Hello...New Member Looking for Information

[Deanna]

Hello everyone,

I am so happy to see there is a community of people who support each other in this otherwise isolating problem. No one in my family, my doctor, nor my community understands what I am going through. My doctor last week just said I have to "live with this" without any idea of how to make it bearable - a depressing thought indeed...I was thinking...I am never going to hear silence again?

I started my own business and have been increasingly working alone on projects and noticed this high pitched noise. I just thought it was my noisy heater as this started during the winter (it sounds like a plane taking off when it goes on - I kid you not). But after a recent surgery I noticed the problem is more noticeable and it appears to have "gone into my head" which is something I have seen on a number of posts - I thought I was going bananas.

When I am out and about I catch the sound but it is drowned out for the most part. The only time I don't hear it at all is when I am in the shower - or sleeping. It does seem worse at night and first thing when I wake up. Is that common? I have decided I will spend 30 minutes per day searching for solutions and then trying my best to put it out of my mind (if thats possible). I don't want it to consume me or change the person I am - something I fear the most.

Thank you for being here and sharing your knowledge. You have no idea what a relief it is to me that you are here. It appears the process to finding T manageable is random which scares me a bit but I am a rational, logical being and hopefully with some data about my own T I can find a pattern that will allow me to be okay with it. It doesn't feel like it is going away anytime soon. I only hope it doesn't get worse - not sure I could handle that.


D

 

[ampumpkin]

Hi and welcome to TT.

I'm just wondering: during the day, you don't hear the T too much?? Everyday sounds cover it ??

 

[Deanna]

Yes, I have a 12 year-old daughter and when we are out talking and driving and shopping, all the things you normally do, I don't hear it. It is only when I pause and focus on it do I hear it or if my surroundings become quiet, then its there. Today I was at an office and waiting for someone. While the receptionist was talking to others, the music was on and people were talking I didn't "hear it" but when the people left the lobby - there it was. I have gotten to the point where I go out to coffee places so I can focus - strange? My question though - is all of this "noise" during the day making it worse?

 

[ampumpkin]

So your T level sounds a lot like mine actually... most everyday sounds cover it. My T is reactive in certain sounds (city traffic, ventilation systems) and nothing can mask THAT because it's inside my head. I have no hearing loss.

Have faith in the future, you will most likely habituate to such T

 

[Deanna]

Thanks @ampumpkin. It does sound like we are in similar situations. I don't have hearing loss either although my doctor said she saw a lot of scarring on my ear drums - she asked if I had a lot of ear infections as a child which I am not aware of if I did. My parents were not big on sending me to the doctor when I was sick.

I am keeping the faith. I appreciate your willingness to share your story with me..and others who read this. I see people talking about their diet - have you had any success with removing caffeine, adding supplements, changing your routine?

D

 

[attheedgeofscience]

my doctor said she saw a lot of scarring on my ear drums - she asked if I had a lot of ear infections as a child which I am not aware of if I did.

Scarring usually only occurs if the eardrum "pops" because of an infection - which takes a fair bit. Another possibility contributing to scarring is the placement of grommets in infants. In my opinion, ENTs need to consider surgical interventions more carefully before rushing into it. A scarred eardrum can be repaired. A scarred eardrum can lead to slight hearing loss.

 

[ampumpkin]

@Deanna

What was the cause of your T?

Mine started in 2007 after taking ototoxic meds (antidepressants). I was 100% habituated for 7 years. I lived a normal life, went to concerts, and clubs (with ear plugs of course), drank and ate what I wanted.

Fast forward may 2014, my left ear cloggued and I had to take antibiotics, that unfortunately, were also ototoxic. I had a severe allergic reaction to Biaxin (clarithromycin), that involved vertigo, diarhea, upset stomach, anxiety and panic attacks and of course, OF COURSE a much louder T.

My T was extremely loud, could be heard everywhere, even above the shower. I discontinued the antibiotics when I found out it was ototoxic. Should have checked earlier

I went to the ENT doctor who performed another audiogram on me: result: no hearing loss, actually PERFECT hearing. The ENT said he had seen such reaction with Biaxin but had never seen permanent effects. He said the louder T would go down gradually but it could take a few weeks to a few months.

Things started getting better and better as weeks went by. My T is now less loud, almost back to baseline (the level it was from 2007 to 2014). The pitch has changed thought, it seems higher. It varies a lot. It's very quiet in the morning and louder at night. My T was reactive at onset in 2007 but that went completely away upon full habituation. I'm hoping that it goes away this time too. The reactive part is very annoying because I can't mask it. But I'm starting to react less and less to it and feeling much better

As for my diet: I ain't doing anything at all. I drink coffee and alcohol and I'm a light smoker. I am lucky that my diet doesn't seem to have an impact on my T at all. So I just enjoy food the normal way!

The only thing I'm doing is taking my daily magnesium pill. I was taking 300mg a day and now I switched to a single pill of 250mg (citrate). I'm sure my levels were low. I am prone to anxiety and lows (I also have Borderline Personality Disorder) and since I have been taking magnesium, my overall outlook on life has improved. Is it a placebo effect? I don't know but I'm enjoying it!!

So like I said, my mood has improved overall since my T changed... and as my mood improved, my T went down and has become less and less intrusive. Of course, it's still there but I seem to care less.

If most everyday sounds cover it, then you're a very good candidate for full habituation and a quick one.

Don't hesitate if you have other questions. People on here are super friendly and helpfull!

 

[Mpt]

as ampumpkin said, if most everyday sounds cover your t, you will probably be able to habituate to the point of rarely hearing it, even in "relatively quiet spaces"... your number one priority right now--- and for the rest of your life should be keeping it that way-- you don't need to overprotect your ears-- but loud concerts, movies without earplugs, etc-- for the rest of your life- it might not always be necessary but look at all the suffering that abounds on this board-- it is worth it to avoid that, tinnitus is a very special kind of suffering/misery- do yourself a favor and protect your ears from now on

 

[Karen]

Hi, Deanna, and welcome!

You asked about making dietary changes and taking supplements that might help tinnitus. For some people, dietary changes do make a difference. Those changes include cutting back on caffeine, sugar, salt, chocolate, and alcohol. I'm one of those people, however, who did not notice any difference after those changes. You might try it to see if it makes any difference to you.

Some supplements you might try that could have some effect on your tinnitus are: B-complex vitamins, magnesium, fish oil, melatonin (for sleep), gingko biloba, vinpocetine, even apple cider vinegar mixed with water. And some people say that systemic enzymes help (in the case of inflammation).

You might wish to experiment with certain supplements, one at a time, to see if you notice any difference.

I agree with the others that your type of tinnitus sounds like you will be able to habituate to it eventually. How do you do that? The best way is to just live your life as you normally would, without making any changes to compensate for your tinnitus. Try to keep your mind busy and active, exercise when possible, and get plenty of sleep. If you can do all these things, you'll notice eventually that the tinnitus seems less bothersome. For most of us, it is still there, but we can tune it out most of the time.

Good luck, and we're glad you've joined us!

Best wishes,
Karen

 

[ampumpkin]

I love the answer that @Karen wrote...always so helpful

And she is right about living a normal life! This was the best advice I received on here. Make some minor adjustments when exposed to loud sounds! wear earplugs

I also ordered a decibel meter from eBay... I carry it with me when I'm about to be exposed to louder sounds (public transport, for example). I find it comforting to have that. I also have earplugs in my purse!

 

[Deanna]

Thanks so much to everyone for their advice and support! I will try all of your suggestions and look forward to sharing what works/doesn't work in the hope of helping and supporting others! As I said at the beginning, I am so grateful this group exists - this is the only place I can really talk about it.

 

[TDCC]

I also carry earplugs every were bought about 3 paket to keep them in my purse, house and gym bag Like Karen and ampumking they are so rughliving a normal lifes a great advise. they help me a lot over come this.!! Best wishes D