There Is Much You Can Do for Your Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

[Dr. J C Miranda]

I am a physical therapist in the Portland, OR area, that has been treating a broad range HENT patients the past decade.

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis. It is a multifactorial problem that can stem from musculoskeletal issues (including: spinal degeneration, disc disease, posture, congenital anatomical anomalies) and psychosocial issues. In most cases it is a combination of many of these factors, but the most influential of which are stress and emotional trauma. If you do not address the role the latter two of these play in your condition, you are bound to experience less than satisfactory results.

Most mainstream clinicians do not appreciate these relationships or are limited by their training to deal with the problem in its full scope.

Consider seeing a manual physical therapist and perhaps a counselor to deal with this problem. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Autumnly]

I mean, it's great that you can help your patients but let's not forget that this approach doesn't work for everyone. Posts like this one are part of the reason we still don't have real medical treatments because medical professionals are convinced that you just need to reduce stress and you'll be just fine.

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

There's a difference between recommending things that might help and coming on here and saying these things will definitely help everyone.

 

[Don Tinny]

I was fine before the concert. Rock sound destroyed my ear cells.

 

[Bam]

I am a physical therapist in the Portland, OR area, that has been treating a broad range HENT patients the past decade.

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis. It is a multifactorial problem that can stem from musculoskeletal issues (including: spinal degeneration, disc disease, posture, congenital anatomical anomalies) and psychosocial issues. In most cases it is a combination of many of these factors, but the most influential of which are stress and emotional trauma. If you do not address the role the latter two of these play in your condition, you are bound to experience less than satisfactory results.

Most mainstream clinicians do not appreciate these relationships or are limited by their training to deal with the problem in its full scope.

Consider seeing a manual physical therapist and perhaps a counselor to deal with this problem. You'll be glad you did.

So Neuromod, Susan Shore and university of Minnesota are all wrong about the DCN and misfiring neurons and wasting their time are they? Do me a favour. We all get that there are multiple triggers and stress possibly plays a part but I think it's established now that Tinnitus is a brain malfunction and we need a treatment that helps fix/reset it.

We definitely do not need more condescending antiquated bullshit about anxiety and mental health issues that do nothing but make sufferers feel further marginalised, frustrated and hopeless.......But hey thanks for dropping by just to dish up that lovely cold gruel for us all over Xmas.

 

[Red]

I think you are right that these things can help. We know that spinal problems can contribute and that anxiety and stress can ramp up our symptoms. I suppose I am curious about what treatments are available to sound induced hyperacusis/medicine induced hyperacusis as these are pieces to the puzzle too, not just posture and mental health.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying its all musculoskeletal, stress or anxiety. I'm just saying that for a vast majority it is. For these people, it helps to consider this.. rather than floundering around from "specialist" to specialist with out a clue. For a smaller percentage (a large number of people never the less), there are real organic deficits (neurological, biochemical, structural: including rock concert induced) for which there is no solution at this time. And I wouldn't recommend anyone wait around for research to provide solutions- this will likely never happen for numerous self serving reasons.

I have seen numerous patients diagnosed (misdiagnosed?) with irreversible conditions improve none the less with this approach. So the question is how confident are you with the diagnosis you have been given? What have you got to lose from considering your condition from a different perspective? If you have explored these factors and are certain of the source of your tinnitus/hyperacusis then I offer my kudos to you for being on top of it. Obviously, this thread does not apply to you so please disregard it. But, please don't deter others less informed than yourself from considering my advice.

@antonio77: It is not easy to determine. It helps to have a skilled clinician guide you... but it is ultimately a trial and error process. Every one is different and you won't know for sure until you try. But I am confident that my advice will help MOST people in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of cost.

 

[Manny]

I'm not saying its all musculoskeletal, stress or anxiety. I'm just saying that for a vast majority it is.

Dr. J C Miranda, please provide scientific evidence or a source for this statement.

 

[Autumnly]

And I wouldn't recommend anyone wait around for research to provide solutions- this will likely never happen for numerous self serving reasons.

You're clearly not educated on tinnitus research. Also, for some of us real medical treatments are our only hope because we have already lost everything. Way to destroy the last bit of hope some of us have left. In your first post you said this could help every tinnitus case, now you're saying the majority of cases.

But, please don't deter others less informed than yourself from considering my advice.

And you don't understand why your words are hurtful, insensitive and rude. No one was saying not to give physical and psychological therapy a try.

You're clearly underestimating the amount of suffering tinnitus and hyperacusis can cause and to which lengths people on here have gone for the slightest bit of relief. So take your arrogant, all-knowing attitude and bother someone else. Donate to research. Raise awareness. But don't you dare be another reason why no one takes this condition seriously.

 

[Contrast]

Can you regenerate cochlear hair cells or get auditory nerve fibers to send out new synaptic ribbons to connect with weakened hair cells?

nuff said

 

[Don Tinny]

And I wouldn't recommend anyone wait around for research to provide solutions

I hope I do not seem impolite. English is not my native language. But why do you dismiss the developments in neuromodulation and regeneration of the inner ear? Do you have any scientific evidence to conclude that they will be a failure?

 

[Red]

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying its all musculoskeletal, stress or anxiety. I'm just saying that for a vast majority it is. ... For a smaller percentage (a large number of people never the less), there are real organic deficits (neurological, biochemical, structural: including rock concert induced) for which there is no solution at this time.

I can agree that anxiety and spinal problems contribute but I think most people's tinnitus is from noise. Most people have a clear link to a sound event that caused their tinnitus.

 

[GregCA]

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis. It is a multifactorial problem that can stem from musculoskeletal issues (including: spinal degeneration, disc disease, posture, congenital anatomical anomalies) and psychosocial issues. In most cases it is a combination of many of these factors, but the most influential of which are stress and emotional trauma.

Perhaps you mean well, but I'd suggest you spend some time to learn (a lot) more about this topic.

The biggest culprit in T/H is hearing loss. There are others, be the overwhelming majority of cases are due to physiological hearing pathologies.

I've never come across any study showing causality (not correlation) from stress & emotional trauma to T/H. If you do have one to share, please do.

 

[Gman]

I am a physical therapist in the Portland, OR area, that has been treating a broad range HENT patients the past decade.

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis. It is a multifactorial problem that can stem from musculoskeletal issues (including: spinal degeneration, disc disease, posture, congenital anatomical anomalies) and psychosocial issues. In most cases it is a combination of many of these factors, but the most influential of which are stress and emotional trauma. If you do not address the role the latter two of these play in your condition, you are bound to experience less than satisfactory results.

Most mainstream clinicians do not appreciate these relationships or are limited by their training to deal with the problem in its full scope.

Consider seeing a manual physical therapist and perhaps a counselor to deal with this problem. You'll be glad you did.

I think what you're saying is very interesting. I do think most people here already realise there can be multiple factors causing these issues. For myself, I know there are. However, you like most other clinicians, are not keeping up-to-date on the latest research and treatments. There are so many apathetic out-of-date doctors who still happily perform dangerous procedures on patients, such as microsuction. Being an MD should be considered a privilege and keeping informed should be mandatory to mainting credentials.

As already mentioned above, there are treatments being developed and one that is already helping people - hyperacusics in particular responding well (albeit without actually improving LDLs)

 

[Greg Sacramento]

Causes of tinnitus - There's professional medical data bases where description of cause is given, but if one was to research each condition on detailed medical specific links if would take several lifetimes to read everything.


Research the causes of these more general types of symptom:
Ear sounds (123 causes)

• Hearing symptoms (1100 causes)
• Ear symptoms (1999 causes)
• Face symptoms (8109 causes)
• Head symptoms (10192 causes)
• more symptoms...»

https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/t/tinnitus/causes.htm

Some studies will say 68% - 70% of tinnitus is caused from damage hair cells - with noise at the top of this cause. The debate from some of the great researchers is does 60% - 85% have other contributing weaknesses as well. 30% do - structural - injury - conditions - disease. In some hearing loss cases it may be not known if conditions and diseases such as the facial nerve and jaw nerves/mouth which number about 900 of ( 18000+) have a play unless complaint testing is done and then hoping a treatment may help. If one doesn't show hearing loss ( some hidden 99%) will a pain in the neck or a sore jaw be worth trying to get treated - YES.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@antonio77: The fact that the acupuncturist elicited or aggravated your symptoms suggests that he hit a trigger point responsible for your symptoms at least in part. I think this is very encouraging and you should try acupuncture again or Trigger Point therapy (manual therapy).

 

[Don Tinny]

There are so many apathetic out-of-date doctors who still happily perform dangerous procedures on patients, such as microsuction. Being an MD should be considered a privilege and keeping informed should be mandatory to mainting credentials.

Yes. I am a insurance producer and I am required to complete three annual courses to maintain my credential. The same should be done by doctors.

 

[Gman]

@antonio77: The fact that the acupuncturist elicited or aggravated your symptoms suggests that he hit a trigger point responsible for your symptoms at least in part. I think this is very encouraging and you should try acupuncture again or Trigger Point therapy (manual therapy).

Are you really a dr? That doesn't make a lot of sense.
If it makes it worse, maybe don't do it again is a better tip. Loud noise can make T spike for many sufferers, should they just keep exposing to more?

I sat briefly on one of those vibrating platforms that are all the rage with physios and it made me spike and worse. I won't be sitting on one again.
I had a chiro do a neck adjustment once and it spiked. Once again, won't be allowing that again. List goes on...

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

With respect to research: I am not dismissing any of the research that has been done or is currently underway, or any of the wonderful progress that has been made. I have no doubt that some day these studies/research findings will lead to a better understanding and medical treatments for this problem. My point is simply that, generally, it takes a long time before these results are proven, result in new technologies, therapies with practical applications and are approved/accepted and integrated into the standard of care. My other concern is that epidemiologically these problems are less impactful than say heart disease, cancer, opioid addiction or obesity and therefore less money is appropriated for research into tinnitus and hearing loss. It may be unfair, but its reality... that's why I am skeptical about the promise of research in the short run.

Please keep in mind that I have made a generalized suggestion. It does not apply to everyone or their specific situation. Consider it for yourself if appropriate, or disregard it if it does not apply to you.

 

[Autumnly]

With respect to research: I am not dismissing any of the research that has been done or is currently underway, or any of the wonderful progress that has been made. I have no doubt that some day these studies/research findings will lead to a better understanding and medical treatments for this problem. My point is simply that, generally, it takes a long time before these results are proven, result in new technologies, therapies with practical applications and are approved/accepted and integrated into the standard of care.

Come on, don't act like you've ever looked up anything regarding tinnitus research. Yet you're destroying people's last bit of hope by saying there will never be a treatment in their lifetime. The very first medical treatment is coming out next year, a device by Neuromod based on bimodal stimulation. They're conducting one of the largest randomised double-blind clinical trials to date in tinnitus. So if people like you stopped perpetuating the idea that there will never be a cure, perhaps more people would demand one. We are so close to real treatments! Will you tell people about this device or continue to tell them it's their childhood trauma that's causing heir tinnitus? You know absolutely nothing about tinnitus research yet you talk like you do. It's people like you that are the reason we don't have treatments and too many are left to kill themselves. Thanks for reminding us. And don't worry, we know no one takes this conditions serious. It's not cancer, it's not lethal, who cares if you're unable to work? Who cares about someone's life's quality as long as they're not dying? Look up Gaby Olthuis.

Please keep in mind that I have made a generalized suggestion.

I can tell you from professional and personal experience that there is much yo can do about all forms of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

 

[Bam]

Come on, don't act like you've ever looked up anything regarding tinnitus research. Yet you're destroying people's last bit of hope by saying there will never be a treatment in their lifetime. The very first medical treatment is coming out next year, a device by Neuromod based on bimodal stimulation. They're conducting one of the largest randomised double-blind clinical trials to date in tinnitus. So if people like you stopped perpetuating the idea that there will never be a cure, perhaps more people would demand one. We are so close to real treatments! Will you tell people about this device or continue to tell them it's their childhood trauma that's causing heir tinnitus? You know absolutely nothing about tinnitus research yet you talk like you do. It's people like you that are the reason we don't have treatments and too many are left to kill themselves. Thanks for reminding us. And don't worry, we know no one takes this conditions serious. It's not cancer, it's not lethal, who cares if you're unable to work? Who cares about someone's life's quality as long as they're not dying? Look up Gaby Olthuis.

@Autumnly i think I'm a little bit in love with you.

@Dr. J C Miranda ....not so much.

 

[Michael Leigh]

There isn't a cure yet for tinnitus like so many other health conditions. This doesn't mean to say one shouldn't be sought. However, there are many treatments for it that enable people to carry on with their life, doing everything that they want to. I have habituated twice to tinnitus. The first took 2 years and the second 4 years. I had treatment on both occasions. This involved counselling, sound therapy and medication.

One of the main problems affecting some people with tinnitus is the fact that they are looking for a complete cure and don't want to entertain the thought of habituating to the condition with treatment. The result is a negative mindset, spending endless time being miserable and venting one's frustrations on tinnitus forums and other social media platforms. Blaming their government, health professionals and other medical organisations for the disruption and discord that tinnitus has inflicted upon their life.

Michael

 

[Autumnly]

However, there are many treatments for tinnitus that enable people to carry on with their life doing everything that they want to.

That's not possible for everyone with tinnitus, otherwise people wouldn't be so desperate. And what are those "treatments"?? CBT, TRT?? There are no universal medical treatments for tinnitus like a drug or device. I don't want to be cured, just a reduction in volume would be a miracle for me. And developing 1-2 new tones every year gets a bit tiring.

 

[Michael Leigh]

That's not possible for everyone with tinnitus. I don't want to be cured, just a reduction in volume would be a miracle for me. And developing 1-2 new tones every year gets a bit tiring.

I fully agree @Autumnly and advise you to seek treatment if possible. If you are developing new tones as you've mentioned in your post, there is usually a reason for this based on my experience and corresponding with many people with tinnitus. I advise you to get a referral to ENT and also see a Hearing Therapist trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

I wish you well.
Michael

 

[Michael Leigh]

Rough translation.......I don't wish you well at all! I just say that to feel even more superior and rub a little bit more spite in the wounds after belittling you. Michael.

On the contrary @Bam I like @Autumnly and have much respect for her and empathize completely with how she feels for I have been there. On the flip side of that I wish I could say the same for you alas I can't. I find you insolent and lacking any decorum or respect. You use foul and abusive language constantly and have nothing constructive to say or give good advice to anyone on this forum except to complain. Therefore, you will find good company with the other people on my ignore list.

Please be assured I mean every word when I say: I wish you well.
Goodbye and take care.
Michael

 

[Bam]

On the contrary @Bam I like @Autumnly and have much respect for her and empathize completely with how she feels for I have been there. On the flip side of that I wish I could say the same for you alas I can't. I find you insolent and lacking any decorum or respect. You use foul and abusive language constantly and have nothing constructive to say or give good advice to anyone on this forum except to complain. Therefore, you will find good company with the other people on my ignore list.

Please be assured I mean every word when I say: I wish you well.
Goodbye and take care.
Michael

You'll be back Michael. Because without my insolence and foul language habituation on the south coast will seem so fucking dull.

 

[Bam]

@Michael Leigh

I deleted my insolent post so we can be mates again!

 

[Gman]

There isn't a cure yet for tinnitus like so many other health conditions. This doesn't mean to say one shouldn't be sought. However, there are many treatments for it that enable people to carry on with their life, doing everything that they want to. I have habituated twice to tinnitus. The first took 2 years and the second 4 years. I had treatment on both occasions. This involved counselling, sound therapy and medication.

One of the main problems affecting some people with tinnitus is the fact that they are looking for a complete cure and don't want to entertain the thought of habituating to the condition with treatment. The result is a negative mindset, spending endless time being miserable and venting one's frustrations on tinnitus forums and other social media platforms. Blaming their government, health professionals and other medical organisations for the disruption and discord that tinnitus has inflicted upon their life.

Michael

Michael,

People are looking for A treatment. A cure would be icing on the cake. Don't think people are unrealistic. A search for a cure for any condition should be considered the ideal scenario, not just the deal with it or here are some pills, or ineffective antiquated approaches. The negativity is coming from medical clinicians like the OP, who are happy to keep trucking along with how things have always been.

I don't think he will be out of a job, but he needs to brush up on some research and keep current, or he will be shot down on the forum, as above, for being ignorant and thus losing credibility. There are treatments well under way, as you should know if you read the treatment section. Sticking with the status quo is just the wrong attitude to have.

By the way, benzos like clonazepam arent an ideal treatment and shouldn't be considered so.

 

[Vicki14]

There are so many apathetic out-of-date doctors who still happily perform dangerous procedures on patients, such as microsuction.

@Gman I couldn't agree more with you. This procedure resulted in my very mild Tinnitus becoming so much worse with hypercausis thrown in too. Why is this advocated to be the 'safest' form of wax removal? (@Blue28 )

 

[Vicki14]

And I wouldn't recommend anyone wait around for research to provide solutions- this will likely never happen for numerous self serving reasons.

Well, talk about kicking folk when they're down..... this comment ain't entirely helpful to those of us desperate for a slither of hope!

 

[Gman]

@Gman I couldn't agree more with you. This procedure resulted in my very mild Tinnitus becoming so much worse with hypercausis thrown in too. Why is this advocated to be the 'safest' form of wax removal? (@Blue28 )

Unnecessary microsution has compounded my problems too. Some ENTs being oblivious to the fact that having some cerumen in the ear is perfectly normal. Also they're oblivious to freely available research that has found that if clarinetting occurs, sound levels can reach 140db.

Too many clinicians across all disciplines have their heads in the sand, just fattening their wallets, causing untold damage by not understanding what they're doing and not stay up to date.