High Frequency Surging Electrical Signal Tinnitus Sound That Reacts to Pitch of Everyday Noises

[Pendar]

Hi all,

My tinnitus started a month ago seemingly out of nowhere. I was not exposed to loud music, was not sick at the time, did not experience any injury. A day before onset I was listening to audiobooks in-ear headphones for 5 hours (I usually don't listen to headphones that often), and that's the only connection/hypothesis I can think of.

My hearing test appears normal. My MRI shows bilateral TMJ arthritis.

My tinnitus (mostly in left ear) sounds like layers of extremely high frequency surging electrical signals. They are constantly surging and modulating slightly. On most days, they are very sensitive to certain pitches in every day sounds: plastic bags, rubbing feet against floor, rubbing anything against paper, typing on a keyboard, even words with "S" during conversation (including my own voice) instantly aggravate the Tinnitus and those surging electrical sounds feel louder or more 'ringy' in that instant. I'm not sure if it's hyperacusis because it's not the volume I'm sensitive to but the pitch.

After a few weeks of panic I've calmed myself down quite a bit, but I'm still not able to get much sleep (even after trying different sleeping pills). The reaction to high pitches means it's hard to do any masking (e.g. white noise at night feels uncomfortable).

As far as supplements go I'm taking Ginkgo B, Magnesium, and Zinc. I've eliminated coffee/alcohol and lowered my salt intake. I listen to guided meditations (on noise-cancelling headphones, not the in-ear earphones I used before this started).

I don't see any improvement (if anything I feel like it's slightly getting worse). I'd love to hear from those who have a similar tinnitus or story to see how they have managed or if they've found any strategies successful.

 

[Michael B]

I have high pitched tinnitus similar to what you described and dealt with the sensitivity to sounds in the early stages as well. Hopefully the sensitivity will subside as mine did in time although admittedly it took several months for that to happen for me.

 

[Pendar]

I have high pitched tinnitus similar to what you described and dealt with the sensitivity to sounds in the early stages as well. Hopefully the sensitivity will subside as mine did in time although admittedly it took several months for that to happen for me.

Thanks for the response. Do you remember how you dealt with sleep and sound enrichment during the sensitivity period? It's very hard for me to sleep as most sounds I play make my tinnitus spike, similarly activities like watching TV etc. are painful.

 

[Michael B]

Like many in the early stages of tinnitus, most higher pitch sounds sent me into a tailspin and left me feeling very nervous. But I must clarify that as difficult as it was dealing with sensitivity to sounds, it didn't affect my tinnitus per se because my tinnitus was already bad (and still is) and couldn't get much worse. That said, what worked for me, and still does, is a Sound Oasis app called Tinnitus Therapy Lite and their Summer Night masking sounds. Basically it's crickets but the best crickets I've found that helps mask my tinnitus as best as possible. I realize what works for me won't necessarily work for you as these sounds worsen your tinnitus, but I thought I'd share my experience with you.

 

[Pendar]

Like many in the early stages of tinnitus, most higher pitch sounds sent me into a tailspin and left me feeling very nervous. But I must clarify that as difficult as it was dealing with sensitivity to sounds, it didn't affect my tinnitus per se because my tinnitus was already bad (and still is) and couldn't get much worse. That said, what worked for me, and still does, is a Sound Oasis app called Tinnitus Therapy Lite and their Summer Night masking sounds. Basically it's crickets but the best crickets I've found that helps mask my tinnitus as best as possible. I realize what works for me won't necessarily work for you as these sounds worsen your tinnitus, but I thought I'd share my experience with you.

I'm still searching to 'find my sound' and I'm glad you've found yours. I'll give that (and other sounds in the app) a try. Thanks for the suggestion. Hope your T improves.

 

[CAgirl]

@Pendar How are you now? My tinnitus is the exact same way as you describe. It reacts to white and even pink noise. It's a very high pitch so nothing masks it. Are you any better these days?