Really Bad Spike for No Reason — Could Use Support (Can't Mask Tinnitus)

[mexigrl64]

Hi all,

I do hope some of you are getting ready for the holidays and not being bothered by your tinnitus. Mine has been quite noticeable for 2 1/2 years now. I also have hyperacusis which has been linked to my MS. I do pretty well with it now and rarely have issues.

The biggest issue is I can't seem to mask my tinnitus. I've tried a variety of different tinnitus masking sounds and nothing work. My tinnitus seems to turn itself up the louder I go with masking.

It doesn't seem like there are any more possible cures or treatments now than there were a few years ago. I'm literally so miserable I am staying home and sleeping as much as possible. Trying to watch TV etc. but my left ear is just screaming. I have a fairly high pitched tinnitus noise.

If anyone has suggestions or can just commiserate that would be great. I'm feeling super lonely and frustrated by this and keep hoping that even one little thing could bring it down somewhat.

Thanks!

Barri

 

[Bill Bauer]

Have you tried protecting your ears from moderate noises like that of a vacuum cleaner or blender?

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@mexigrl64 Hi Barri: You may have been to the Face Book site for MS with tinnitus where members are helpful. A remarkable percentage having MS had their tinnitus calm down with time.

Progress is being been made for those with MS and tinnitus. Keep faith.

 

[mexigrl64]

I actually am really good at protecting my ears because of the many years of hyperacusis. I even wear an earplug in the car when I feel like turning up the song volume, not because it is too loud but I don't want to set off the T. Apparently the T doesn't respect all the damn steps I take ;-)

 

[mexigrl64]

@mexigrl64 Hi Barri: You may have been to the Face Book site for MS with tinnitus where members are helpful. A remarkable percentage having MS had their tinnitus calm down with time.

Progress is being been made for those with MS and tinnitus. Keep faith.

Thanks, I haven't been to that FB page and a search didn't turn up anything. Do you know the name of it? My T has been almost 3 years. This is the worst spike in a while

 

[Leodavinci]

It doesn't seem like there are any more possible cures or treatments now than there were a few years ago

That might be true. I hope you can find diversion in life to keep your mind off of the tinnitus. I love walking near water. Does water help you mask? Rain? This is usually very calming for high pitch T.

 

[Michael Leigh]

The biggest issue is I can't seem to mask my tinnitus. I've tried a variety of different tinnitus masking sounds and nothing work. My tinnitus seems to turn itself up the louder I go with masking.

Hi @mexigrl64

I am sorry to hear of your discomfort. I know the tinnitus can be distress but try not to "mask" it cover it up. Doing this will often make it more intrusive. Whatever source of sound enrichment you are using, try setting slightly below the tinnitus. Have you considered wearing white noise generators? They can often be helpful for tinnitus and hyperacusis. Please click on the links below and read my posts on tinnitus that you might find helpful. Consider seeing a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, and enquire about white noise generators.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

[mexigrl64]

Hi Michael,

My one issue is that my T seems to not be able to be masked (I haven't tried standing in front of a jet engine yet but....). So it's hard to set white noise just below the T because the T seems to turn up with it. I always use white noise, fans, etc. and have since my Hyperacusis started 15 years ago (along with the MS).

I did meet with an audiologist in New Orleans and we talked about the generators, they were out of my budget (way out, unfortunately).

Thanks!

 

[mexigrl64]

That might be true. I hope you can find diversion in life to keep your mind off of the tinnitus. I love walking near water. Does water help you mask? Rain? This is usually very calming for high pitch T.

When I am IN the shower I don't hear it Other than that pretty much all the time. Maybe I should move into my shower ;-)