Hi Everyone, New Member Here Looking for Information

Hi everyone,

I'm Polyphonic (that's not my real name, but for now I'd like to just use this username,
I hope that's OK),

45 years old, male, professional musician.
I am new to the forum and this is my first post.

I am glad to have found this forum, am looking forward to a helpful exchange of information and mutual support.

I have a couple of questions, they are at the bottom of this post.

My story (short version):
In May 2018 I noticed a high frequency beep (at a frequency of about 8,5 kHz).
I went to my doctor (GP). Since the perceived volume level of the beep was low and since I informed my GP that I wear hearing protection during concerts and am careful concerning high volume situations in general

I was informed that
1) little/practically nothing could be done.
2) my hearing did not need to be checked.
Since October 4th 2018 on the volume of the tinnitus is higher.
I went to my GP again. My hearing will be checked by an ENT specialist, but I'll have to wait until the end of November for that to happen.

The current situation is like this:
I am trying to mask the tinnitus (high beep at about 8,5 kHz, non pulsating),
but I am worried I might do something to make matters worse.
I'll try to find a place to receive proper Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (I live in The Netherlands , does anyone have recommendations?), the TRT book by Jastreboff and Hazell should arrive on Monday.

I did read the information Michael Leigh shared in this thread
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/where-to-buy-wearable-white-noise-sound-generators.31575/

Thanks for the information, Michael. I obviously have a lot of reading to do,
planned sources of information are:
1) The Jastreboff/Hazell TRT book
2) www.tinnitus.org
3) Posts on this forum

The questions I have at this moment are regarding Tinnitus-masking,
sound generators etc. I would be grateful for input form members who have TRT experience.

1) I have started listening to music via (closed back) headphones to mask my tinnitus during the day in order to be able to get through the day. I use closed back noise dampening headphones because I live in a very noisy apartment (inner city, terrible sound isolation). Is this a good idea in the long run?
If yes, should I keep the volume so high that it masks the tinnitus or should I keep it lower so I can still hear the tinnitus?
I hope to get into a proper TRT program in a couple of months, and hopefully then I'll receive proper instructions on using white noise generators. To be clear: At the moment I am not using any white/pink noise at all.

2) At night I use my Android-tablet as a sound generator. I am experimenting with playing YouTube videos (advertised as Tinnitus masking), I keep the volume level low enough to still hear the tinnitus.
A good idea in the long run? I just downloaded the tinnitus masking album from this site and I'll give those files a try as well.

Or should I buy a specific sound generator immediately?

I appreciate any comments / tips from the members with TRT experience.

Thanks a lot in advance,
Regards,
Polyphonic

 

@Polyphonic ,
This is a lovely app to play through pillow speakers and can mix sounds to make it perfect for yourself.

 

Thank you, @glynis ,

I'll check it out later today when I have the time.

Have a nice day,
Regards,
Tobias

 

The widex zen tinnitus app is also very good. Sunmer rain/ tropical nights and high frequency screaming angle grinder are my new silence. Try and remember it’s only a noise. Think of all the positives in your life and go out and enjoy the sunshine!

 

Thanks for the tip,
@Bam . I'll download both apps later.

Unfortunately from what I've read today using headphones is apparently not a good idea at all,
so I'll stop doing that.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Cheers,
Polyphonic

 

Welcome to our fold. Good luck on the path.

 

Hi Phendran,

Thanks, nice folks around here it seems.

Have a nice day,
cheers,
Polyphonic