There Is Much You Can Do for Your Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Lane: Thank you for sharing your experience here. Your case illustrates my point well. Even in the face of a diagnosis like Ototoxic induced tinnitus, in which conventional wisdom would suggest little hope, an MS approach can never the less make a significant difference. Good luck to you.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Bam, et al,: you all have my sincere sympathies. I realize this is a complex problem resulting from several different causes. I am sorry that yours is not one of the more easily treatable forms. I wish you all the best.

 

[Bam]

@Bam, et al,: you all have my sincere sympathies. I realize this is a complex problem resulting from several different causes. I am sorry that yours is not one of the more easily treatable forms. I wish you all the best.

Hey look man you probably had the best intentions but the reality is you've arrived at ground zero here. A lot of us have lost everything to this. Our lives decimated. And we're the 'lucky' ones. We're still alive. Tinnitus can kill people within weeks of starting. Countless previously mentally healthy and well men and women stand in front of trains, leap of bridges and cliffs and stab them selves in the chest after just a matter of weeks. It's like some horror movie plague that drives normal often happy and successful people to end their lives in a heartbeat......You almost couldn't make it up.

A lot of people simply cannot handle the unbelievable stress and fear of constant screaming noise with no hope of a cure, especially on top of other everyday stresses in their lives that we all have.

Until the day comes when their first point of contact (doctor etc) tells them, 'don't worry there is a reliable treatment for that and it will be gone in a few weeks.' Nobody is safe and today, tomorrow and every day of the year somebody will murder themselves to escape it.

And I genuinely mean what I say that after your foray in to this horrendous world you should go back to reality and from here on in be as desperate as us for a cure because you have seen the unvarnished truth of our desperation and suffering.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

Thank you for this explanation. I kinda started to put two and two together after some of the more extreme comments people have made. I realize now that I have only seen the tip of the iceberg. I had no clue that it could be this bad. And I am absolutely shocked that I have never heard about this. Where is the media on this subject matter? What is even more discouraging (as I'm sure you already know) is that many physicians haven't a clue either. I am not an expert on T/H or hearing loss, but because I'm willing to attack any problem and can think outside the box I have experienced a modicum of success that surprised some local ENT's whom had never previously considered physical therapy as an option for these patients. I just wanted to inform people that this can be a viable, effective approach For those who might not otherwise hear about it. Thanks for clueing me in. As I said before, you all have my sincere sympathies... only much more so after after your explanation. Thank you and I hope you all find relief and peace soon.

 

[Gman]

Thus, my pessimism. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings... but, I understand that sometimes the messengers get shot.

But you see, you aren't the messenger. You are not saying anything new. The main issue for me, is that you are coming across as someone who is a bit arrogant (probably unintentionally) and ill informed. Many people on this forum understand the state of research and treatments being developed.

What you are saying about a musculoskeletal approach etc. makes a lot of sense and I tend to agree with it. Perhaps you should stick to talking about this as it is what you know. You have kind of derailed your own thread by trying to speak with authority about things outside of your speciality.

 

[Bam]

Where is the media on this subject matter

It sounds like paranoia but the reality is that in the abscence of a cure the medical profession simply cannot admit the truth of what this can do to people. A lot of doctors are fully aware of the risk of suicide even in mild cases, but most tinnitus deaths slip under the radar because people kill themselves when other factors have come in to play such as heavy depression, alcoholism, financial problems and relationship breakdowns. These issues then provide something of a smokescreen for the 'invisible noise' that began the domino effect.

There is also a powerful coping industry built up around tinnitus (TRT, CBT, Hearing aids etc) that have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo of ALL tinnitus being controlled by positivity and 'ignoring the noise'.

This industry is propped up by the ATA and BTA whose main objective is to not scare people and to try and promote the issue as manageable, until a cure 'comes along', which as you well know may never happen because of the constant downplaying of an invisible and seemingly harmless condition........It's a nasty little catch 22 and we are all caught suffering horribly in the middle.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Bam: I don't think your paranoid at all. Active denial makes a lot more sense than just plain old ignorance. It sounds like SOP for governments and corporations. Deny, deny, lie, obfuscate, attack those who say different, allegedly in the public interest- because people can't handle the truth, while jealously guarding profits or gladly spending trillions on "defense." Earily similar to the situation with Lyme disease. I get it... you all are right to be frustrated and angry. I feel for you man... and I feel powerless in the face of this horrid reality...

 

[GregCA]

Even in the face of a diagnosis like Ototoxic induced tinnitus, in which conventional wisdom would suggest little hope, an MS approach can never the less make a significant difference.

Source?

 

[Bam]

@Bam: I don't think your paranoid at all. Active denial makes a lot more sense than just plain old ignorance. It sounds like SOP for governments and corporations. Deny, deny, lie, obfuscate, attack those who say different, allegedly in the public interest- because people can't handle the truth, while jealously guarding profits or gladly spending trillions on "defense." Earily similar to the situation with Lyme disease. I get it... you all are right to be frustrated and angry. I feel for you man... and I feel powerless in the face of this horrid reality...

We all just got very very unlucky. To get this now when an actual noise ending cure is probably less than 10 years away is frustrating to say the least. Hopefully some of us will get lucky with neuromod or the other stimulation devices. It's just horrible when young lives like @derpytia have been destroyed completely and after 5 years of this she's still left contemplating suicide and feels she has no other option. That's not right and makes me very defensive of anyone downplaying this affliction. And trust me she's not being dramatic at all. She's incredibly strong that girl. This shit brings tough men to their knees in short order......Like poor James Ivor Jones. RIP.

 

[Agrajag364]

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

The word insolent implies lack of respect to a superior Michael which hardly seems to apply to you and @Bam

 

[Greg Sacramento]

Here is one article on "crossover talk".
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686891/

The majority may have tinnitus due to loud noise, but ototoxic drugs may have some cross over as there had to be a physical reason for taking drugs in the first place.

If it's not about massive dead hair cell death only, then mapping and flow charting of the human bio complexes should be a consideration.

How many have physical reasons...…

Would structure therapy - Physical therapy and infection control of neck, spine, face, mouth, jaw help some as single or within tinnitus related crossover talk.... Yes

Tinnitus is different than all other conditions as it can involve anything biometric. Headaches would be next, but drugs taken for headaches can cause tinnitus and tinnitus can cause headaches.

 

[Gman]

@Dr. J C Miranda I've probably insulted you judging by your use of "et al". But I just want to say, finding a doctor who has a holistic approach is next to impossible. Each tends to have a very blinkered approach and even within their own specialities tend to have standard ways of viewing things. Even if there was one with an open mind and who wants to connect the dots, they're limited by what is actually known and/or how much they are willing to research. It's a sad reality.

I used to have immense respect for the medical profession in general, but now since developing this condition, I see how limited and fallible it is. I've had doctors actually make things worse for me (ENTs) when all I wanted was to find out what's going on and try to improve my situation. At best they've been dismissive or just not able to help.

For myself, stress only became a factor since developing T and H because of the added burden on top of everyday stress. Stress didn't cause it, ear wax did and, subsequently, trusting doctors. I find it a bit incredible to think that ear wax triggered everything to unravel for me.

By the way, I am on your side. I have cervical spondylosis and a 3mm herniated cerebellum, that is supposedly nothing according to a neurologist who had to ask his radiologist to Wikipedia what a Chiari malformation is. So, I know there can be musculoskeletal connection.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Dr. J C Miranda I've probably insulted you judging by your use of "et al".

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

The main issue for me, is that you are coming across as someone who is a bit arrogant (probably unintentionally) and ill informed.... Perhaps you should stick to talking about what you know. You have kind of derailed your own thread by trying to speak with authority about things outside of your speciality.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

I use et al., to avoid listing everyone who's concerns I am addressing... nothing more. You offer sage advice. I will strive to cultivate more humility and avoid talking about things out of my expertise.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

Yesterday Dr. Miranda, my wife and self had a speaker phone conversation. He had asked to talk to me by PM. A time was established and he placed the call.

Dr. Miranda was professionally knowledgeable about the entire craniofacial complex and placed importance on structure including possible presence of infection and cause of injury. What does any of this have to with tinnitus - well it's all a very notable cause of tinnitus.

His ideas on treatment, not to delay and how to make doctors understand the urgency and importance of quick and professional care made sense and it was a thorough conversation.

I think we should be pleased to have a medical professional come to this board and freely offer his time and advice on conditions that can relate to tinnitus.

 

[Bam]

Yesterday Dr. Miranda, my wife and self had a speaker phone conversation. He had asked to talk to me by PM. A time was established and he placed the call.

Dr. Miranda was professionally knowledgeable about the entire craniofacial complex and placed importance on structure including possible presence of infection and cause of injury. What does any of this have to with tinnitus - well it's all a very notable cause of tinnitus.

His ideas on treatment, not to delay and how to make doctors understand the urgency and importance of quick and professional care made sense and it was a thorough conversation.

I think we should be pleased to have a medical professional come to this board and freely offer his time and advice on conditions that can relate to tinnitus.

That's a nice outcome Greg. He's come good old Dr Miranda. He bravely stuck around after taking a heavy beating and I believe he will be a good friend and advocate of the T community now.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Dr. J C Miranda I have cervical spondylosis and a 3mm herniated cerebellum, that is supposedly nothing according to a neurologist who had to ask his radiologist to Wikipedia what a Chiari malformation is. So, I know there can be musculoskeletal connection.

 

[Lane]

I believe he will be a good friend and advocate of the T community now.

I have to say, I liked him from the get go, and thought his heart was in the right place--despite appearing to be somewhat underinformed about certain aspects of tinnitus. I really hope he does stick around and contribute here. He seems genuinely interested in doing what he can to help alleviate some of the suffering of tinnitus, AND, is open to learning from us how he might be able to do that. -- Also, I have to give him a lot of credit for graciously accepting some of the pretty harsh (less than gracious) critiques, and not take personal offense. It's a rare individual that's able to do that!

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@Gman: Assuming you have already tried manual physical therapy and that there are no other disorders, it seems likely that your T is due to the Chiari Malformation. You might consider finding a neurosurgeon that specializes in CM, travel if you have to, for a second opinion. Be prepared to advocate for yourself. Seemingly insignificant findings in one person can be terribly impactful, while others may tolerate severe conditions without apparent effect. It is such a basic medical concept that Radiology Reports often include the disclaimer that: " findings need to be corraberated with symptoms" No clinician should make recommendations on the basis of lab results alone.

 

[attheedgeofscience]

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

Given that as much as 90% of tinnitus cases are noise-induced, I am not sure what role a physical therapist might have in providing a resolution. The typical reason a patient might end up in the hands of a chiropractor or physiotherapist is that ENTs are unable to diagnose a (noise-induced) tinnitus patient reliably. This results in a false-negative-diagnosis-situation due to factors such as hidden hearing loss. And eventually, the patient is discharged and ends up exploring other irrelevant treatment options.

 

[Lane]

Given that as much as 90% of tinnitus cases are noise-induced

Not to be disagreeable, but I don't think that 90% figure is accurate. I've read lots of case of it being caused by ototoxic drugs, hearing loss from normal aging, ear infections, TMJ misalignments, allergies, sinus infections, dental problems, traumas to the face/head, and more.

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

@attheedgeofscience:

I agree that an accurate diagnosis is critical.. unfortunately these can be elusive. My thought was to point out to the 10% wandering around in this forum oblivious to the role that their musculoskeletal system might play in their tinnitus.

I don't think you should be skeptical about the reasons why your ENT might refer you to a physical therapist. If a competent ENT has effectively ruled out all other types of Tinnitus (or failed to confirm other types), then it makes sense they consider the MS component. Indeed, my success treating T likely has everything to do with the ENT effectively excluding other causes for T.

But, I don't think manual physical therapy should be a last resort. If there is any ambivalence or doubt as to the source of your T, you should consider ruling out MS problems before trying more risky or invasive procedures that may exacerbate or create more symptoms. Physical therapy is very safe, non-invasive, non-toxic and cost effective treatment. And it only takes a couple of treatments to determine if it will benefit you or not.

Acute and chronic MS problems such as spinal degeneration, TMJD, shoulder injuries, MVA, poor posture, stress, muscle tension, anxiety can sometimes, alone or in combination cause T or predispose you to it. So, if you have idiopathic T and any of these risk factors are present it may be worthwhile to address them. If you can improve/resolve any of these risk factors there is a good chance you can lessen the severity of T if not eliminate it altogether.

 

[Agrajag364]

@Lane: Thank you for sharing your experience here. Your case illustrates my point well. Even in the face of a diagnosis like Ototoxic induced tinnitus, in which conventional wisdom would suggest little hope, an MS approach can never the less make a significant difference. Good luck to you.

As the physical therapist can you recommend any exercises that can help tinnitus?

 

[Dr. J C Miranda]

This becomes tricky for a number of reasons... 1) I can not recommend specific exercises for an individual without first evaluating them and determining what is safe and beneficial. 2) in a public format such as this, There is always the chance that someone, other than the person I am addressing, can injure themselves following my advice and I can expose my self to liability. 3) Exercises will be most effective in combination with treatment. Treatment that targets and reduces pain, spasms, trigger points that in turn will allow you to exercise those structures in the first place. 4) recommendations for non-specific, generalized exercise if innefective can only serve to discourage people from seeking proper care for their condition.

Having said that: I always encourage people to exercise, it is relatively safe and almost always very beneficial. Anyone can benefit from neck & shoulder stretches to increase/maintain range of motion and decrease muscle tension, as well as cardiovascular (endurance) exercise to mitigate/control muscle spasms **to your tolerance**. YouTube these terms for more specific exercises at your discretion. And of course, always consult with your physician to make sure you are healthy enough to begin a new exercise regimen. I hope this helps.

 

[Emperor-Drax]

Well I lost six kilos in the last two months by just doing yard work.

 

[Codaz]

Given that as much as 90% of tinnitus cases are noise-induced, I am not sure what role a physical therapist might have in providing a resolution. The typical reason a patient might end up in the hands of a chiropractor or physiotherapist is that ENTs are unable to diagnose a (noise-induced) tinnitus patient reliably. This results in a false-negative-diagnosis-situation due to factors such as hidden hearing loss. And eventually, the patient is discharged and ends up exploring other irrelevant treatment options.

I strongly disagree. What about meniere's disease, ototoxity, hormone related tinnitus, head injury etc. Those are not noise induced. And not 10%.