Have a Referral to See a Specialist

[rhull]

Going to set up an appointment (hope he takes my insurance).

But do they really help? What sort of thing can I expect from a specialist?

Am I best of just trying things from here?

I saw my doc who prescribed me with Ambian sleeping tablets on the nights I struggle. Haven't taken one yet, as I'm not a big pill fan, but as a last resort to getting to sleep, I'll take one.

I'm also taking notes of how bad my T is each day, and it seems to get worse by evening. maybe it's because my ears are worn out after being used during the day?

It's so annoying. I sometimes get a distorting noise when speaking on the phone. My T is a horrible high pitch noise in both ears.

So how have others found the experts?

 

[Lorac]

Hi @rhull and welcome!
What type of specialist are you scheduled to see? Are you seeing an ENT? Do you have hearing loss that you know of?

 

[ady]

But do they really help? What sort of thing can I expect from a specialist?

Specialists have very limited means to help us. Most are ignorant about tinnitus.

 

[rhull]

It's an ent, but with a great deal of tinnitus experience apparently. However looking deeper it seems treatment is mostly therapy related, and I'm not sure would be anymore beneficial than the info here.

I went for a hearing check a few weeks back and was advised to get hearing aids.

As for hearing loss, my high frequency range is shot.

 

[Ed209]

I'm also taking notes of how bad my T is each day, and it seems to get worse by evening. maybe it's because my ears are worn out after being used during the day?

I'd say this is by far the worst thing you can do. Do not monitor your tinnitus! The only time you should ever really monitor your T is during a clinical trial. It's justifiable then.

By actively listening to your T, you are making it more important to your limbic system and brain. You are teaching yourself to keep the sound in your conscious mind which is exactly the opposite of what you want.

Try to ignore it as best as you can. When you hear it screaming, try not to have any emotional reaction to it. It would be even better if you could find something to do that you really enjoy. Make yourself as happy as possible whilst T is ringing away. It's no easy feat, but not impossible and is the best thing you can do.

My experience with ENTs in the UK so far has been very poor. Hopefully you might get some tests done, and they may even find a cause. Remember that tinnitus is only a symptom, it's just rare that we find the cause.

My ENT gave me an audiogram and then looked in my ear with an otoscope. That's it. I paid £150 for something I could have had for free at the local Specsavers.

I wish you all the luck and hope you get more success than me.

 

[Ed209]

It's an ent, but with a great deal of tinnitus experience apparently. However looking deeper it seems treatment is mostly therapy related, and I'm not sure would be anymore beneficial than the info here.

I went for a hearing check a few weeks back and was advised to get hearing aids.

As for hearing loss, my high frequency range is shot.

Sounds like you've done the right thing, picking an ENT with tinnitus experience. He will probably offer you TRT or another form of counselling.

Just make sure you get some tests done.

 

[glynis]

@rhull,
Welcome to the forum.
Good luck with your ENT appointment and hope it helps.
Great to hear they a geared up in tinnitus help...lots of love glynis

 

[rhull]

Thanks. I am rather dubious about going though. I can see spending thousands and getting nothing or little out that I could find on here.

Has anyone tried this? http://www.audionotch.com