Hi Dr Nagler,
At your recommendation I had a session by Skype with Dr Grant Searchfield and Derek Hatfield of the University of Auckland Clinics. I was quite blessed because Grant doesn't see patients these days but made a special visit to the session because I had requested him at your referral.
Grant has recommend the use of non-linear earplugs to manage my exposure, along with sound enrichment at home and at work.
The biggest challenge for me lately has been the "kindling" (as Grant put it) of my tinnitus as I drive to and from work, which is a thirty minute noisy trip. He believes there is an associated anxiety/brain based response to the driving environment which is triggering the tinnitus to increase in volume. He recommends I use these earplugs only when driving and gradually take them out overtime to have the effect of reducing my sound sensitivity. Grant also believes the pain is jaw tension caused by anxiety which is not uncommon with tinnitus sufferers and should clear up once the underlying anxiety is dealt with.
Off to the maxillofacial consultant next week to rule out TMJ as a contributor of which Grant has asked for the results.
Thank you very much for the referral, it has left me feeling very positive.
Cheers,
Mark
At your recommendation I had a session by Skype with Dr Grant Searchfield and Derek Hatfield of the University of Auckland Clinics. I was quite blessed because Grant doesn't see patients these days but made a special visit to the session because I had requested him at your referral.
Grant has recommend the use of non-linear earplugs to manage my exposure, along with sound enrichment at home and at work.
The biggest challenge for me lately has been the "kindling" (as Grant put it) of my tinnitus as I drive to and from work, which is a thirty minute noisy trip. He believes there is an associated anxiety/brain based response to the driving environment which is triggering the tinnitus to increase in volume. He recommends I use these earplugs only when driving and gradually take them out overtime to have the effect of reducing my sound sensitivity. Grant also believes the pain is jaw tension caused by anxiety which is not uncommon with tinnitus sufferers and should clear up once the underlying anxiety is dealt with.
Off to the maxillofacial consultant next week to rule out TMJ as a contributor of which Grant has asked for the results.
Thank you very much for the referral, it has left me feeling very positive.
Cheers,
Mark