Newbie. Hello

[finlayargyle13]

Hi everyone. I'm here as I'm nearly a year into having tinnitus.

Started last May, it was quite faint and I could only hear it at night. By September it was louder. Went to GP who put me on Serc. It got louder still and by October I realised it was only in my left ear. Went back to Dr in November and have been referred to ENT but that appt isn't until 7th May.

Tinnitus is high pitched, constant and never goes away. At times it gets very loud but this maybe only lasts 10 secs. I now hear it over TV and at times in work (large office).

I'm completely freaked out as I also have a hard time hearing people speaking if there's background noise, periods of unsteadiness/ dizziness and headaches. The only things I've ever found that match symptoms are Acoustic neuroma or idiopathic and no clue what's causing it.

I know I'll just have to hang in there to ENT but I'm glad I've found his forum for some support.

If you made it through all that venting, thank you! !

It really is starting to drive me crazy!

 

[Karen]

Hi, Finlayargyle13, and welcome! I'm sorry you're having a rough time right now, and it's too bad you have to wait until May to see your doctor.

If it helps any, I had dizziness and unsteadiness (and even some episodes of vertigo) when my tinnitus first got worse, about five years ago. Now, all of that is gone. I still have the tinnitus, but it is much more bearable now. In the beginning, it is common to have a lot of other symptoms, including a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, sometimes headaches, etc. It's because your brain and body need time to adjust to this new condition. As time goes on, the symptoms may start to fade.

A question: Have you had a hearing test recently? It could be that you have hearing loss in the higher ranges, and that may be what has caused the tinnitus to become more severe. The ENT may have some suggestions for you, and will probably do an audiological exam. Since you are having trouble hearing sounds other than the tinnitus, it's possible that a hearing aid or masking device could be helpful to you.

In the meantime, the best things you can do are to try to relax (don't worry; tinnitus is seldom a life-threatening condition!), get as much sleep as you can, use background sounds to mask your tinnitus during the day as well as at night, and keep your mind distracted as much as possible. If you can do those things, it will help you sort of get away from your tinnitus for awhile. Going outside often helps me when my tinnitus is bad. I often take long walks to distract myself and get away from the noise. Taking a shower helps too, because the water sound masks most people's tinnitus.

If you are really upset by the tinnitus, getting a short-term prescription for anti-anxiety medicine may help. I take natural supplements myself, and a few that help are magnesium, holy basil, and pharmaGABA. They are calming and help you settle down a bit when you're anxious.

We're glad you've joined us, and I hope we can help and support you as you go through the first stages of tinnitus.

Please update us after your doctor appointment. Take care; things will get better!

Best wishes and hugs,
Karen

 

[Sailboardman]

Hello, finlayargyle13,

As Karen has already mentioned, keep yourself busy and distracted as much as possible. I live in a warm climate, so walks on the beach and being outdoors really helps. I use a sound machine on my bed to help mask the noise of my T at night.

Make sure your diet is healthy and fresh foods only. Limit your sodium, caffeine, sugar, tobacco and if possible, alcohol.

I use Chinese herbal medications and do acupunture. I also use magnesium oil, calcium, vit C, B-complex, fish oil and some zinc.

At night I use, Melatonin, 5HTP and L-theanine to relax me for sleep.

I'm in 11 months and still have my rough days, but sometimes it's lower and I can manage fairly well. Mine is also a high pitched screamer, but tames down when I'm busy or eating and drinking red wine!

Hope you get some relief soon!

God bless,

Sailboardman

 

[finlayargyle13]

Thanks for the replies. Great to get ideas for coping techniques too. So glad I found this forum.

 

[Amelia]

Hi @finlayargyle13, welcome
I'm another with moderate/loud high pitched T, along with a low buzzing drone type of noise.

@Karen & @Sailboardman have already given you some great tips, but I did want to mention the issue you have with hearing people if there is background noise. I have the same issue and it isn't a hearing problem - we have put it down to me being much more sensitive to my ears and I'm noticing it more. But a good idea to get it checked out just in case tho.

And you aren't alone here. Always someone here to listen x

 

[finlayargyle13]

Thanks again everyone. ENT apt moved up to 17th April. Only 4 weeks to go!