Miss Reading a Book So Much

[Shera]

I'm still not at that point yet where I can totally get lost in a book again, but I'll get there.
On separate note, when you said you started off with mild T (which I think I've got it mild) did you hear multiple tones that seem to change and a separate sound like morse code? When your T got worse was it anything particular that you think made it spike as that's what concerns me as I've read a lot where people's T started off mild then in a few years it spiked to become really intrusive.

Left ear had a constant ring and warble. Then my right had two ringing tones. Honestly I usually could never hear my right ear T, mainly Left and that was so mild any amount of sound could drown it out. Yeah. Apparently in my sleep I popped my jaw out of place and that fudged up my Eustachian tubes. Then that messed with all my injuries all over again.

A lot of people never get spikes. It stays the same. Or goes away. I still have faith that mine will quiet down and I'll lose some T noises. Or if it stays intrusive I'll be like many others and my brain will filter it out.

 

[Shera]

Oh, @Jcb I really liked American Gods. Enjoy!

@Michael Leigh I've been meaning to ask you what books got you into reading again? I remember you saying there's thirteen now and that you had gone to a few of his signings.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Oh, @Jcb I really liked American Gods. Enjoy!

@Michael Leigh I've been meaning to ask you what books got you into reading again? I remember you saying there's thirteen now and that you had gone to a few of his signings.

The Author Peter James. I was unable to read for 2 years because my tinnitus was so severe. I tried many books but gave up within a short space of time. I took a chance and ordered Peter James: Dead Simple, and haven't looked back. I am now waiting for book 13 in the series which will be out in May. The series is about a Brighton Based detective called: Roy Grace. who solves crimes in and around Brighton and Sussex towns in the UK. I have written to PJ many times and met him at book signings ....

Michael

 

[Shera]

@Michael Leigh He has popped up more than once on TT as the reason someone started reading again. I need to add him my TBR.

I'm so curious: Did he ever respond.

I review books and I always get a tickle when I hear back from an author. Especially when I love them. Heck, I don't even mind when it's in response to a negative one.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I'm so curious: Did he ever respond.

Peter James is a very nice person and always replies to his readers. I have been writing to him periodically since 2010 when I first read his book: Dead Simple. I explained to him about my tinnitus and that I was unable to read for 2 years. I wrote to him about 2 weeks ago and he replied to me within couple days ago. He is a very busy person and travels a lot to do his research and gives talks on writing books.

Michael

 

[Shera]

Peter James is a very nice person and always replies to his readers. I have been writing to him periodically since 2010 when I first read his book: Dead Simple. I explained to him about my tinnitus and that I was unable to read for 2 years. I wrote to him about 2 weeks ago and he replied to me within couple days ago. He is a very busy person and travels a lot to do his research and gives talks on writing books.

Michael

That's awesome! That's very nice of him to make time to do that, and great that you write to him often.

 

[Zug]

I read a lot since I can remember. When Tinnitus hit me I got really frustrated. For me, what worked was trying to let go my expectations and move one step at a time.

Can't read a book? Try a Magazine article. Can read a book over the weekend? Read one page. Can't seem to focus? Try to change subjects for a while. In time, you'll get better and better at reading.

 

[Michael Leigh]

That's awesome! That's very nice of him to make time to do that, and great that you write to him often.

@Shera
Peter James has a TV channel on YouTube. There he interviews many authors and askes them various questions about the craft of writing which I find interesting. He has many subscribers and also has a Facebook page that I visit. I only write to him to discuss the books he writes or the Authors that he interviews and try not to make it too often. My recent email was to thank him for interviewing Mr Joseph Finder, whose an American author. As I've previous said I'm quite a fussy reader. I downloaded a sample of Mr Finder's book Vanished, on Kindle and like it a lot so bought the book. I am now reading Suspicion. I wouldn't have known Joseph Finder, existed if it weren't for the PJ interview.

Michael

 

[Michael Leigh]

I read a lot since I can remember. When Tinnitus hit me I got really frustrated. For me, what worked was trying to let go my expectations and move one step at a time.

Can't read a book? Try a Magazine article. Can read a book over the weekend? Read one page. Can't seem to focus? Try to change subjects for a while. In time, you'll get better and better at reading.

I fully agree with your post and very well explained. It takes time to accept and habituate to tinnitus. It took me 4 years to habituate the second time. For 2 years I was unable to read a book and thought I'd never be able to read a book again. That has all changed. I still have difficulty when my tinnitus is severe so I can't concentrate as well, and give the reading a rest for a day or two then I recover.

Michael

 

[Jcb]

@Jcb
You haven't habituated yet and when you do then you'll understand what I mean. You are new to tinnitus and everything that you're going through, I and other people in this forum know what it's like. After a while the tinnitus will recede into the background and you won't even think of it. The fact that your tinnitus is low at the moment is a very good chance of this happening. Please don't use headphones even at low volume, and keep away from overly loud music and you'll be just fine.

Michael

Thanks Michael, I haven't used headphones since I got this. I'm still unsure of the actuall cause of my T. I'm staying away from loud noises for now, I've been to a restaurant once and the cinema using some noise reducing plugs which has gave me a boost but I won't be overdoing it for now.

@Jcb
I am Peter James fan. It was his first book in the Roy Grace series: Dead Simple, that got me back into reading after 2 years. Although it took me around 4 weeks to read the book, because my tinnitus fluctuated so much day to day I managed it. I have read every book in the series and now waiting for book 13 which will be out in May. PJ is a great crime writer and I'm sure you'll like this books. If you have a Kindle you can download a sample of "Dead Simple" from Amazon.

I have written to Peter James many times and met him often at book signings.

That's cool, great you got to meet him at book signings. I've got a few of his books and many other authors that I'm yet to read but I'll get to them eventually haha, yes I've got a kindle but still prefer an actuall book.

 

[Jcb]

Left ear had a constant ring and warble. Then my right had two ringing tones. Honestly I usually could never hear my right ear T, mainly Left and that was so mild any amount of sound could drown it out. Yeah. Apparently in my sleep I popped my jaw out of place and that fudged up my Eustachian tubes. Then that messed with all my injuries all over again.

A lot of people never get spikes. It stays the same. Or goes away. I still have faith that mine will quiet down and I'll lose some T noises. Or if it stays intrusive I'll be like many others and my brain will filter it out.

I'm nearly 3 months in, mine started in my left ear and then my right and I've got multiple tones in my left and a weirded morse code. Sorry to hear that, are you having treatment for your jaw? My dentist thinks I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep and I've been doing some excersises to see if that helps before I go down the mouth guard route. I hope it quites down for you as well.

@Michael Leigh He has popped up more than once on TT as the reason someone started reading again. I need to add him my TBR.

I'm so curious: Did he ever respond.

I review books and I always get a tickle when I hear back from an author. Especially when I love them. Heck, I don't even mind when it's in response to a negative one.

That's so good you get to review books and I'm happy your getting back to reading more and more. Have you ever read any of Terry Goodkinds? I finished the series just before I got T, I loved the first 3/4 books but after that it was a struggle to finish the rest

 

[Jcb]

I read a lot since I can remember. When Tinnitus hit me I got really frustrated. For me, what worked was trying to let go my expectations and move one step at a time.

Can't read a book? Try a Magazine article. Can read a book over the weekend? Read one page. Can't seem to focus? Try to change subjects for a while. In time, you'll get better and better at reading.

Thanks, that what I've been trying and managed a few more pages of American Gods. It's so strange I can read an article and take it in but when it comes to an actuall book I can't seem not to focus on my T even if I've some background noise on. I understand it'll take time and I'm ok with this as it's something I'll have to do.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I've got a kindle but still prefer an actuall book.

I now prefer reading my Kindle although I do buy the hardback of Authors that I really like. I have three Kindles and wish Amazon would stop updating them...lol

 

[SugarMagnolia]

It's started off good but couldn't tell you if it's worth a read till I finish it I've got a few his books that's I'm yet to read... was it any good?

The Ocean at the End of the Lane was good. It's the only Neil Gaiman book I've read so far. The story reminded me a bit of some of Ray Bradbury's stories with young protagonists, but without Bradbury's poetic prose.

 

[Michael Leigh]

The Ocean at the End of the Lane was good. It's the only Neil Gaiman book I've read so far. The story reminded me a bit of some of Ray Bradbury's stories with young protagonists, but without Bradbury's poetic prose.

Nice to hear that you're able to read @SugarMagnolia as tinnitus can make it difficult at times....

 

[SugarMagnolia]

It's so strange I can read an article and take it in but when it comes to an actuall book I can't seem not to focus on my T even if I've some background noise on. I understand it'll take time and I'm ok with this as it's something I'll have to do.

It's a different kind of reading.

When I am unable to read for pleasure (either because of T or because of my other worries), I can still read stuff online. Reading online is often skimming. We click from page to page looking for something to grab our interest and then read until our concentration wavers and then we click again. If it's something interactive, like a forum, there's that sense of connection with other people that keeps us engaged.

Reading a book requires more sustained concentration. We're not multitasking when we read a book. Nothing to click on the second we get distracted.

I am currently having difficulty with pleasure reading, not because of the T sound, but because of my worrying. Perhaps we can encourage each other, and build up our reading muscles.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

Nice to hear that you're able to read @SugarMagnolia as tinnitus can make it difficult at times....

I love books, so the need to read was a big motivation to habituate to the sound.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I love books, so the need to read was a big motivation to habituate to the sound.

I agree. I am reading a new Author at the moment Joseph Finder, and really like his writing style. It's fast, engaging and flows effortlessly just what I like. I can't stand a book that doesn't captivate me or gives me hard work. I'm a terribly fussy reader and wasn't like this prior to my tinnitus getting worse in 2008, that left me unable to read for 2 years.

Things will get better just give it time and keep trying.
Michael

 

[SugarMagnolia]

I agree. I am reading a new Author at the moment Joseph Finder, and really like his writing style. It's fast, engaging and flows effortlessly just what I like. I can't stand a book that doesn't captivate me or gives me hard work. I'm a terribly fussy reader and wasn't like this prior to my tinnitus getting worse in 2008, that left me unable to read for 2 years.

Things will get better just give it time and keep trying
Michael

Hi Michael. I have to read for work whether I want to or not, but when it comes to pleasure reading, I have also become quite fussy. In my younger days I read anything and everything because I expected to live forever. Now, even though I'm only middle-aged, I want every book I read to be worthy my time.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Now, even though I'm only middle-aged, I want every book I read to be worthy my time.

I used to read anything in my younger days too although older now things changed suddenly in 2010. I have become quite ruthless regarding books that I buy. Thankfully I can download samples to my Kindle, so I try before I buy. If I'm not captivated by the writing style within the first page or two it's not going to be a keeper. It's not good I know but that's how I am now....

 

[Shera]

I'm nearly 3 months in, mine started in my left ear and then my right and I've got multiple tones in my left and a weirded morse code. Sorry to hear that, are you having treatment for your jaw? My dentist thinks I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep and I've been doing some excersises to see if that helps before I go down the mouth guard route. I hope it quites down for you as well.



That's so good you get to review books and I'm happy your getting back to reading more and more. Have you ever read any of Terry Goodkinds? I finished the series just before I got T, I loved the first 3/4 books but after that it was a struggle to finish the rest

Ah, morse code. Mine stopped back in November with that, and I'm glad. Slowly I've lost a lot of the "new" tones. My chaos symphony is slowly turning into a quartet again. I think the exercise pissed my jaw off and led to it popping out the third time. I gave it break from exercises in October and only get TMJ, and only sleep on my back. I don't grind, my issues was an accident that popped my jaw out of place. Pressing my face into my pillow was a freak thing and I wish I hadn't listened to the doctor about resuming side sleep. (And many of his other damaging advice. Oh, well.) I started up gentle movement exercises at the end of January. Right now this is the best my jaw has been in so long. I'm hoping that means my Eustachian Tubes will finally get the chance to equalize as they're stuck open.

Yep! I'm a small time reviewer, but I did get into the dedication section of an author for reviewing her first book! One of my happiest moments.

Goodkind. I started him up as a teen because I needed some epic fantasy series to feel the time in between waiting for Robert Jordan's books. I gave up halfway into the first book. I don't know why the man bores me. Then I heard the series loses steam.

 

[Shera]

I now prefer reading my Kindle although I do buy the hardback of Authors that I really like. I have three Kindles and wish Amazon would stop updating them...lol

I'm still love print books. I've got all of my many shelves double stacked. But I also love Ereaders! I've got three kindles and three Sonys. I love the Sony's more, but the Paperwhite light is too brilliant to pass up!

It's a different kind of reading.

When I am unable to read for pleasure (either because of T or because of my other worries), I can still read stuff online. Reading online is often skimming. We click from page to page looking for something to grab our interest and then read until our concentration wavers and then we click again. If it's something interactive, like a forum, there's that sense of connection with other people that keeps us engaged.

Reading a book requires more sustained concentration. We're not multitasking when we read a book. Nothing to click on the second we get distracted.

I am currently having difficulty with pleasure reading, not because of the T sound, but because of my worrying. Perhaps we can encourage each other, and build up our reading muscles.

Exactly! It was really bothering me how I could read articles and stuff online, but not books. I miss sitting for days, and nights, just consumed by books.

Sometimes it's frustrating how hard it is to read books.

I believe in Do Not Finish powers. Before T I realized how many horrid books are out there, now with T I can't even force myself to read bad books for reviews.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I'm still love print books. I've got all of my many shelves double stacked. But I also love Ereaders! I've got three kindles and three Sonys. I love the Sony's more, but the Paperwhite light is too brilliant to pass up!

I never thought I'd ever take to an E-reader but now I'm hooked and won't be going back to reading a traditional book. As I said, my favourite authors I buy their hardback's too. One has to have a lot of space for books. I am also an Audiophile with over 1500 CDs and 600 vinyl LPs, to those members that remember what they were! My latest Kindle is the Oasis. Not the new 7inch version but the previous 6inch with detachable battery pack. I have the Kindle Voyage and the one before that which I no longer use, as the display has a yellowish hue and isn't as good as the Voyage or the Oasis, that both have high resolution displays which are brilliant white. I have never tried the Sony E-readers but assume they will be good as Sony is a good brand.

Michael

 

[Jcb]

I now prefer reading my Kindle although I do buy the hardback of Authors that I really like. I have three Kindles and wish Amazon would stop updating them...lol

Haha I'm the same when new tech comes out, I can't help myself in buying the newer version.

 

[Jcb]

The Ocean at the End of the Lane was good. It's the only Neil Gaiman book I've read so far. The story reminded me a bit of some of Ray Bradbury's stories with young protagonists, but without Bradbury's poetic prose.

I'll look forward to trying them when I can read uninterrupted, it sounds like a good read.

 

[Jcb]

It's a different kind of reading.

When I am unable to read for pleasure (either because of T or because of my other worries), I can still read stuff online. Reading online is often skimming. We click from page to page looking for something to grab our interest and then read until our concentration wavers and then we click again. If it's something interactive, like a forum, there's that sense of connection with other people that keeps us engaged.

Reading a book requires more sustained concentration. We're not multitasking when we read a book. Nothing to click on the second we get distracted.

I am currently having difficulty with pleasure reading, not because of the T sound, but because of my worrying. Perhaps we can encourage each other, and build up our reading muscles.

Exactly, that makes so much sense especially as if your like me you get totally lost in the book and forget about everything.
Yes of course sounds like a plan, everything ok in regards to your worrying? You can Pm me if you don't want to mention it on here.

 

[Jcb]

Ah, morse code. Mine stopped back in November with that, and I'm glad. Slowly I've lost a lot of the "new" tones. My chaos symphony is slowly turning into a quartet again. I think the exercise pissed my jaw off and led to it popping out the third time. I gave it break from exercises in October and only get TMJ, and only sleep on my back. I don't grind, my issues was an accident that popped my jaw out of place. Pressing my face into my pillow was a freak thing and I wish I hadn't listened to the doctor about resuming side sleep. (And many of his other damaging advice. Oh, well.) I started up gentle movement exercises at the end of January. Right now this is the best my jaw has been in so long. I'm hoping that means my Eustachian Tubes will finally get the chance to equalize as they're stuck open.

Yep! I'm a small time reviewer, but I did get into the dedication section of an author for reviewing her first book! One of my happiest moments.

Goodkind. I started him up as a teen because I needed some epic fantasy series to feel the time in between waiting for Robert Jordan's books. I gave up halfway into the first book. I don't know why the man bores me. Then I heard the series loses steam.

Yes the morse code sound is so annoying and I've got about two other tones in there as well. I like that saying "chaos symphony" it describes it so well. The exercises I've being doing don't seem to be doing much so might have to invest in a mouth guard.
I'm glad your "chaos symphony" has calmed down now, wow your jaw clicking outa place sounds painful, was it?
That's a step in the right direction if your jaw is feeling better and hopefully it'll help with tubes.
Congrats that must be so satisfying if an author put you in her book I really enjoyed the 1st three books in the sword of truth series but the ones after where a big effort to finish.... he just waffled on for the sake of it about nothing special that added zero to the story and only finished them because once I start a series I need to finish it (took years btw)

 

[Shera]

Well the exercises don't stop night time teeth grind/clenching. I've researched splints for it, but then found out how pricey and iffy they are. Since my TMJ is from an accident less is better apparently.

Yeah it was. When I first had the accident I broke my nose and put that back in place. When it was time for my jaw it went in and it was barely grumpy. My nose was so much worse. In fact, my jaw was happy and calm, T fading fast, until I woke up shoving it in my pillow. I could pop things back into place in the heat of the moment, but went to a chiropractor for the second time. It never really calmed down after that. The third time I was still in so much pain I just knew from the feel of movement it was out. It moved back in place on it's own and my massage lady worked it over. That's when I decided the exercises were keeping it pissed off.

I'm glad it's calming down as well. Though I think just having so many noises is what makes it more intense.

It was! I didn't write it, but I"m glad I inspired her to keep going. Yeah. Some people just can't utilize all that page count right. I learned many books ago when to throw in the towel. I used to have to finish a series no matter what, or book. DFN is a great power.

 

[Jcb]

Well the exercises don't stop night time teeth grind/clenching. I've researched splints for it, but then found out how pricey and iffy they are. Since my TMJ is from an accident less is better apparently.

Yeah it was. When I first had the accident I broke my nose and put that back in place. When it was time for my jaw it went in and it was barely grumpy. My nose was so much worse. In fact, my jaw was happy and calm, T fading fast, until I woke up shoving it in my pillow. I could pop things back into place in the heat of the moment, but went to a chiropractor for the second time. It never really calmed down after that. The third time I was still in so much pain I just knew from the feel of movement it was out. It moved back in place on it's own and my massage lady worked it over. That's when I decided the exercises were keeping it pissed off.

I'm glad it's calming down as well. Though I think just having so many noises is what makes it more intense.

It was! I didn't write it, but I"m glad I inspired her to keep going. Yeah. Some people just can't utilize all that page count right. I learned many books ago when to throw in the towel. I used to have to finish a series no matter what, or book. DFN is a great power.

You've been in the wars then, bad enough with the nose breaking but to have that concide with your jaw.... you have my symphony. Yeah it does sound like the exercises may have aggravated it, all the information I've read regarding TMJ exericsss can be conflicting, some say it works and others like in your case it can make it worse. Also the mouth guard is stupidly expensive for what it is and I agree the reviews and Information on them are very hit and miss.

I'm with you with the multiple noises, It's can be so draining especially when your getting used to it and another one pops up just to say hello.

It's amazing how a simple review or letter can give somebody that inspiration to keep going, and to thank you as well must of made a impact.

I think I've finally learned my lesson In regards to finishing a series, that one was an effort and a half to finish

 

[Shera]

Ha-ha. A war sounds dramatic, but I lost. Yeah, nose, neck, and knee caps all got the crap knocked out of them. My jaw was nothing next to that and the only thing that actually chilled fast.

Yep. TMJ/TMD has a lot of contradicting stuff out there and no one can truly agree on treatment. Only time will tell basically.

Yep, with that and volume increase draining isn't even the right word.

Yeah! It was one of my very first review requests and I remember it fondly as after that I had a whole slew of really bad books requested. ARCs are a magical thing.

Yep. Don't make yourself suffer!