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[PatrickGunther]

Hi all. My story same as most I guess. Enjoying tinnitus since 2009. Got used to it to the point that I only noticed it when it was really quiet. One morning in February 2015 it just "exploded". On sneezing both my ears became blocked and rang like crazy. During the course of the day my right ear returned to normal. Consulted ENT and audiologist, nothing can be done they said. So live goes on. At 00h30 on the 30th of April it was so bad it woke me. Just couldn't cope and had to be admitted to hospital as I was in such a panic. Starting to accept that it is now part of my life, one has to be realistic after all. Not freaking out so much, just can't get to sleep.

 

[patwalsh]

Have tried any treatment over the years? I've only had T for a month, I'm thinking of having acupuncture or trying Cranelsacrel Therepy

 

[billie48]

Hi all. My story same as most I guess. Enjoying tinnitus since 2009. Got used to it to the point that I only noticed it when it was really quiet. One morning in February 2015 it just "exploded". On sneezing both my ears became blocked and rang like crazy. During the course of the day my right ear returned to normal. Consulted ENT and audiologist, nothing can be done they said. So live goes on. At 00h30 on the 30th of April it was so bad it woke me. Just couldn't cope and had to be admitted to hospital as I was in such a panic. Starting to accept that it is now part of my life, one has to be realistic after all. Not freaking out so much, just can't get to sleep.

Welcome Patrick. When T hits a new level, it surely can freak us out a bit. But you are marvellous to accept your new level within such a short time. I really like you positive attitude, trying to be realistic. Hopefully, the new level will slowly go back to baseline for you especially if you stay calm and positive to wait out the spike. The less stress, the less chance T will aggravate more and more likely to subside in loudness. For sleep, Instead of sleep meds from the doctor, you can try natural alternatives such as Camomile tea or Valerian tablets. Of course if all else fail, sleep meds like Remeron are fine as many people have to use this. You can always phase it out later when you are not so stressed or anxious with the T ringing. If the ringing bothers too much during bed time, try masking it with a sound machine, or using internet sounds. Youtube has many masking sounds. I often used a free sound generator 'aire freshener'. But now TT has a good set of masking sounds on the following link. It also has link to a sleep thread. Take care and God bless.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/panic/

(the icons on the left side of the page give you instructions step by step)

 

[Nucleo]

I assumed you had an hearing test done back in 2009 and in feb 2015? Any changes at all?

Sneezing can rarely cause sensorineural hearing loss but it can happen

 

[PatrickGunther]

Hi Billie48

I do use masking sounds, guess just the tress not allowing me to switch-off. Used meds last night, what a pleasure, but not something I would like to continue to use.

Hi Nucleo

Had tests done in March 2015 which revealed hearing loss around the 4000Hz range. That is why I really freaked out when it escalated the way it did. The initial test in 09 indicated slight, "damage due to loud noise", but no hearing loss. Did my best to avoid loud activities since that time, not going to clubs, leaving early when visiting with friends when things started to get loud, etc. So the escalation is difficult to process. The episode I mentioned on 30 April has reduce the hearing in my left ear even further. I don't even want to think about having it both ears! Seeing another specialist on Wednesday, have to stay positive.

Hi Patwalsh

No I haven't since it wasn't that but at the start and then faded into the background. But now I'll do anything, including standing on my head! Since both the ENT's I've visited said that there is nothing to de done I haven't taken any prescription meds, I don't think there are(?). I'm using TinnaRex and although I haven't read anything positive about it, and it might be my imagination, but I experience a very slight noise reduction and do feel better after taking it, perhaps its just psychological.