Standing at the gates of tinnitus

[Darren Knight]

Were you working without hear plugs? Or cotton?

Hi Carlo,

no that's the strange thing. I had both in (at different times depending on noise) but it's when I take them out that's the problem. My ears feel blocked and the T goes up. I went into the gym last night without ear plugs and my ears felt really good. Low T and no fullness. But as soon as I put them in, to protect my ears, the fullness gets worse. At home now and the fullness has gone and the T is starting to settle. I've not taken any time off work since having T, but I'm now considering taking a week off to see if it helps it settle down.

Take care

 

[Carlo]

Hi Carlo,

no that's the strange thing. I had both in (at different times depending on noise) but it's when I take them out that's the problem. My ears feel blocked and the T goes up. I went into the gym last night without ear plugs and my ears felt really good. Low T and no fullness. But as soon as I put them in, to protect my ears, the fullness gets worse. At home now and the fullness has gone and the T is starting to settle. I've not taken any time off work since having T, but I'm now considering taking a week off to see if it helps it settle down.

Take care

Darren,
about the T going up after you took the protections out maybe it's a matter of perception, subjective I mean, probably because we put more attention to it. Good it's just temporary, and that you can have a week off!
Have a nice evening
Carlo

 

[Darren Knight]

Hi guys,

Just doing a little browsing on the web (as you do). Has anyone heard of Acoustic CR neuromodulation. I think it originated in Germany, but the treatment is now be administered at Harley st, London. It's a hearing aid that is worn for 4-6 hours per day over a 12 week period and re-boots the brains hearing nerves. Just curious

 

[Golly]

Hi guys,

Just doing a little browsing on the web (as you do). Has anyone heard of Acoustic CR neuromodulation. I think it originated in Germany, but the treatment is now be administered at Harley st, London. It's a hearing aid that is worn for 4-6 hours per day over a 12 week period and re-boots the brains hearing nerves. Just curious

There is very interesting thread right here on TT regarding Acoustic CR Neuromodulation:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acoustic-cr®-neuromodulation-do-it-yourself-guide.1469/

-Golly

 

[Carlo]

Hi guys,

Just doing a little browsing on the web (as you do). Has anyone heard of Acoustic CR neuromodulation. I think it originated in Germany, but the treatment is now be administered at Harley st, London. It's a hearing aid that is worn for 4-6 hours per day over a 12 week period and re-boots the brains hearing nerves. Just curious

And this: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...-treatment-for-tinnitus.219/page-9#post-18690

 

[Darren Knight]

And this: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...-treatment-for-tinnitus.219/page-9#post-18690

Thanks Carlo,

Have you tried it?

Darren

 

[Carlo]

Thanks Carlo,

Have you tried it?

Darren

You are welcome Darren,
no I didn't. I just started the second part of the therapy the ENT prescribed, I trust him as he lowered my T around 30%, and then I'll see...

 

[Darren Knight]

Oh why does this T tease me :-( I've had a couple of rough days, with today being nice and low. I can still very much hear it, but it's at a level that I could live with for the rest of my life. Always nice to get these days, so I suppose I should enjoy it while I can. Shame I'm at work though! My ear has felt blocked on and off for the last 2 days. No I'm doubting the effects of the Betahistine and wondering if it was the 5 day course of steroids that was helping me. Finished that course on Saturday and by Wednesday lunch time it started to feel full again. Still, good day today and the weekend starts I'm 5 hours

Take care everyone.

 

[Darren Knight]

Had a fantastic day today in London. 3 months ago I booked 4 tickets to see "Let it Be" by the Beatles. Had some lunch with the family and went into the show, however it was so loud I only lasted 10 mins. I went outside and to cut a long story short, the management took me downstairs to the bar and let me watch the show on TV. Despite London being so loud, plus the tube ride, noisy restaurant and the show my T feels good. No better or worse than before. Just set the scope up and re-trying to take images of the Veil Nebula, through a hydrogen alpha filter. To process this picture properly I need to collect at least 20 hours worth of data. Hopefully get 4 or 5 hours tonight, if the skies stay clear.

Good night everyone

 

[LadyDi]

Hey Warrior Darren: Have you tried "musician" earplugs, which are molded to you ears and contain filters that let some sound in? I have a pair by Etymotics. With interchangeable 15 db and 25 db filters. Pricey but worth it. They make conversation and the fullness factor a little easier. I still have sensitivity and some fullness when I remove them but it goes away. I also try not to wear them more than 2-3 hours a a time.

Charge on! I had my plugs in at a comedy club last night and still ad a great time.

 

[Darren Knight]

Hey Warrior Darren: Have you tried "musician" earplugs, which are molded to you ears and contain filters that let some sound in? I have a pair by Etymotics. With interchangeable 15 db and 25 db filters. Pricey but worth it. They make conversation and the fullness factor a little easier. I still have sensitivity and some fullness when I remove them but it goes away. I also try not to wear them more than 2-3 hours a a time.

Charge on! I had my plugs in at a comedy club last night and still ad a great time.

Hi LadyDi,

Thanks for that. I know a musician and will text him today. My T was quite good, until around 4am this morning. I had to wake up then anyway to pack the scope and equipment away. But as I type this it's very loud. Hopefully it will settle down soon. Caught myself recently clenching my teeth at bed time. Try to sleep with my mouth slightly open (not a great look) but obviously I can't control what I do when I'm in dreamland.

Have a great day

Darren

 

[Darren Knight]

LadyDi,

Also with regards to the sensitive ears, how long have you had T for?

Darren

 

[Darren Knight]

My ENT Dr has made me an appointment to see Dr Baguley. According to him, no one in the UK understands T as well as DR B. My appointment is on Wednesday at 5pm, so I will keep you all posted. After 4-5 days of what I consider good T, it was very loud this morning around 4am, but settled again around 8am. The low level days are still pretty loud in comparison to 7 weeks ago. But nowhere as loud as the 1st 2 weeks. Or are they? Am I just calming down and getting used to it? Who knows. The Betahistine is working for sure. My ears don't feel half as blocked as before and my sensitive hearing is starting to get better as well. Onwards and upwards

Take care all

Darren

 

[yonkapin]

Just curious, what was your predisone dosage like (you mention a 5 day course)?

 

[Darren Knight]

Just curious, what was your predisone dosage like (you mention a 5 day course)?

5MG x 8 tablets x 5 days (all 8 tablets taken in one go. I.e 8 tablets after breakfast)

Hope this helps

 

[yonkapin]

Thanks!

 

[LadyDi]

LadyDi,

Also with regards to the sensitive ears, how long have you had T for?

Darren

Hey Darren: Hard to believe, but I am entering my sixth month as of tomorrow. Got my tinnitus from barotrauma on a transatlantic flight. Really have no hearing loss to speak of. At first, I was terrified I was developing hyperacusis as well but that has not happened. I just am sensitive to very loud sounds (movie theaters, noisy restaurants, concerts) and wear the plugs there. I also have a decibel meter on my iPhone, although its not the most reliable device in the world.

My audiologists, and others on the board, have warned that if you wear plugs too often, you heighten your sensitivity. So I save mine for when I really need them.

By the way: My fullness feeling comes and goes, but is much better than it was in the beginning. The first time I put my custom plug in my left ear, which is the one with the louder T, it suddenly felt completely blocked and I freaked out. But the audiologist said it was a matter of getting used to it, and there was nothing new wrong with my ear. Sure enough, it settled down.

The one area that remains a problem is singing, which I had hoped the plugs would help. I sing in two groups: one is a large choir (100 plus people), the other a smaller group of about a dozen. The smaller group is fine. But rehearsals with the large group, even when wearing the plugs, leave my ears ringing for hours even when wearing the 15 db filters. Maybe its because we practice for a long time, three hours with only a 10 minute break. I am going to try the 25 db filters but it that doesn't work, I am going to have to resign.

Would be interested in hearing from any other vocalists on the board.

 

[yonkapin]

The one area that remains a problem is singing, which I had hoped the plugs would help. I sing in two groups: one is a large choir (100 plus people), the other a smaller group of about a dozen. The smaller group is fine. But rehearsals with the large group, even when wearing the plugs, leave my ears ringing for hours even when wearing the 15 db filters. Maybe its because we practice for a long time, three hours with only a 10 minute break. I am going to try the 25 db filters but it that doesn't work, I am going to have to resign.

Would be interested in hearing from any other vocalists on the board.

I'm not a vocalist, but did study composition and music for a long while. Definitely get onto those 25db filters (the difference in attenuation between 15 and 25 is very significant), they will make a massive difference!

 

[Darren Knight]

It's been a real rough 36 hours. T extremely high and a fullness in my left ear. The fullness started to lift this morning and T greatly reduced to a low level. It feels like heaven at the moment, hope it last for a few days.

Take care everyone

 

[LadyDi]

Feel for you Darren. One of the hardest things for me re. T is that you have so little control. It can change day to day, hour to hour, and you can't really predict it and plan your work around it.

I have made it a little mantra,, self statement for myself that I will read during these times: "my tinnitus is annoying me and I am comfortable but soon it will pass, as it has before, and I will be calm. I look forward to that passing"

Then I mask the s$&t out of it and distract the best I can. Just remember: It's only for now. Hang in there, warrior.

 

[Darren Knight]

Feel for you Darren. One of the hardest things for me re. T is that you have so little control. It can change day to day, hour to hour, and you can't really predict it and plan your work around it.

I have made it a little mantra,, self statement for myself that I will read during these times: "my tinnitus is annoying me and I am comfortable but soon it will pass, as it has before, and I will be calm. I look forward to that passing"

Then I mask the s$&t out of it and distract the best I can. Just remember: It's only for now. Hang in there, warrior.

Bless your heart and thank you

 

[Cher69]

Hi Darren hope tomorrow will bring you a better day I think many of us have good and bad days and sometimes it can be so disheartening after a good week or two to find yourself having a rough time! I've just come through a blip didn't think I could see way through but I have. I like ladydi's mantra I use this technique when I feel anxiety pangs so give it a go keep busy and I'm sending lots of hugs and support to get through this stage Cher x

 

[LadyDi]

It's been a real rough 36 hours. T extremely high and a fullness in my left ear. The fullness started to lift this morning and T greatly reduced to a low level. It feels like heaven at the moment, hope it last for a few days.

Take care everyone

Thanks Yonkapin. Am giving them a whirl tonight. My concern is that I then won't be able to hear those around me at all, which is critical for choral sing. But hey, never know until you try.

 

[Darren Knight]

Hi Darren hope tomorrow will bring you a better day I think many of us have good and bad days and sometimes it can be so disheartening after a good week or two to find yourself having a rough time! I've just come through a blip didn't think I could see way through but I have. I like ladydi's mantra I use this technique when I feel anxiety pangs so give it a go keep busy and I'm sending lots of hugs and support to get through this stage Cher x

Thanks Cher and LadyDi for your comforting words. My wife is so wonderful and supportive but only a T sufferer truly knows what you're going through. The T has been good all afternoon but woke me up, 2 mornings in a row, so I'm now getting anxious leading up to bed time. Still I'll stay strong and let's see what tomorrow brings.

Take care,

Darren

 

[Cher69]

The thing I've found most difficult is sleep - I have had anxiety issues about going to bed as I knew it was going to be a battle and I so wanted sleep ! If you are feeling anxious about sleep TRY now to get hold of positive things - the first 2 hours is the most important sleep. Waking at 4 is a bugger but you have slept upto then - focus on the positive - have a recording to listen to on your phone ear plugs etc so you can do something quickly to distract you. I have A selection of things I like to listen too guided meditation so at 4am which is when I wake up every night I pop the earphones in and listen to something relaxing. I try not to focus on I'm awake instead think I've had some good sleep now let's relax and maybe I will drift off. I usually do know a few weeks ago I was in a mess with sleep !

Hope you sleep well and if you wake at 4am chance are someone maybe me is also in the Same boat.

Pls try now to focus on the sleep you t getting so this waking early doesn't become more of a problem it's just a stage Cher x

 

[Darren Knight]

The thing I've found most difficult is sleep - I have had anxiety issues about going to bed as I knew it was going to be a battle and I so wanted sleep ! If you are feeling anxious about sleep TRY now to get hold of positive things - the first 2 hours is the most important sleep. Waking at 4 is a bugger but you have slept upto then - focus on the positive - have a recording to listen to on your phone ear plugs etc so you can do something quickly to distract you. I have A selection of things I like to listen too guided meditation so at 4am which is when I wake up every night I pop the earphones in and listen to something relaxing. I try not to focus on I'm awake instead think I've had some good sleep now let's relax and maybe I will drift off. I usually do know a few weeks ago I was in a mess with sleep !

Hope you sleep well and if you wake at 4am chance are someone maybe me is also in the Same boat.

Pls try now to focus on the sleep you t getting so this waking early doesn't become more of a problem it's just a stage Cher x

You guys are the best x

 

[Carlo]

Thanks Cher and LadyDi for your comforting words. My wife is so wonderful and supportive but only a T sufferer truly knows what you're going through. The T has been good all afternoon but woke me up, 2 mornings in a row, so I'm now getting anxious leading up to bed time. Still I'll stay strong and let's see what tomorrow brings.

Take care,

Darren

Hi Darren, I read your T lowered today, so no reason to be anxious about the upcoming night. Last time T woke me up I was a little scared, then I thought "oh it's just T" and slept again . Do you use any pill to fall asleep?

 

[Darren Knight]

Hi Darren, I read your T lowered today, so no reason to be anxious about the upcoming night. Last time T woke me up I was a little scared, then I thought "oh it's just T" and slept again . Do you use any pill to fall asleep?

Hi mate,

I did use herbal tablets the 1st 2 or 3 nights, but just use white noise now. Been sleeping really well lately. In fact been sleeping fantastic, it's just been the last few nights.

Take care

 

[Darren Knight]

Had a fantastic nights sleep last night. 9pm - 6am straight though. Many thanks to LadyDi, Cher and Carlo. Well......I have to go and build things now, because that's what I do.

See ya

 

[Darren Knight]

Wow! Went to see Dr David Baguley tonight and what a man. Don't mind telling you I was in tears. Not because I was scared, but because of the understanding and relief to talk to someone like him. Over the next few evenings I'll try and put into words what he told me (most of you guys already know a lot) and just how calm I now feel. Bed side manner rocks!!!