started moment after impact. For me, the tinnitus fluctuates from my left ear to the top of my brain. And the intensity varies from day to day. I did not damage my ears -- it's a brain thing.

My tinnitus is white noise. When it is in my left ear, it's scratchy static. When it is on top of my head, it's more like white noise. I can also modulate it by turning my neck or pressing on the side of my head.

If you have something wrong with your ear -- like fluid -- then it may get better when fluid goes away.

For me, the fluctuation and changes in intensity were confusing, because it would feel like it was getting better one day, and then worse the next. Even if it does not get better, you do become more familiar with the noise, and accept it over time. There does come a point when you don't fixate on it as much.

Sorry to hear that. Have you got your neck checked There is always a chance that tinnitus might be occurring because of your hidden neck injury. Just a thought.

 

[MikeS]

Sorry to hear that. Have you got your neck checked There is always a chance that tinnitus might be occurring because of your hidden neck injury. Just a thought.

I had MRIs. I feel it is from concussion. Thx.

 

[Lane]

I had MRIs.

Hi @MikeS -- I've head a lot of neck problems over the years, and recently discovered that I likely have CranioCervical Instability (CCI). It's a serious neck condition that requires some very specialized MRIs to diagnose properly. Very few health practitioners are aware of this condition, and don't understand that specialized MRIs are indispensable. Not saying you have CCI of course, but that the MRIs you've already head does not necessarily rule out neck issues and/or somatic tinnitus. -- Best...

 

[Mathew Gould]

Hi @MikeS -- I've head a lot of neck problems over the years, and recently discovered that I likely have CranioCervical Instability (CCI). It's a serious neck condition that requires some very specialized MRIs to diagnose properly. Very few health practitioners are aware of this condition, and don't understand that specialized MRIs are indispensable. Not saying you have CCI of course, but that the MRIs you've already head does not necessarily rule out neck issues and/or somatic tinnitus. -- Best...

What are the treatments for CCI?

 

[tinmandan]

"You're gonna be ok, my gut feeling. Hang tight. One day at a time. I feel for you. In the same boat." - Daniel Lion

+1

Hang in there. Sending love and positive vibes your way.