Tinnitus started for me in October 2024, just a few months ago. Out of nowhere, I began hearing a high-pitched noise in both ears. The frequency seems to be around 14,000 Hz. It is always there, no matter what I am doing; I have not stopped hearing it since it began. I can hear it over everything—whether in a loud environment or complete silence.
I have seen several ENTs, undergone hearing tests, and even had an MRI. My hearing is normal, with no signs of hearing loss. The MRI results also came back normal, though I had to push the ENT to order it. In the end, every doctor has told me the same thing: they see nothing wrong, and I will have to live with it.
The problem is, I cannot live with this. I cannot focus on anything other than the tinnitus. This 14 kHz tone is so loud and piercing that I do not see a future in which I can endure it for years to come. I do not see how I can have any quality of life while hearing this constantly.
I have tried to be strong. I have a son who needs me, but I struggle even to enjoy the time I have with him. I do not want to feel this way—I want to live my life without this affliction—but it seems impossible. Recently, I started seeing a psychiatrist who prescribed a low dose of Xanax. While it helps temporarily by reducing my anxiety, it does not lessen the tinnitus. It is the only thing getting me through parts of the day. But I cannot take benzodiazepines long-term; I have an addictive personality, and I know that at some point, I will struggle with withdrawal, which will likely make both the tinnitus and my anxiety worse.
I have read about the Lenire device, but I am skeptical because of the mixed reviews on this forum and elsewhere. I am so desperate that I feel like I have to try something—anything—even if it costs thousands of dollars. But I also know that the chances of anything actually helping are slim.
I do not know what to do with myself or my life. I do not know how to habituate, and everything I have tried or read has made no difference. I feel like I am at the end of my rope, and I do not know how much longer I can keep going like this. I am beyond depressed and hopeless. The only thing keeping me from giving up is my son, but I do not know how much longer I can hold on.
I know everyone on this forum is going through something similar. I have read many of your posts, and I am not expecting a solution or a "magic cure" by sharing this. I just needed to vent because I cannot express myself this way to my family or anyone close to me. They would worry, and I have to appear strong. That is what everyone expects of me, and if they saw how much I am struggling, they would panic.
I wish I could scream, I need help! But I feel so let down by the healthcare system in this country (United States). No matter how many doctors I see, the answer is always the same: We don't see anything wrong, and we cannot help you. And for that, I am charged thousands of dollars, even with insurance. It is unsustainable. I do not know if I have the energy to keep searching for relief. I feel completely hopeless and alone.
Thank you for reading this. I do not know what I am looking for by posting here, but I needed to write this down and get it out because I have not been able to tell anyone how desperate I truly feel.
I have seen several ENTs, undergone hearing tests, and even had an MRI. My hearing is normal, with no signs of hearing loss. The MRI results also came back normal, though I had to push the ENT to order it. In the end, every doctor has told me the same thing: they see nothing wrong, and I will have to live with it.
The problem is, I cannot live with this. I cannot focus on anything other than the tinnitus. This 14 kHz tone is so loud and piercing that I do not see a future in which I can endure it for years to come. I do not see how I can have any quality of life while hearing this constantly.
I have tried to be strong. I have a son who needs me, but I struggle even to enjoy the time I have with him. I do not want to feel this way—I want to live my life without this affliction—but it seems impossible. Recently, I started seeing a psychiatrist who prescribed a low dose of Xanax. While it helps temporarily by reducing my anxiety, it does not lessen the tinnitus. It is the only thing getting me through parts of the day. But I cannot take benzodiazepines long-term; I have an addictive personality, and I know that at some point, I will struggle with withdrawal, which will likely make both the tinnitus and my anxiety worse.
I have read about the Lenire device, but I am skeptical because of the mixed reviews on this forum and elsewhere. I am so desperate that I feel like I have to try something—anything—even if it costs thousands of dollars. But I also know that the chances of anything actually helping are slim.
I do not know what to do with myself or my life. I do not know how to habituate, and everything I have tried or read has made no difference. I feel like I am at the end of my rope, and I do not know how much longer I can keep going like this. I am beyond depressed and hopeless. The only thing keeping me from giving up is my son, but I do not know how much longer I can hold on.
I know everyone on this forum is going through something similar. I have read many of your posts, and I am not expecting a solution or a "magic cure" by sharing this. I just needed to vent because I cannot express myself this way to my family or anyone close to me. They would worry, and I have to appear strong. That is what everyone expects of me, and if they saw how much I am struggling, they would panic.
I wish I could scream, I need help! But I feel so let down by the healthcare system in this country (United States). No matter how many doctors I see, the answer is always the same: We don't see anything wrong, and we cannot help you. And for that, I am charged thousands of dollars, even with insurance. It is unsustainable. I do not know if I have the energy to keep searching for relief. I feel completely hopeless and alone.
Thank you for reading this. I do not know what I am looking for by posting here, but I needed to write this down and get it out because I have not been able to tell anyone how desperate I truly feel.