Thinking About Using a Drill Bit :)

[DrOctane]

Hello,

In February 2014, I woke up from a nap with this high pitch noise that was quite loud. Being a problem solver, I was determined to find the source of this sound. I looked all over our home but was left stumped. I soon realized it was in my head equally coming from both left and right sides. As any other 42 year old man worth his salt, I dismissed it and figured a little time and dirt will resolve the issue. Now it's been well over 2 years (I'm 44 now), visits to ENT and local specialists, listen to many different tones/sounds and still no change. Any change..up, down, left or right would help..but no dice.

I find myself to be very patient (got 5 kids and 2 grand kids) and have a lot of mental control, but this is starting eat at me. I'm having issues concentrating and this is not good as a network engineer..brain is having to work much harder and im mentally wore out. I'm sure the lack of sleep not helping either.

Me and my wife are considering finding a real specialist with this, even if we have to travel. The measured sound is 10.2khz at roughly 91db and I've tried what my docs and great sites have suggested to habituate my tinnitus, but things are not going my way.

I'm asking for guidance because I've found a lot of great and down to earth folks on this site after reading several threads. I have also had several major surgeries and have had my feel of crazy medications and I'm willing to share anything I could that would help.

This year something weird happened and yes it's weird. I had another MRI done for my spine and a CT on my stomach this week. Both of those recent scans used contrast dye and both times the pitch changed and made a scratch sound, but just for a second or two then went back to normal tone. I tried to research that and didn't come up with anything.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopes to hear back

DrOctane

 

[Samantha R]

Hello Dr Octane.
Welcome to Tinnitus Talk!
This forum is absolutely amazing, a great source of information and support.
Unfortunately there is no 'cure' for tinnitus as it currently stands.
We've had members here try stem cells, one member has had her tinnitus reduced by taking the anti depressant Nortryptaline. Some people try natural remedies, others share their tips on mindfulness and their journeys to habituation.
Your tinnitus sounds very loud, I can understand how this is mentally draining and you want something done about it.
Explore these forums and you will definitely get some hints and tips.
All the best,
Sam.

 

[billie48]

Me and my wife are considering finding a real specialist with this, even if we have to travel.

Since you have your T for 2 years and still struggling to habituate, you may want to look into CBT, TRT, and mindfulness. There are trained therapists offering these services, and two of the doctors in the Doctor's Corner are specialized in these areas. Perhaps you can contact them for recommendation. Have your tried taking supplements such as Magnesium, Zinc, NAC, B12, D3 etc. and have you tried the diet change route to see if it will help? Diet change usually involves eating healthily, staying away from excess salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, MSG etc. Also have you done masking on your T?

 

[MikeL1972]

Hey DrOctane,

Welcome aboard!

It is rather interesting that your tinnitus came out of the blue. Were you exposed to any sort of noise trauma, taking medications with possible side effects, been on a flight, been sick, or experienced stress and anxiety prior to the onset of tinnitus?

 

[lolkas]

@DrOctane hey man, i feel you! Network Engineer as well and am struggling trying to concentrate, etc.

So far - i am in same position as you, just am much younger with no kids lol. Best that keeps me going is knowledge that i need to make money for cure when it comes out since it wint be cheap, so im trying to stay as busy as i can

 

[linearb]

err, 91db? Are you sure about that? Something that loud would make it almost impossible to hear any ambient noise/people talking/etc. How was this measured?

 

[Alue]

err, 91db? Are you sure about that? Something that loud would make it almost impossible to hear any ambient noise/people talking/etc. How was this measured?

Yeah, unless it's measured (matched) in a sound proof booth with thresholds established (dbsl), then estimations don't mean anything. Maybe he means it takes 91db to mask it, which is still pretty loud.