Intrusive Tinnitus

[Michael Leigh]

Yeah, my bad. I went to "Intrusive Tinnitus" to find someone to relate and the first sentences contain the word "silence". I was frustrated and jealous when I posted (not good!).

I agree that it is not good. You need to channel that frustration and negativity into positive thinking and then you will start to feel better and your tinnitus will recede into the background and become less important. If you are using any type of headphones I advise you to stop using them. If possible seek professional help with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist that specialises in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Click on the links below and read my posts.

It takes time... Being bitter, angry and frustrated with life prolongs suffering and doesn't help your emotional wellbeing or give you a peace of mind long term. All this is possible to some degree with tinnitus in the majority of cases.

I wish you well.
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-ent-doctor-and-hearing-therapist.24047/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-negative-counselling.26669/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-complexities-of-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.25733/

 

[Michael Leigh]

Clonazepam is addictive I was told by TT members that have used it to no avail.
It does help others as yourself. What dose are you on? It did really lower the tinnitus?

Please do not listen to people that have no idea, how medications such as clonazepam and antidepressants can help people manage their tinnitus better. Used correctly and under the proper guidance from the GP (doctor) they do good and are not harmful. I have been taking clonazepam since 2010, as and when I need to and find it of immense help managing and coping with my tinnitus. I promise you that I am not addicted to this medication nor do I experience any adverse effects from it.

I take two 2x 0.5 tablets when required for a maximum of two to three days sometimes less. This usually reduces my severe tinnitus to a more manageable level and can also completely silence it. My tinnitus naturally varies from complete: Silence, mild, moderate, severe and can reach extreme severe levels. The tinnitus is totally random so I have no idea what tomorrow will bring or how it will react.

The way to get to grips with tinnitus is to seek proper professional medical advice if self help doesn't work. One of the biggest problems preventing people from habituating to tinnitus and moving on with their life is Negative thinking and reading posts from Negative thinking people. Unfortunately this practice can become an addiction and is a recipe for disaster. By this I mean a person with a Negative Mindset has virtually no hope of their life improving because they have allowed their mind, body and soul to be consumed with Negative Energy.

Michael

Life Is Problematic

I have spoken to many people that have intrusive tinnitus. Some that are new to its sudden onset, and others that have habituated for a while, but for some reason a resurgence of the tinnitus has lasted longer than a spike, and has left them feeling insecure and with the believe that things wont improve. I just want to say that I have also been in these situations.

At times like this, one might find themselves thinking: My life is over. Why can't they find a cure? Why did this happen to me? Someone phoned me up who I had been counselling for a short while and was having a particularly difficult time with his tinnitus and said. Every time that he's out he can't stop looking at people's ears and wondering what it would be like to be them and not hear the sound of roaring tinnitus. The negative vibes I thought, we all get them and they can come upon us with little or no warning. I knew he was feeling sorry for himself and we are all entitled to feel that way but I wanted him to try and look at his situation differently.

I explained that even the most optimistic and successful people have down times and they don't necessarily have tinnitus, for life is problematic and few of us go through it without problems. We have no idea what another person is going through so be careful what you wish for. He continued listening. I know tinnitus isn't easy especially when it's severe but hold on to the thought that it will improve. I still had his attention so continued.

In an attempt to make him feel better I mentioned that life throws challenges at us and puts obstacles in our way. Perhaps if everything came easily to us we would never grow and develop and in some cases not reach our full potential without some struggle, or appreciate the good things that we have in life. He mentioned that he was a maths teacher, happily married with two children and had a business with his brother. He agreed that things hadn't always gone smoothly but overcoming certain problems and issues in his life seemed to make everything worth while, until he got tinnitus. I understood where he was coming from, but at the same time trying to reassure him that things would improve although it may take a little time.

His doctor prescribed an antidepressant but he didn't want to take them and asked me what I thought. It wasn't my place to advise him on this issue but I told him of my experience with medications for my tinnitus and the help I had received at ENT.

When I first had tinnitus I had taken antidepressants for a while, which helped me not to become too down. In later years I took clonazapam 2x 0.5mg when my tinnitus was severely intrusive. It helped a lot. I was advised of it's addictive nature and closely monitored by my GP. I mentioned that I only take them once in a while now.

This gentleman kept in touch and told me he decided to take the anti-depressants. Then he went quiet for a while. One evening I got a call from him, telling me his tinnitus had reduced and was improving all the time and he had returned to work which made him very happy.

Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-negative-counselling.26669/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-complexities-of-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.25733/

 

[Michael Leigh]

With hyperacusis it can be debilitating, but its definitely louder that's for sure. I can hear it over everything, something that I was unable to do from Sep-Dec of last year.

I have advised you on numerous occasions what I believe is the way forward for you. Hyperacusis by itself in the majority of cases is not debilitating . It can cause immense discomfort but it is not the same as debilitating tinnitus. With treatment a lot of your symptoms can be relieved, but you choose not to follow my advice which is unfortunate.

Take care and I wish you well.
Michael

 

[Jazzer]

Please do not listen to people that have no idea, how medications such as clonazepam and antidepressants can help people manage their tinnitus better. Used correctly and under the proper guidance from the GP (doctor) they do good and are not harmful. I have been taking clonazepam since 2010, as and when I need to and find it of immense help managing and coping with my tinnitus. I promise you that I am not addicted to this medication nor do I experience any adverse effects from it.

I take two 2x 0.5 tablets when required for a maximum of two to three days sometimes less. This usually reduces my severe tinnitus to a more manageable level and can also completely silence it. My tinnitus naturally varies from complete: Silence, mild, moderate, severe and can reach extreme severe levels. The tinnitus is totally random so I have no idea what tomorrow will bring or how it will react.

The way to get to grips with tinnitus is to seek proper professional medical advice if self help doesn't work. One of the biggest problems preventing people from habituating to tinnitus and moving on with their life is Negative thinking and reading posts from Negative thinking people. Unfortunately this practice can become an addiction and is a recipe for disaster. By this I mean a person with a Negative Mindset has virtually no hope of their life improving because they have allowed their mind, body and soul to be consumed in this way.

Michael

Life Is Problematic

I have spoken to many people that have intrusive tinnitus. Some that are new to its sudden onset, and others that have habituated for a while, but for some reason a resurgence of the tinnitus has lasted longer than a spike, and has left them feeling insecure and with the believe that things wont improve. I just want to say that I have also been in these situations.

At times like this, one might find themselves thinking: My life is over. Why can't they find a cure? Why did this happen to me? Someone phoned me up who I had been counselling for a short while and was having a particularly difficult time with his tinnitus and said. Every time that he's out he can't stop looking at people's ears and wondering what it would be like to be them and not hear the sound of roaring tinnitus. The negative vibes I thought, we all get them and they can come upon us with little or no warning. I knew he was feeling sorry for himself and we are all entitled to feel that way but I wanted him to try and look at his situation differently.

I explained that even the most optimistic and successful people have down times and they don't necessarily have tinnitus, for life is problematic and few of us go through it without problems. We have no idea what another person is going through so be careful what you wish for. He continued listening. I know tinnitus isn't easy especially when it's severe but hold on to the thought that it will improve. I still had his attention so continued.

In an attempt to make him feel better I mentioned that life throws challenges at us and puts obstacles in our way. Perhaps if everything came easily to us we would never grow and develop and in some cases not reach our full potential without some struggle, or appreciate the good things that we have in life. He mentioned that he was a maths teacher, happily married with two children and had a business with his brother. He agreed that things hadn't always gone smoothly but overcoming certain problems and issues in his life seemed to make everything worth while, until he got tinnitus. I understood where he was coming from, but at the same time trying to reassure him that things would improve although it may take a little time.

His doctor prescribed an antidepressant but he didn't want to take them and asked me what I thought. It wasn't my place to advise him on this issue but I told him of my experience with medications for my tinnitus and the help I had received at ENT.

When I first had tinnitus I had taken antidepressants for a while, which helped me not to become too down. In later years I took clonazapam 2x 0.5mg when my tinnitus was severely intrusive. It helped a lot. I was advised of it's addictive nature and closely monitored by my GP. I mentioned that I only take them once in a while now.

This gentleman kept in touch and told me he decided to take the anti-depressants. Then he went quiet for a while. One evening I got a call from him, telling me his tinnitus had reduced and was improving all the time and he had returned to work which made him very happy.

Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-negative-counselling.26669/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-complexities-of-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.25733/

Michael - I am not wishing to contradict anything you have said very clearly, above, except that there seems to be considerable disagreement regarding the possible dangers of taking benzodiazepines.

I have read that some sufferers go through hell on earth trying to get off of them.
Others have said 'never go near benzodiazepines.'
The bit about 'strict medical supervision' is not such a great safeguard I feel.

No doctor can realistically determine precisely just what somebody's thoughts, feelings, actions might be after strong psychiatric drugs.
In my early adulthood I was thumped full of the gamut of psychiatric drugs for severe depression, caused by infant neglect.
Every drug made my life more difficult, and left me in a more dangerous position.

As you can imagine, I will not go near any of these drugs myself, but I can't help wondering if they are in fact as innocuous as you believe they are.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Michael - I am not wishing to contradict anything you have said very clearly, above, except that there seems to be considerable disagreement regarding the possible dangers of taking benzodiazepines.

I have read that some sufferers go through hell on earth trying to get off of them.
Others have said 'never go near benzodiazepines.'
The bit about 'strict medical supervision' is not such a great safeguard I feel.

No doctor can realistically determine precisely just what somebody's thoughts, feelings, actions might be after strong psychiatric drugs.
In my early adulthood I was thumped full of the gamut of psychiatric drugs for severe depression, caused by infant neglect.
Every drug made my life more difficult, and left me in a more dangerous position.

As you can imagine, I will not go near any of these drugs myself, but I can't help wondering if they are in fact as innocuous as you believe they are.

HI @Jazzer

We have approached this subject before on other threads and I do not wish to continuously keep going over the same thing. I respect your views on not wanting to take medication for the ailments that you describe but want to make a few things abundantly clear so there is no misunderstanding on my views for medication for tinnitus. I am specifically dealing with tinnitus and no other medical condition.

Tinnitus can be very debilitating when it is severe and this level of intrusiveness is sustained. It can affect a person's mental wellbeing considerably and in some cases a person may seek ways to cause their own demise. Contrary to what some people believe and you fit into this category, medications such as antidepressants can often help a person not to sink into depression which may require them to be hospitalized. As is often the case these medications do not have to be taken long term when dealing with tinnitus alone. However, as is often the case, many people with tinnitus also have additional problems within their life that can make the taking of antidepressants to become more permanent.

Regarding Benzodiazepines. It is true these medication taken continuously and long term can become additive. Not only that, they become less effective as the body quickly becomes habituated to them. This then requires more of the drug to be taken to get relief. I want to make it absolutely clear that is not what I am talking about.

Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam/Rivitril, can often relieve the severity of tinnitus for some people. It is not meant to be taken continuously as the body will quickly get used to it and dependency can set it. It can also have unpleasant side effects. When clonazepam is taken periodically as I am taking it, perhaps two to three times a month for 1 to 3 days to reduce the severe impact of my tinnitus, it is beneficial and in no way harmful. I have taken clonazepam for 8 years and assure you that I have no adverse effects with this medication.

Michael

 

[Jazzer]

@Michael Leigh - okay Michael
- all understood x

 

[JohnAdams]

Michael - I am not wishing to contradict anything you have said very clearly, above, except that there seems to be considerable disagreement regarding the possible dangers of taking benzodiazepines.

I have read that some sufferers go through hell on earth trying to get off of them.
Others have said 'never go near benzodiazepines.'
The bit about 'strict medical supervision' is not such a great safeguard I feel.

No doctor can realistically determine precisely just what somebody's thoughts, feelings, actions might be after strong psychiatric drugs.
In my early adulthood I was thumped full of the gamut of psychiatric drugs for severe depression, caused by infant neglect.
Every drug made my life more difficult, and left me in a more dangerous position.

As you can imagine, I will not go near any of these drugs myself, but I can't help wondering if they are in fact as innocuous as you believe they are.

I fully agree.

 

[Benoves]

I can hear my tinnitus always. But it fluctuates a lot. Sometimes it's a bit softer than usually but I can still hear it always. But to me it's comforting then. So I think what's intrusive to others can be at times comforting for others.

 

[dpdx]

I can hear my tinnitus always. But it fluctuates a lot. Sometimes it's a bit softer than usually but I can still hear it always. But to me it's comforting then. So I think what's intrusive to others can be at times comforting for others.

You need to do a thorough audiological evaluation: Audiometry from 250hz to 16khz, DPOAE for outer cochlea cells, Word Recognition (to see if you lost phonemes), Speech in Noise for Inner Hair Cells.

 

[glynis]

Antidepressants can help if for the right reason but should in my view be backed up with counselling.

My story about antidepressants....feel free to comment!

My journey began when was put on a AD 100mg for Ostio Arthritis by the hospital for pain management .
I was also on 300mg of Tramadol and walked with elbow crutches for many years.

I had knee surgery on both knees including having my knee caps re inlined due to a birth defect.

I eventually got off tramadol and after 14 years on a AD for pain reduced it with my doctor's consent.
This lead me to experience depression for the first time as my brain was use to the AD for pain and obviously worked on my emotions.

My doctor then said he would put me on venlafaxine as it was a better AD but as I was innocent to AD meds took his word as ok.
I then had problems sleeping with my tinnitus as venlafaxine does not help sleep so my doctor added Nortryptaline for sleep so now on two AD meds and drugged up...

I am now off the AD meds 150mg venlafaxine and down from 50mg to 25mg Nortryptaline for sleep.

Finally I'm shut of the AD meds that were given by a Rheumatologist for pain and created years off been stuck on them. Only if I was given pain relief and not AD meds I would have had 16 years AD free.

AD meds help low mood so just make sure they cover anxiety and sleep loss.

I should have never been put on AD meds for 14 years for pain and discharged from Rhumatology and left on them with no check ups.
Be wise and read up about medication.

love glynis

 

[JohnAdams]

Antidepressants can help if for the right reason but should in my view be backed up with counselling.

My story about antidepressants....feel free to comment!

My journey began when was put on a AD 100mg for Ostio Arthritis by the hospital for pain management .
I was also on 300mg of Tramadol and walked with elbow crutches for many years.

I had knee surgery on both knees including having my knee caps re inlined due to a birth defect.

I eventually got off tramadol and after 14 years on a AD for pain reduced it with my doctor's consent.
This lead me to experience depression for the first time as my brain was use to the AD for pain and obviously worked on my emotions.

My doctor then said he would put me on venlafaxine as it was a better AD but as I was innocent to AD meds took his word as ok.
I then had problems sleeping with my tinnitus as venlafaxine does not help sleep so my doctor added Nortryptaline for sleep so now on two AD meds and drugged up...

I am now off the AD meds 150mg venlafaxine and down from 50mg to 25mg Nortryptaline for sleep.

Finally I'm shut of the AD meds that were given by a Rheumatologist for pain and created years off been stuck on them. Only if I was given pain relief and not AD meds I would have had 16 years AD free.

AD meds help low mood so just make sure they cover anxiety and sleep loss.

I should have never been put on AD meds for 14 years for pain and discharged from Rhumatology and left on them with no check ups.
Be wise and read up about medication.

love glynis

Glynis, I have said this before, but I mean it even more after reading you short statement and I just want to say from the core of my heart and sole that, I see the good work you do here, you are a very strong and supportive woman. People like you are greater than astronauts, athletic stars, or any celebrity by far. What is a lifetime of entertainment vs a mere moment of kind heartedness towards a downtrodden soul? You are up there with strong warriors, and martyrs. I thought I was strong, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and I've been through a lot too and mild tinnitus has cut me down to the core, I am weak. The way you maintain utmost professionalism and positivity really impresses me highly. I hope with all of my heart that you, and all of us, can find rest and relief from our troubles while maintaining our lives. That's my prayer that we find relief. Not just us but all people struggling with chronic disease. I can say this with total confidence, the world NEEDS people like you.

 

[glynis]

@JohnAdams ,
Thank you so much for your lovely kind words.
love glynis x

 

[Bazan]

around the 10 month mark from very mild to loud and intrusive, felling a little calmer but still have a long way to go, such a daily struggle, not to mention the impact it had on me and family and my relationship, watching me having panic attacks , depression, and anxiety through the roof..

 

[85dB T]

What side effects has anyone experienced with chronic severe T?

How can we know there is a cause and effect or if these "side effects" are non related?

Specifically chronic nausea being caused by severe T or being coincidental?

Wondering if chronic severe T overstresses the CNS affecting the vagus nerve and digestion.

(dementia, lack of concentration, uneasiness, motivation, anhedonia, depression, mental illness, etc...)

 

[Tinniger]

I believe the majority of members at tinnitustalk have intrusive tinnitus, me included otherwise I don't think we would be here. Although my tinnitus is intrusive its intensity is variable from: silent, mild, moderate and severe.

What do you think is the cause of intensity variability?
(I have a similar range, too...)

 

[Michael Leigh]

What do you think is the cause of intensity variability?
(I have a similar range, too...)

I haven't met anyone who's tinnitus is as variable as mine neither have my Hearing Therapist or ENT Consultant, although I believe there must be. For instance: it can be completely silent, meaning there is no noise at all - as I type it is completely silent. This can last for a few hours or a couple of days. It is completely random and follows no pattern.

It can also be mild or moderate and behave in a similar way as when it is silent. It can be severe or extremely severe lasting for 3 or more days requiring me to take clonazepam if it doesn't calm down on its own. When it reaches severe levels it is virtually impossible to habituate to. It is an endurance and I cope with it by means of distracting myself in any way that I can. This is the reason I said there are limitations to habituation, in my post: The habituation process: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

It changed in 2008 after a 2nd noise trauma, before that it remained at a low level and was rarely a problem even when moderate.

Stress can make tinnitus fluctuate a lot. Whilst it's impossible to eliminate stress completely, we can try to keep it as low as possible. One way to do this is with deep relaxation exercises. There are many videos on YouTube that come with narration on how to do this. 30minutes, 3 to 5 times a week is all that's needed, to help relieve stress and bring peace and calm into one's life.

St John's Wort is often used to help lower stress and in most cases will not affect tinnitus. It is herbal and available from Amazon or high-street health food stores.

Michael

 

[Tinniger]

Dear Michael!
Don't be angry with me, but I really haven't understood where you are locating the causes for different and fluctuating tinnitus intensities.
If tinnitus has its origin in a damage in the hearing organ / nerve / cochlea etc....., - this damage is always the same. Then why should there be fluctuations? The damage does not fluctuate....

 

[Michael Leigh]

Dear Michael!
Don't be angry with me, but I really haven't understood where you are locating the causes for different and fluctuating tinnitus intensities.
If tinnitus has its origin in a damage in the hearing organ / nerve / cochlea etc....., - this damage is always the same. Then why should there be fluctuations? The damage does not fluctuate....

HI @Tinniger

I am quite patient and here to help if I can. I only get disgruntled when I have to keep repeating myself or when someone is disrespectful towards me. Thank you for clarifying your question and I apologise for my misunderstanding. I honestly have no idea what causes the fluctuations in tinnitus. I did ask my Hearing Therapist this question and she didn't know either. Apparently there is no definitive answer as to the cause. She is a very good Hearing Therapist and was born with tinnitus.

Michael

 

[Tinniger]

Dear Michael,
I have understood that even you don't know how different tinnitus intensities develop - and of course I think you are an expert.

Of course I am interested in changing intensities because without these horror days (1-2x/week) I would somehow be able to cope with my professional requirements.
Maybe other forum members can express their opinions here....

 

[Michael Leigh]

Dear Michael,
I have understood that even you don't know how different tinnitus intensities develop - and of course I think you are an expert.

Of course I am interested in changing intensities because without these horror days (1-2x/week) I would somehow be able to cope with my professional requirements.
Maybe other forum members can express their opinions here....

Dear @Tinniger

Thank you for your very kind comments. Whilst I would like the honour of being called an expert in tinnitus I am no such thing, because it is a very complex condition and many things can cause it. Since acquiring tinnitus 22 years ago by "noise trauma" I have tried to find out as much as possible about it, by corresponding with people with noise induced tinnitus and hyperacusis because it's what I am familiar with. I have some understanding about it but it's no more than other members that visit this forum.

You have said your tinnitus changes intensity 1 to 2x a week? Do you use headphones at all or use a computer a lot for your work? As you are a regular visitor to this forum you will know my views on headphones. I advise anyone with noise induced tinnitus not to use them even at low volume. Computer use can make tinnitus worse for some people. I am affected by "near-field" computer use. I have my computer base unit in another room, and use an external monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard. If you do use a computer a lot try limiting the use and see if there is any reduction in your tinnitus.

Michael

 

[Tinniger]

Thank you for your answer!
I don't use headphones - at best on horror days to mask the tinnitus, which is strangely possible with a certain youtube-file even at very low volume. I don't share your headphone worries when it comes to very low volume.
Yes, I work a lot on and with computers. They are in the same room as the monitors, but are very quiet. I couldn't stand louder fans, because they immediately stimulate the hissing in my left ear.

But my question was more in the direction of what you can do to have more mild days and to avoid severe days...

 

[Sean]

Bluejay,
Thanks for your advice and you could well be right. I have improved sine 2008 and my T is now managable. I don't want to tempt fate and try anything. I know what my tinnitus can be like when it's very, very severe and I don't ever want to visit that place again.
All the best
Michael

Hi Michael, hope you are well. What type of noise exposure did you have in 2008?

 

[Michael Leigh]

at best on horror days to mask the tinnitus, which is strangely possible with a certain youtube-file even at very low volume. I don't share your headphone worries when it comes to very low volume.

This could be contributing to the fluctuations in your tinnitus and the reason it persists. You may think your auditory system is not being affected by headphones at low volume but this may not be the case. Also, It doesn't matter if the computers that you are surrounded by are quiet, they send out EMF: electromagnetic field.

I am not going to get into the debate EMF and electro magnetic fields generated by all electrical components. All I know when my tinnitus changed in 2008 It was seriously aggravated anytime I used a computer. I become very concerned about this and contacted two electronic engineers that suffer from tinnitus. They advised me that "near-field computer can make tinnitus worse for some people. I moved the computer base unit into a another room and used a wireless keyboard, mouse and external monitor. My tinnitus improved quite noticeably.

Some people with tinnitus are hypersensitive to computer noise and the EMF that they generate. A lot of people think as your Audiologist, that computers don't make tinnitus worse. However, I disagree. You are not imagining it I assure you. Please read the post below.

Computers and Tinnitus

This topic has caused much discussion on tinnitus forums whenever it is mentioned. Some people refuse to believe that using a computer can make tinnitus worse, while others are more open minded about the issue. Then there are those that agree with me that using a computer can make tinnitus worse for some people, due to the EMF/R (electro magnetic filed/ radiation) that all computers emit.

I believe it would help if I explain the way near field computer use affects me, and the steps I've taken to reduce my exposure to computer EMF. IF anyone decides to try my suggestions their life might become a little easier.

In 2008 my tinnitus became increasingly worse for reasons I'm not quite sure, as I'm usually careful about being around loud sounds. One evening I was listening to a favourite symphony on my HI-FI and enjoying quite a lot turned the volume up but didn't notice any adverse effects. It wasn't until the next day that I noticed my tinnitus begin to increase. This continued over the next two weeks and times it was excruciating. I needed help, as there were no signs of it reducing to its previous levels.

After various tests at ENT I was referred to a Hearing Therapist and began TRT for the second time in eleven years. I didn't know at the time that my tinnitus would change so dramatically and affect my life for nearly five years. For two years I was unable to read a book and using a computer was a definite no. Every time I tried within a few minutes my tinnitus increased to unbearable levels that would last for days.

At the time I knew nothing about the effects of EMF from computers but was convinced it was causing my tinnitus to increase every time I used it. I spoke with two electronic engineers that also have tinnitus and told them about my problem. They mentioned some people with tinnitus are sensitive to EMF that a computer emits. I was advised to move my PC into another room and use a: wireless keyboard, mouse and external monitor. I was prepared to try anything so bought the relevant cables, wireless keyboard and used a TV as a monitor.

The advice that I'd been given worked for I was able to use my computer without my tinnitus becoming louder. Six years on, the computer base unit is still in another room and I use a wireless keyboard, mouse and external monitor. I also have a laptop. On many occasions, I have tried using it in the conventional way to make sure my symptoms were not psychosomatic. Each time my tinnitus becomes worse within an hour or two. I have persisted and the tinnitus reaches such unbearably levels I have to switch it off. I have passed on my experience to others that were having difficulty with their tinnitus and also use a computer. Some people have noticed an improvement after trying my suggestion, or reducing the time they're at the computer.

When I saw my hearing therapist in clinic, I told her what I'd done with my PC, and explained the effects of computers and EMF. That it can make tinnitus worse for some people. I was informed no other patients had mentioned it. I didn't pursue the matter any further and let it rest. Around four weeks later I returned to clinic as part of my TRT treatment. It was then explained to me that a few of her patients had talked about noticing an increase in their tinnitus whenever using the computer.

Michael

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It is quite understandable that some people will have doubts as to whether tinnitus can be made worse by computer use. I hasten to add, not everyone with tinnitus will be affected by near-field computer use but I know I am. It is for this reason, I have placed my laptop in another room and use a wireless keyboard, mouse and monitor in another. I also have a desktop tower in another part of my home and this is placed in a cupboard, and use wireless mouse etc with that.

Below is a message from a gentleman from another forum, which was written 4 years ago. He was having a lot of trouble with his tinnitus. I suggested that he move his computer into another room and use a wireless keyboard, mouse and monitor. He thought this a little drastic; so I suggested he reduce his computer use and see what happens. Approximately 3 weeks later he posted this message. He was in his 70s at the time. I have left his message intact so please excuse the typos.

Around the same time, I found a website that listed scientific reports about the effects a computer can have on tinnitus. The website is no longer active but I have a copy of the report, please find it below.

Big Improvement, by Paul Murphy.
Thanks to a member on here! ..... but I can't remember who he is
Someone on here said tinittus could be made worse by computer use ..... so I've reduced my time on computers and my tinnitus has almost gone.
..... so whoever you are ...... A big thankyou from me

http://www.eurotinnitus.com/tinnitus.php?lang=en&id=9983.inc <<<<<<< This page is no longer available.
Scientific reports

Tinnitus may be influenced by sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
Most tinnitus comes from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.

If you are older, advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment and tinnitus. If you are younger, exposure to loud noise is probably the leading cause of tinnitus, and often damages hearing as well. There are many causes for "subjective tinnitus," the noise only you can hear. Some causes are not serious (a small plug of wax in the ear canal might cause temporary tinnitus). Tinnitus can also be a symptom of stiffening of the middle ear bones (otosclerosis).

Tinnitus may also be caused by allergy, high or low blood pressure (blood circulation problems), a tumor, diabetes, thyroid problems, injury to the head or neck, and a variety of other causes including medications such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. If you take aspirin and your ears ring, talk to your doctor about dosage in relation to your size. One measure worth considering is avoidance of electromagnetic radiation (EMR)

All electrical devices generate EMR, including computer terminals, cellular phones and microwave ovens, which can be a primary cause of hearing problems including Tinnitus. A leading Swedish scientist, Professor Mild who is on the European Commission panel of experts investigating mobile phones, confirms frequent reports of similar conditions, as does Dr Bruce Hocking, former Chief Medical Officer for Telstra, the Australian

Telecommunications Company. In May 1997, Dr Hocking reported that people complained of developing a burning dull feeling on the side of the head where they have been using their mobile phone. It tends to come on several minutes after they made their call and may last for hours. Associated with this they may get feelings of nausea, disturbances in their vision and at times other neurological symptoms." People who spent long periods in front of computer screens often also report these symptoms.

Today we are exposed to 100 million times more electromagnetic radiation than people 70 years ago. EMR fields have a disruptive effect on the natural energy levels of your body and cause changes in the function of cells, tissues and organs. The reason for this is that all our cells are sensitive to EMR. Some EMR microwaves operate at a frequency that could interfere with the human body\'s own electrical chemical functions and disrupt them in the same way a TV or radio signal can be interfered with.

The result is that the body malfunctions and becomes out of balance. Without balance, we have health problems. All cell functions, including immune defense, are blocked; but above all - and this is the most important thing - the repair capacity of the cell, the ability to restore order to genetic damage is blocked. In other words, our own electromagnetic frequencies essential to our health, the repair, reproduction and replication of DNA can be altered by oscillations from outside sources of energy such as electromagnetic and electrical radiation.

Exposure to low level electromagnetic fields has been associated with a reduction in the production of the hormone melatonin. A powerful antioxidant and part of the human immune system, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland (located in the brain) at night, explaining why it is so important to avoid exposure to EMF\'s while sleeping. At night the body cleans repairs and detoxifies itself. If it is exposed to electromagnetic stress at this time, in fact any stress, then our bodies produce water clustering which inhibits the cell\'s natural detoxifying and repairing actions and intra and extra cellular activity (e.g. electrolyte exchange).

In 1994 cellphone interference with hearing aids was finally accepted as a fact in Australia, then in the UK and finally in the US in 1996. This is despite thousands of hearing aid wearers reporting over many years before then that GSM and US IS-54 cellphones were causing interference problems.

Use of a proven EMR protection device such as a RayMaster is recommended as it restores the body to a balanced state within hours. This will help your body restore itself to good health and more effectively deal with problems like tinnitus.

When I use my laptop in the conventional way something within it makes my tinnitus worse. Whether it's EMF (electro magnetic field) that it emits or the noise from the internal hard drive spinning at 720rpm I'm not exactly sure. I have 2 laptops and they both make my tinnitus worse. Not immediately, but after about 30minutes my tinnitus starts to increase and the next day it gets louder. If I still use it by the third day my tinnitus is unbearable!

I have a tablet computer but haven't noticed it made my tinnitus worse. It could be that it uses a solid state internal hard drive and therefore doesn't emit a noise which can irritate my ears. Each time that I use it It's usually just for one hour.

The above posts are just for information and left to the individual to make up their own mind. I won't be answering any questions regarding scientific evidence or proof, because I have none.

Michael

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi Michael, hope you are well. What type of noise exposure did you have in 2008?

I believe it was caused by listening to my HI-FI late one evening. Please click on the link below and read the post.
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/my-experience-with-tinnitus.12076/

 

[Greg Sacramento]

What do you think is the cause of intensity variability?

If can be anything that associates with T - messes with T - including other physicals.

For physical tinnitus it's of course physical conditions that include posture, muscle intensity, physical nerves, jaw movements, infection, toxins and dehydration.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@Ed209 I had a good laugh with this. I received another response from the office of an elected official.

"The United States is spending large amounts of money on medical research to develop new drugs, devices and other treatments."

"But we are not spending as much as we could to disseminate the most effective treatment practices throughout the health system."

He went on to say that includes tinnitus and that successful treatments are not being accepted by the medical community. I said to myself that I have heard this before. I researched the amount of money spent on medical research and found almost the exact words that were borrowed from an old article. I don't disagree that the medical community could do a better job with treating/treatments, but it's about time, money, greed and insurance.

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/9407342/n...ion-year-spent-medical-research/#.W6XuBvZFw2w

 

[KaiT81]

A sound machine placed by the bedside and set to play throughout the night until morning, is an ideal way of supplying the brain with sound enrichment.

I already do sound therapy, even at night, by playing cricket sounds from my iPhone (completely masking!), which is lying next to me. This helps me fall asleep or go back to sleep when I wake up. But sometimes the iPhone is too far away or covered by a pillow, so I'm sure I often don't "hear" it for hours while I'm sleeping. At first, I thought it would be good that this was happening, and I could slowly wean myself off the sound enrichment.

Your tip seems plausible to me. Thank you for that. I've recently started playing sounds throughout the night on my HomePod, which sits on my bedside table. I'm also thinking about setting up an indoor fountain in the bedroom instead so that there is always a (natural) soundscape throughout the night. I hope this will also help me with my tinnitus during the day and reduce the noise.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I already do sound therapy, even at night, by playing cricket sounds from my iPhone (completely masking!),

You are not using sound therapy correctly. The purpose of sound therapy at night is to provide low-level sound enrichment to the brain and auditory system, as they remain active even during sleep. The goal is not to mask the tinnitus or completely cover it up so it can't be heard. Instead, the correct approach is to administer sound enrichment in a way that it can be easily ignored and doesn't draw attention to itself.

I suggest using a dedicated sound machine by your bedside or connecting it to a pillow speaker. I recommend Sound Oasis sound machines, which are high-quality and specifically designed for people with tinnitus. These sound machines are significantly better than using a phone. However, if the phone is connected via Bluetooth to an external speaker or placed in a docking station with speakers, that should suffice as well.

Please click on the link below and read my thread: Sound Machines and Tinnitus.

Michael

Sound Machines and Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

[kingsfan]

You are not using sound therapy correctly. The purpose of sound therapy at night is to provide low-level sound enrichment to the brain and auditory system, as they remain active even during sleep. The goal is not to mask the tinnitus or completely cover it up so it can't be heard. Instead, the correct approach is to administer sound enrichment in a way that it can be easily ignored and doesn't draw attention to itself.

I suggest using a dedicated sound machine by your bedside or connecting it to a pillow speaker. I recommend Sound Oasis sound machines, which are high-quality and specifically designed for people with tinnitus. These sound machines are significantly better than using a phone. However, if the phone is connected via Bluetooth to an external speaker or placed in a docking station with speakers, that should suffice as well.

Please click on the link below and read my thread: Sound Machines and Tinnitus.

Michael

Sound Machines and Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

Hi @Michael Leigh, what are your thoughts on using a little tabletop fountain like the one pictured below instead of a speaker?

 

[KaiT81]

You are not using sound therapy correctly. The purpose of sound therapy at night is to provide low-level sound enrichment to the brain and auditory system, as they remain active even during sleep. The goal is not to mask the tinnitus or completely cover it up so it can't be heard. Instead, the correct approach is to administer sound enrichment in a way that it can be easily ignored and doesn't draw attention to itself.

I suggest using a dedicated sound machine by your bedside or connecting it to a pillow speaker. I recommend Sound Oasis sound machines, which are high-quality and specifically designed for people with tinnitus. These sound machines are significantly better than using a phone. However, if the phone is connected via Bluetooth to an external speaker or placed in a docking station with speakers, that should suffice as well.

Please click on the link below and read my thread: Sound Machines and Tinnitus.

Michael

Sound Machines and Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

I know that I am not practicing sound therapy completely correctly. I still find my tinnitus unbearable on most days, which leads me to want to mask it completely. However, I realize this approach isn't helpful. I need to find a way to only partially mask the tinnitus or use quiet background noise that can easily fade out.

I plan to read through your thread, "Sound Machines and Tinnitus," with interest. I might consider purchasing a sound machine from Sound Oasis, though these can be difficult to find in Germany.