Hi all-
My name is Steve, I'm 38 and was just diagnosed with nose induced tinnitus today. It's been going on for a couple of months and at first I thought it was sinus related. Unfortunately, after going through the motions with my allergist and primary care doctor (who came up empty handed), I arrived at the ENT to confirm what I already knew and what they prepared me for. Noise induced tinnitus. I'm a drummer. Been playing since 5. I've been playing in rock bands and jazz bands my whole life. I like my band to sound good on stage and front of house and I like rockin out to my music whether on my iPad, car stereo or PA. Of course, I intentionally withheld all of this from the doctors so they wouldn't discount it to noise induced tinnitus- God forbid there is a more serious underlying issue. But the hearing test was the tell all......3K, 4K and 6K frequency suck outs in the left ear and 2K, 3K and 4K suck outs in the right ear. Classic, text book noise induced tinnitus according to the doctor. I didn't even have to tell him.
So, I'm here. I'm good. I had the initial shock set in a coupe of weeks ago. Denial. Refusal. Panic. Fear. Anxiety. Will it go away? Will I go crazy if it doesn't? I feel I am strong enough to heal. My wife and children are with me. I'm ok physically......nothing is wrong. And after discovering and talking to folks close to me (friends, relatives, co-workers) that have lived with this most of their lives, the stress, fear, panic and anxiety has gotten much better..
I'm having no trouble getting through the day. I am able to focus (I can still hear it) and accomplish tasks. No depression. I can sleep at night- once I fall asleep. I'm getting 6-7 hours of sleep so I feel I'm doing good. A little white noise goes a long way. One thing I've noticed- it roars at night time. Not because my surroundings are quieter. I have quiet in my office at work. I know what my tinnitus sounds like in the quietest environment. But for some reason at night, at home, on my couch, it roars which makes it difficult to fall asleep sometimes. And when I wake up in the morning, it's virtually non-existent. That's probably the only major challenge I'm facing now and the only question I have is: Will that get better over time as my brain adjusts? Also, I've been on prednisone for 4 days with 6 more to go to treat a chest cold that flared an asthma attack. I'm also wondering if the side effects of the prednisone are causing increased anxiety,excitement, blood pressure- all of which can increase the level of tinnitus.
Anywho, I will continue to drum and perform. With ear plugs! I welcome any recommendations from any fellow rock stars out there and any advice, thoughts or tips from fellow tinnitus coping folks. I will pay it forward and offer any good positive help from my experiences to any fellow folks trying to cope.
Best to all-
Steve
My name is Steve, I'm 38 and was just diagnosed with nose induced tinnitus today. It's been going on for a couple of months and at first I thought it was sinus related. Unfortunately, after going through the motions with my allergist and primary care doctor (who came up empty handed), I arrived at the ENT to confirm what I already knew and what they prepared me for. Noise induced tinnitus. I'm a drummer. Been playing since 5. I've been playing in rock bands and jazz bands my whole life. I like my band to sound good on stage and front of house and I like rockin out to my music whether on my iPad, car stereo or PA. Of course, I intentionally withheld all of this from the doctors so they wouldn't discount it to noise induced tinnitus- God forbid there is a more serious underlying issue. But the hearing test was the tell all......3K, 4K and 6K frequency suck outs in the left ear and 2K, 3K and 4K suck outs in the right ear. Classic, text book noise induced tinnitus according to the doctor. I didn't even have to tell him.
So, I'm here. I'm good. I had the initial shock set in a coupe of weeks ago. Denial. Refusal. Panic. Fear. Anxiety. Will it go away? Will I go crazy if it doesn't? I feel I am strong enough to heal. My wife and children are with me. I'm ok physically......nothing is wrong. And after discovering and talking to folks close to me (friends, relatives, co-workers) that have lived with this most of their lives, the stress, fear, panic and anxiety has gotten much better..
I'm having no trouble getting through the day. I am able to focus (I can still hear it) and accomplish tasks. No depression. I can sleep at night- once I fall asleep. I'm getting 6-7 hours of sleep so I feel I'm doing good. A little white noise goes a long way. One thing I've noticed- it roars at night time. Not because my surroundings are quieter. I have quiet in my office at work. I know what my tinnitus sounds like in the quietest environment. But for some reason at night, at home, on my couch, it roars which makes it difficult to fall asleep sometimes. And when I wake up in the morning, it's virtually non-existent. That's probably the only major challenge I'm facing now and the only question I have is: Will that get better over time as my brain adjusts? Also, I've been on prednisone for 4 days with 6 more to go to treat a chest cold that flared an asthma attack. I'm also wondering if the side effects of the prednisone are causing increased anxiety,excitement, blood pressure- all of which can increase the level of tinnitus.
Anywho, I will continue to drum and perform. With ear plugs! I welcome any recommendations from any fellow rock stars out there and any advice, thoughts or tips from fellow tinnitus coping folks. I will pay it forward and offer any good positive help from my experiences to any fellow folks trying to cope.
Best to all-
Steve
Member
