Music Teacher with Tinnitus

[MusicTeacher]

Hello forum,

I've been reading your posts for the past 6 weeks - very helpful to know this support group is here. Thank you. I've only had tinnitus for six weeks, but it feels like FOREVER. I'm a music teacher/conductor/musician etc. I noticed the ring after a performance six weeks ago today. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep that night for an hour or so, then woke to the loudest, shrieking, high pitch, (with static)... EVER. I spent the next week seeing doctors who seem to be completely useless when it comes to tinnitus. I felt pushed out of every doc visit, with very little information. Told my doctors I was having panic attacks and they suggested I "relax" and "start exercising". The first couple weeks were pure hell- SO LOUD all the time. Nothing would cover the sound with the exception of a shower. High D - 3 octaves above middle C (for the musicians out there). I had several complete breakdowns over those first weeks.

So- I went into desperation mode, cut out everything listed as a trigger for tinnitus from my diet. Started taking NAC and every suggested vitamin. I also invested in some very expensive earplugs - as I can't get away from music - it's how I support my family. I started measuring every dB rating in my life. Full on panic. Ironically, I've always used ear protection when playing anything loud, but most conductors don't use ear protection in moderate settings - it's just too hard to hear. Well - now I'm wearing them all the time which makes the tinnitus so much louder - but I'm concerned about making it worse. I should mention that I've had two hearing exams - no hearing loss, at least not any they could detect. The doctors actually said - "you have beautiful hearing - there is no issue here". You can imagine my head exploding at that point. Regardless, it's hard to habituate when you are constantly using ear protection which bring more attention to the ring.

But - a little hope. My psychiatrist mentioned that the ring could be caused by my meds. I'm off of them for 10 days and am recently hearing less volume, less pitch... and more hiss (the last 5 days) Maybe a connection? It seems like the sound in my life is the obvious culprit, but with no hearing loss, I'm open to anything. The mornings have been more peaceful, but it seems to build as the day moves on. One last note - I Just gave hearing aids a try. Had them for a week. I was shocked when I realized that they did indeed bring the ring down... a lot. I'll be doing some research before purchasing anything.

I guess the biggest thing I'm taking from this is... no one has any idea what this is like unless they live it... and I miss having moments of silence... and peace.

So, there's my story... Any suggestions are welcome.

Tom

 

[Jack Straw]

@Ed209 is a music teacher and he may be able to weigh in here.

What meds are you taking? Are they ADs or benzos?

 

[MusicTeacher]

Viibryd-antidepressant.

 

[Jack Straw]

Viibryd-antidepressant.

Anti-depressants are a known culprit of tinnitus. I would discuss this with your doctor about maybe switching to a new medication or tapering off it. They should be able to help you.

 

[MusicTeacher]

I'm completely off of them for ten days now. I was told I need to be free of the meds for at least a month to know if they are the culprit.

 

[Tweedleman]

Your audiogram results sound promising. Sounds like you stand a good chance of the T getting better or going away completely. You could request an extended audiogram to see if you've lost any of the upper frequencies. How old are you? My T began when I was 9 with otherwise normal hearing. Look into hidden hearing loss. There's alot that can go wrong in the inner ear that our current tests can't measure. It's possible you have some miniscule amount of hearing loss to blame.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Turned 42 this year. Can't believe you've been dealing with this since you were a kid. That's terrible. I will def look into a more in depth test. I suppose if I've lost hearing, there's nothing to do about it now. But worth checking.

 

[MRItechssuck]

May I ask why you were on antidepressants before getting tinnitus?

 

[MusicTeacher]

I was dealing with depression/anxiety. After years of talk therapy I decided to give them a try. They worked well. Ironic if they are the cause of the ringing.

 

[Ed209]

Hello forum,

I've been reading your posts for the past 6 weeks - very helpful to know this support group is here. Thank you. I've only had tinnitus for six weeks, but it feels like FOREVER. I'm a music teacher/conductor/musician etc. I noticed the ring after a performance six weeks ago today. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep that night for an hour or so, then woke to the loudest, shrieking, high pitch, (with static)... EVER. I spent the next week seeing doctors who seem to be completely useless when it comes to tinnitus. I felt pushed out of every doc visit, with very little information. Told my doctors I was having panic attacks and they suggested I "relax" and "start exercising". The first couple weeks were pure hell- SO LOUD all the time. Nothing would cover the sound with the exception of a shower. High D - 3 octaves above middle C (for the musicians out there). I had several complete breakdowns over those first weeks.

So- I went into desperation mode, cut out everything listed as a trigger for tinnitus from my diet. Started taking NAC and every suggested vitamin. I also invested in some very expensive earplugs - as I can't get away from music - it's how I support my family. I started measuring every dB rating in my life. Full on panic. Ironically, I've always used ear protection when playing anything loud, but most conductors don't use ear protection in moderate settings - it's just too hard to hear. Well - now I'm wearing them all the time which makes the tinnitus so much louder - but I'm concerned about making it worse. I should mention that I've had two hearing exams - no hearing loss, at least not any they could detect. The doctors actually said - "you have beautiful hearing - there is no issue here". You can imagine my head exploding at that point. Regardless, it's hard to habituate when you are constantly using ear protection which bring more attention to the ring.

But - a little hope. My psychiatrist mentioned that the ring could be caused by my meds. I'm off of them for 10 days and am recently hearing less volume, less pitch... and more hiss (the last 5 days) Maybe a connection? It seems like the sound in my life is the obvious culprit, but with no hearing loss, I'm open to anything. The mornings have been more peaceful, but it seems to build as the day moves on. One last note - I Just gave hearing aids a try. Had them for a week. I was shocked when I realized that they did indeed bring the ring down... a lot. I'll be doing some research before purchasing anything.

I guess the biggest thing I'm taking from this is... no one has any idea what this is like unless they live it... and I miss having moments of silence... and peace.

So, there's my story... Any suggestions are welcome.

Tom

Your story is very similar to my own and no doubt many others on this site. I still teach, and like you, had to continue teaching after mine became worse as it's my livelihood and I've got bills to pay.

If the antidepressant isn't to blame then all I can say is not to put too much pressure on yourself as stress can exacerbate it. Give it time.

There's still a chance yours could fade in the coming months, but if it doesn't, try not to worry and keep yourself busy as your emotional reaction to it is likely to improve.

 

[MRItechssuck]

Do you instruct your students to wear earplugs? You should.

I spent my life in concert band, jazz and rock bands, Clarinet and bass guitar. Music major initially... now I don't even want my kids doing organized music... the years of enjoyment are not worth what I am dealing with now.

 

[Tweedleman]

Do you instruct your students to wear earplugs? You should.

I spent my life in concert band, jazz and rock bands, Clarinet and bass guitar. Music major initially... now I don't even want my kids doing organized music... the years of enjoyment are not worth what I am dealing with now.

Couldn't agree more. I'm glad I never took music in high school now. I can remember hearing the racket from classrooms down the hall. I somehow preserved my hearing and never went to any concerts or bars until I turned 26 last year. Went to 3 shows and of course they were all heavy metal in small venues. Last one just mangled my hearing. Didn't realize how important earplugs are. Ruined my life. Going to have to find a new job in a less noisy sector as I now have hyperacusis, dysacusis, TTTS, and the mild tinnitus I lived with comfortably for years is now worse than ever. Can't even look at my vinyl and cd collection that I spent thousands on. Seriously, spread the damn word.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I'm off of them for 10 days and am recently hearing less volume, less pitch... and more hiss (the last 5 days)

A very encouraging sign. You ought to continue to improve.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Yup- I'm spreading the gospel. We always speak with kids about using ear protection with loud/amplified music. For some reason, People don't really discuss wearing ear protection when conducting (aside from marching band). Kind of wish that was a conversation that happened now. It never occurred to me that this would be the result. When did everyone get to a baseline of what to expect with their own volume/pitch/sound. Several months? Years? Or does it just continue to change with age and life factors?

 

[Tweedleman]

Yup- I'm spreading the gospel. We always speak with kids about using ear protection with loud/amplified music. For some reason, People don't really discuss wearing ear protection when conducting (aside from marching band). Kind of wish that was a conversation that happened now. It never occurred to me that this would be the result. When did everyone get to a baseline of what to expect with their own volume/pitch/sound. Several months? Years? Or does it just continue to change with age and life factors?

I think it depends on the cause of the T. For noise induced the trend seems to be that it settles down to baseline after the acute phase, I'm guessing 6 months would be agreeable. Alot also seems to depend on the severity of the trauma. I'm 2 months in since my trauma and my spike has held steady. I don't have much hope given the severity of the damage I seem to have done, but time will tell. How is yours doing now?

 

[MusicTeacher]

Sorry to hear it hasn't dropped for you. Sending you some positive energy! What I'm learning is, you can easily get a false sense of security with the T.. mine was def getting lower. It was recently a hiss- which didn't drive me crazy, then a mellow tone/hiss which wasn't awful. The last two days were pretty stressful, and I fell off my regiment of healthy food...the super annoying ring is creeping back. I'm hoping a good night sleep will bring things back down. I'll be trying some meditation tonight. This illness is terrifying. It's crazy how quickly it can shift my mood. hopefully I can get passed the mood swings for the sake of my family.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Hello forum. I've had tinnitus for seven weeks now. It was mainly in my right ear (but both-just very light in the left). The right ear was calming down. I was starting to get more hiss than pitch and it was becoming manageable. Now the left ear has gifted me with a really high annoying pitch as well. It's my entire head.

Is this normal? Happened to anyone else? Am I doomed? I've been protecting my ears. Sorry for the rant. I'm seriously panicking.

Tom

 

[ajc]

Hello forum. I've had tinnitus for seven weeks now. It was mainly in my right ear (but both-just very light in the left). The right ear was calming down. I was starting to get more hiss than pitch and it was becoming manageable. Now the left ear has gifted me with a really high annoying pitch as well. It's my entire head.

Is this normal? Happened to anyone else? Am I doomed? I've been protecting my ears. Sorry for the rant. I'm seriously panicking.

Tom

It's VERY NORMAL for tinnitus to spread into both ears (and sometimes head).

Don't worry.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Thanks for the response. It's just very discouraging. The left ear used to be a "quiet room situation". It feels like it has just filled my head. Hoping it calms.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Has anyone had their tinnitus spread from one ear into what feels like their entire head? This happened - after my right ear was calming down. Will this potentially lower as my right ear did?

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Has anyone had their tinnitus spread from one ear into what feels like their entire head?

Not to discourage you but to answer your question, unfortunately, yes. This happened to me. It started in my left ear and now is in both ears and my head.

Try to calm down as anxiety makes tinnitus so much worst.
Hopefully, yours will calm down.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Do you remember if it calmed down after it moved? For me- this feels very similar to the original onset.
Thanks

 

[MusicTeacher]

Hello all,

First, this forum is a life saver. If I may solicit some more advice... I've had a couple odd things happen to me over the past weekend. I took a trip to PA to take my kids skiing (First time-lots of crying lol). I was there for three days and noticed that my tinnitus was way down. Even in quiet rooms, it was there, but just a hiss- no annoying ring, static- you know- all the good stuff that helps me through the day ‍ Is it possible the tinnitus changes with elevation?

AND- last night I was reading on this forum, in a very weird position while laying in bed. When I went to lay down for sleep, I needed to kind of stretch out (my neck and shoulders were pretty tight). I noticed when I lifted my head from the pillow, my ring jumped (very loud). When I put my head back down, it settled to a baseline annoyance. Is this normal? Should I see a chiropractor? The ENTs I've seen aren't... helpful. Any advice is welcome.

Also- I,m noticing today that I'll get a little spike (pure tone) and then gone.

Best
Tom

 

[Jaka]

With some people body posture affects tinnitus sound characteristics.
In my case massaging the neck makes the sound softer and dipping head under water (just below the water level is enough) to make the sound go away completely (I have read online that similar thing happened to others as well).
One guy was doing HBOT chamber treatments and while he was pressurized in the chamber ringing stopped.

So it seems that pressure may influence Tinnitus in some individuals

 

[Tybs]

My tinnitus is fully dependant on body posture: according to a tinnitus specialist I saw, its origin most likely is found somewhere in my neck muscles. Onset (neck damage), treatment and tinnitus behavior in the last half year confirms this theory thus far.

I can literally "choose" the sounds I can go to sleep with. If I'm lucky, my posture remains stable enough during my sleep to have complete silence when I wake up. Lying on my right side slowly diminished all the sounds, except when I have the occasional spike.

@MusicTeacher I consider chiropractors a bit risky, but getting your neck treated by a physical therapist could be quite worthwhile. Interesting to read about the altitude behavior, makes me want to experiment with that.

 

[MusicTeacher]

Hey gang,

I'm 10 weeks in and I'm losing it a bit. My tinnitus keeps changing. I've had the high pitch with static, soft white noise, low gurgling (one day), and now... I've got more static than pitch, but it seems to have moved to my entire head (not completely- it's hard to explain). It's still louder in my right ear, but... just feels harder to ignore. My kids are watching cartoons and I can hear it well above the TV. I had a period where it was a nice warm hiss, softer than it is now, and I was able to get through the day without worrying about it too much. I was naive in thinking it might stay that way. Now I'm backtracking and freaking out... again. Tinnitus is an evil thing. The positive - my H seems to be gradually fading, still there... but definitely not as intense.

I get the sense that no one in my family wants to hear about this anymore. Guess I can't blame them. We all have our own problems. But I get the sense that people forget you are dealing with this... all day long... it just slowly beats you down. And no one knows but you.

Tom

 

[Bill Bauer]

I'm 10 weeks in and I'm losing it a bit. My tinnitus keeps changing. I've had the high pitch with static, soft white noise, low gurgling (one day), and now... I've got more static than pitch, but it seems to have moved to my entire head (not completely- it's hard to explain).

You ought to be Thrilled! This (high pitch switching to static) is what fading/recovery feels like. When it doesn't keep changing and is always relentlessly at the same level, it means that spontaneous recovery is unlikely.

You have every reason to be happy - eventually you ought to get your life back.

I had a period where it was a nice warm hiss, softer than it is now, and I was able to get through the day without worrying about it too much.

It never smoothly fades. If we plot volume (or how irritating it is) vs time, normally it resembles a stock price. What matters is the monthly trend and the global low. In your case, the trend is for it to improve, and your global low is already a soft hiss. It will eventually get back to that, and will continue to fade. Give it time. If you manage to avoid hurting your ears again, in a year or two you ought to be feeling a lot better.

 

[PugDog1]

I get that about people not wanting to talk about it anymore! I can't say I blame them either- lots of my family/friends will say 'Stop talking about it cause now I can hear mine' and I'm like you can ignore it!?

At least we all have each other on here !

 

[Michael B]

Tinnitus is an evil thing.

Amen!

 

[MusicTeacher]

You ought to be Thrilled! This (high pitch switching to static) is what fading/recovery feels like.