Tinnitus for a Few Weeks — Changing

[Ivkopivko]

Hello everyone,

I don't really know where to start, but I'll try. I'm new both new into the forum and tinnitus. I've never imagined before, that something like tinnitus exists until It actually happened to me and I'm most probably going to be a "chosen" one to live with it ...

I have to say that I'm not native English speaker and I have a lot to learn. My story is short yet, but I'll try to explain and maybe kindly ask you for opinions/tips.

My tinnitus suddenly started on 2nd of April 2019, few weeks ago. I just returned from lunch crowded with my colleagues to the office, suddenly the ringing was there and I asked: Can you hear that kind of old TV high pitch noise? No one confirmed, then I knew I have a problem.... It took me few days to "realize" that It won't go away by itself and It's going to stay with me, so this is my story in short>

• 5.4.2019 - Visited ENT specialist - did all of the checks including tympano/tinnitometry and stated, that unfortunately everything in outer and middle ear seems to be fine and issue is most probably in internal year, which is bad. I got Betaserc 2x3, Prednisone 1x1 20mg, Quamatel (for stomach) 1x1 for 10 days, than lower Betaserc 1x3, Prednisone 1x1 10mg for 5 days and 1x5mg last 5 days.

• 8.4.2019 - RTG of Cervical spine - no issues/negative finding

• 10.4.2019 - Sonography of carotids - everything related to blood flow all right/negative finding
  
  
• 15.4.2019 - Audiometry - no hearing loss/standard (5 dB mostly, 10dB max attenuation - was told that everything under 20 dB is pretty normal. I have no hearing issue/degradation (negative finding?)
  
  
• 18.4.2019 - Neurologic examination - pretty normal, slight issue with hitting my forefingers with closed eyes in front of my head, I didn't make it 2 times (missed about 0.5cm) and that day I tried again and got it 5/5 in a row right. I was told that It's nothing serious, some can do it, some not/negative. Most of my friends could not do it either on the first try (not sure if negative finding, or I have issue with my nervous system)

• I'm now waiting for MRI that will happen on 7.5.2019

I took drugs as prescribed and guess what. My ENT that I visited in the beginning said that if pitch/tinnitus will change itself, it's actually very good sign and guess what - after one week I was able to sleep normally the whole night, after two weeks I got constantly better (less noticeable hiss and less intense ringing) and twice, I had a feeling for short time (30 minutes or 1 hour) that it's completely gone.

In the beginning I felt that my ears are more sensitive, some sounds felt uncomfortable and this sense overall improved that I was able to sit in the room where people were singing with no tinnitus increase/intense pitch afterwards.

UNTIL

I met with one friend that arrived with motorcycle. That motorcycle had very loud exhaust. As I'm new into tinnitus and since it started I didn't attend any concert or very loud events, I didn't realize it can cause increase/spike and followed by without single minute of sleep came afterwards

I have to say with intensity, pitch, sensitivity of loud noise I'm where I was in the beginning.
If I knew that I should protect my ears, I would have but I had no idea it will affect me that badly.

I visited ENT after sleepless nights. They raised Prednisone again to 5 days 20mg, 3 days 10mg and 3 days 5mg, then stop. Does this meat I missed my one and only chance to get better? Is this going to stay bad or if I will follow patterns as before, shall I again get possible relief?

I didn't have any head/neck injuries, I don't have any disease, I'm healthy person, I was running 2x per week and exercised 1-2x per week. I used to listen music via plugs but not on exceeded level and was into motorsports, loud exhausts and so on but only few days per year and protected my hearing with plugs, but clearly it was not sufficient protection...

The only thing that comes to my mind - 1-2 days before the tinnitus started when I ran I was blasted by very cold strong wind (weather changed during the day, from sunny and warm to strong cold wind) and I got a blast from this.

Many thanks for any suggestions/replies.

 

[Sevv]

I feel for you man. I feel absolutely the same way. I was a dumb idiot not thinking about the loudness of a concert. When my ears starting hurting somewhat from the overall noise level, I also did the valsalva maneuver that probably wrecked havoc in my ears (so, I was careful too, but took a wrong decision). That was two weeks ago. I recently went to the forest too and didn't think that ticks might make me take ototoxic antibiotics. So you see, it is difficult to see all possible factors that might cause you harm, that is just part of life.

I can unfortunately only tell what others have said: In most cases, it gets better. Spikes (increase in pitch/volume etc9 are seldom permanent, but can take weeks or even months to subside.

What I can say is that you should stay active and not fall into a spiral of depression. It is ok to think about your tinnitus, but also ask yourself: I know the situation is difficult, but what would I like to do now? It can be a walk, a nice meal, a TV series, whatever. All that helps. I know it's difficult, because in the beginning your confronted with such a big change in your life. You have to change routines and maybe even hobbies, but with time, you will get to like these new routines and hobbies. It gets easier and easier, even if it is hard to believe in the beginning.

I wish you all the best.

 

[winstona]

We are here for you friend. I got my tinnitus from a loud concert and then I worsen it by using water to clean my ears. It was like the end of the world when the T suddenly increased to a point where it blasted away 7/24. But the good news is it will get better. I did for me so I think it will for you too!

Use common sense from now on and protect your ears whenever you can. Our ears are very sensitive when they are hurt and it heals slowly.

I hope you will get better soon!

 

[Ivkopivko]

I can unfortunately only tell what others have said: In most cases, it gets better. Spikes (increase in pitch/volume etc9 are seldom permanent, but can take weeks or even months to subside.

Many thanks for reaction/answer, I really appreciate!

It fortunately lasted only few hours, it got better next morning and stayed on the acceptable level.
I'm very sad because my hearing is again kind of more sensitive, I can see some more "additional/whistling" noises over the normal stuff like typing to keyboard or discussion at work.

This was already sorted out after in week 2-3 after initial onset. Also I was less and less sensitive to loud environments as well, this is now gone / back again on the beginning...

What I can say is that you should stay active and not fall into a spiral of depression.

It's now much harder as I was partly "there", I mean - tinnitus was lowest ever 0,5-1 / 10 the day when the motorcycle incident appeared and I could stay also in crowded loud place like pub without spikes or distortions.

I know this will sound most probably desparately, but do you think It shall be "healed back" to the state before spike, or the loud motorcycle was one-shot-only incident and its too late...

 

[Ivkopivko]

We are here for you friend.
Use common sense from now on and protect your ears whenever you can. Our ears are very sensitive when they are hurt and it heals slowly.
I hope you will get better soon!

Thank you sincerely for your kind words! It's nice to see that much welcoming community.

Before the motorcycle incident my hearing started to sound much less distorted (no additional hissing) and I wasn't that sensitive for loud noises. After almost 3 weeks, I had one of best days so far - T wasn't noticeable during the day, I visited also office to compare days on the beginning (the moment when I asked If anyone hears the old TV) and the TV "wasn't there" anymore...

I hate myself for that day I didn't cover my ears or didn't realize that it can hurt my ears once again.
I really felt that I was almost there (few days with low T in a row and no sensitivity for loud noises at all) and now again the same!

Do you thing I missed my one and only chance to get where I was before or Is this going to stay for now or if I will follow patterns as before, shall I again get possible relief? I understand I'm asking for divination, but maybe someone has experience with such a situation.

Cheers!

 

[Sevv]

Your T went down very quickly, so my opinion is that there is again a lot of possibility for rapid improvement. I am also one of these fortunate souls who has quick improvement, it went down from a 3/10 average to a 1/10 average in just two weeks (with blissful bouts of near silence).
I'm also glad that you shared your story. I thought about it in the past few days and made me remember that I still have to be super cautious with my hearing. I owe it to be careful to all these people that do not get a chance of improvement in months or even years..

 

[GSC]

I don't know if you missed your one shot, or not, but if it makes you feel any better, people experienced setbacks, but still progressively have fading and betterment of Tinnitus. Don't stress on it, don't let your mind latch onto a mistake you can't blame yourself for since you didn't know about the dangers. From now on, try and be more diligent with avoiding motorcycles, loud cars, planes flying over head and such.

 

[winstona]

Thank you sincerely for your kind words! It's nice to see that much welcoming community.

Before the motorcycle incident my hearing started to sound much less distorted (no additional hissing) and I wasn't that sensitive for loud noises. After almost 3 weeks, I had one of best days so far - T wasn't noticeable during the day, I visited also office to compare days on the beginning (the moment when I asked If anyone hears the old TV) and the TV "wasn't there" anymore...

I hate myself for that day I didn't cover my ears or didn't realize that it can hurt my ears once again.
I really felt that I was almost there (few days with low T in a row and no sensitivity for loud noises at all) and now again the same!

Do you thing I missed my one and only chance to get where I was before or Is this going to stay for now or if I will follow patterns as before, shall I again get possible relief? I understand I'm asking for divination, but maybe someone has experience with such a situation.

Cheers!

Don't beat yourself up on this. No one would be able to anticipate something like that unless you have suffered from it.

You now have a sense of how sensitive your ears can be, eventually you will have a feel of exactly when your ears need protection. I am in the camp that believes overprotection is not the answer but you need to strike a balance.

I wear earplugs only when it's absolutely necessary. I don't wear them when I watch a movie but I wear them when I mow the lawn. I also believe that my ears were a lot more sensitive when I first got tinnitus compared to now so I can be a lot less protective than say a year ago. I think our ears as they slowly repair themselves will get less and less prone to get injured and therefore, do not require as much protection for everyday noises then before.

But for loud noises like a loud concert, I would avoid them at all cost in the first 6 months to a year. Just use common sense and you will be fine.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I have to say with intensity, pitch, sensitivity of loud noise I'm where I was in the beginning.

I am sorry that you had suffered a setback. I had something similar happen to me - improvement for three months, followed by an acoustic trauma due to a loud phone. That had set me back where I was in the beginning, and it took over three months for that spike to be over.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't panic. Most spikes are temporary spikes and temporary spikes can last months. Unless you don't experience any fading after 4-6 weeks, it makes sense to assume the spike is temporary.

Do what you can to protect your ears, as of course those temporary spikes are Not promoting healing. Avoid all noise that gives you spikes as well as any noise that doesn't feel right to your ears. Listen to the signals given to you by your own body. You might even consider staying away from the moderate noises like that of a vacuum cleaner, power tools, lawn mowers, and hair dryers. Perhaps two years from now you will feel much better and could experiment with introducing those noises back into your life, but it makes to give your body a chance to heal first.

Check out the posts below as they are related to your question:

I didn't read all the above comments, but did peruse a fair amount of it, and ran across many good points on both sides of the argument. What strikes me is there seems to be an underlying assumption (of course I may be wrong on this) that all brains and neurological systems are created equal. The way I see it, that's simply not the case, so everybody's way of dealing with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis is going to have to be highly individualized.

I read a book many years ago called "Adrenal Syndrome". A lot of the book touched on the residual resiliency of people's adrenal glands as they respond to life's stresses. Very low resiliency often resulted in months/years of chronic debilitating exhaustion following a stressful event(s) in their lives. Very high resiliency indicated essentially the opposite. The author broke this down into some rough numbers:

25% of people have low resiliency, meaning normal life stressors will often send them into some degree of a tailspin.
25% of people have high resiliency, meaning that no matter how severe a stressor comes into their lives, they will be able to cope without becoming debilitated to any degree.
50% of people fall somewhere inbetween.

I believe there are some kind of corresponding numbers for a person's brain and neurological resiliency as well, which can greatly affect the ability to cope with tinnitus. (I believe adrenal resiliency also plays a major role in our ability to cope). -- Based on these assumptions, it's pretty easy for me to conclude that what may be overprotection for one person will be underprotection for another, and vice versa.

I think the main point to understand for someone new to tinnitus is that their path forward is going to be a lot of "testing the waters". Generally, IMHO, it's going to take a few weeks or months to get important insights that will help us achieve a healthy balance. In all likelihood, most people are going to learn from experience when their over-protecting or under-protecting.

I've come to believe however, that in those early months, if one is going to err in either direction, it should be toward overprotection. It just seems to me the consequences of underprotection (which could result in permanent injury) in those early times are much more dire than the consequences of overprotection--which as I understand, generally results in temporary setbacks.

Doing a number of things to better support the brain and neurological system and the body's stress response (adrenal glands) is quite high on my list of recommendations I would make to anybody with tinnitus. Doing so might even prevent phonophobia or OCD, etc., as we go through our learning curves -- Just my 2 cents worth.

Relative newbies to tinnitus are likely to find all the information/opinions above quite confusing. So here are a few common-sense rules to follow:

1. The best protection of all is avoidance. Even the best earplugs can't guarantee complete hearing protection so those relatively new to tinnitus are best advised to avoid prolonged loud noise exposure - especially amplified sound at for example live concerts and sports events. This may involve lifestyle changes.

2. When in doubt, use hearing protection. In the many tasks we all do through the week, some will inevitably involve exposure to noise - which may be at higher levels than we at first realise - so using hearing protection for many of these is only sensible.

3. Build quiet into your day. It's not a good idea to be wearing hearing protection all the time - so you need to give your ears a break by ensuring that there will be quieter times during your day when hearing protection isn't necessary.This may involve changing your routine. Use soft masking noise and light music (not using headphones) to avoid "silence" where tinnitus is most noticeable.

4. Don't stress about stress. Tinnitus newbies are forever being told that the thing which makes tinnitus worse is stress. But while it's true that how you are feeling at a particular moment can make tinnitus temporarily louder, it won't have a lasting effect. But prolonged loud noise exposure can make tinnitus permanently louder. So don't stress about stress - but do be concerned about noise.

Also check out
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...eone-else-who-has-tinnitus.26850/#post-307822
There are many useful tips there, including links to polls regarding duration of temporary spikes.

By the way, you also don't want to protect your ears 24/7 and be scared of all sound. This can become debilitating, so please be careful.

It is likely that your T will eventually resume fading and that within eventually (could take 2 years or longer) you will get to the "can hear it only in quiet rooms" stage, or even get to hear silence again.

There are also a number of potential cures that ought to be available soon, so don't despair.

Hearing Regeneration Trials

Spoiler

Frequency Therapeutics - FX-322
in Phase 1.5 (Results: December 2018)
Phase 2 (begin 2019)
Audion / Regain Trial
Phase 1/2 ongoing in the UK
Genvec / Novartis - CGF166
Phase 1/2 ongoing

Trials to begin in 2019 / Things to look out for in 2019

Spoiler

Neuromod (MuteButton)
launching their new device in January 2019 starting in Ireland, then Europe, then the US
results of their latest trial: 1H2019
Xenon Pharma - XEN-1101
Phase 2, expected to wrap up in 2nd quarter 2020
Frequency Therapeutics
Phase 2
Otonomy
1H19: OTO-313 (reduce tinnitus) Phase 1/2
1H19: OTO-413 (repairing synaptic damage) Phase 1/2
OTO-6XX (hair cell regeneration)
2H18: candidate selection
2019: Phase 1/2
University of Minnesota (device for tinnitus)
Phase 3 ?
University of Michigan (device for tinnitus)
perhaps updates on their currently ongoing trial
Estimated Primary Completion Date: September 2022
Estimated Study Completion Date: January 2023

You are living through the toughest phase. There is a good chance that it will get better for you.

 

[Arseny]

Your best bet is to do HBOT with Ginkgo Biloba and Betaserc.

Your dosage of Prednisone is too low to give you any significant improvements. Since you didn't have any acoustic traumas/infections/ototoxic drugs the chances that it's going to do anything for you are very low, because you need to have recent hearing loss in order for it to actually work. It also can give you horrible side effects and in your situation it's just not worth it.

If your tinnitus is bilateral (in both ears) you should seriously consider the risks of getting an MRI since they are extremely loud. MRIs are typically done when your tinnitus is unilateral (in one ear) to rule out acoustic neuroma or doctors have other suspicions.
I had tinnitus in left ear with unexplained high frequency hearing loss (only in the left ear) and had an MRI done with earplugs and earmuffs and it had CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES.
You can search this forum and will discover that many people end up with much worse tinnitus after an MRI.
Since your tinnitus has a tendency to react to loud sounds it's very risky. You should get a CT scan instead if you're nervous about something happening in the brain. It's a good starting point to rule out some things, but most likely it will come back clear.

Also you should read about Temporary Threshold Shift.
Basically if you're exposed to loud sounds you get temporary hearing loss for a few days to weeks. Most of the people recover within 2-3 days. However if you continue to expose your ears to loud sounds while you have temporary threshold shift it will become permanent threshold shift (permanent hearing loss).

This also explains why your tinnitus spiked.
So after situations like with that motorcycle exhaust you should use earplugs EVERYWHERE outside your house for at least 3-4 days. Also there are studies that show that damaged hearing gets damaged more easily so you need to keep that in mind.

P.S. Tinnitus made me give up motorcycles... I had plans to travel around Europe on a bike this Summer. I hope hearing loss restoration and treatments like Lenire and will allow us to return to our normal lives.

 

[Ivkopivko]

I wouldn't have thought that this thread would receive this much attention. It really helps me to cope with this situation, even my girlfriend seems to be interested in it - she's super cute and is aware of the severity - I'm so happy for her. I'll try sort all my thoughts in this without separate quoting, as in your answers you're giving similar advice (which I'm thankful for).

By the way, I'm using now (from the motorcycle spike) ear plugs and protecting myself when outside on the loud street, or places like markets and similar venues crowded with children and some background music/narrators - so I'm kind of following what all of you suggested. I already saw a few stories there about possibly negative effect of overprotection, my plan is to wear them about a week and then I'll try to go for a walk/street without them to see what's going on.
As I said, the last day before incident was super quiet and my ears were not sensitive at all = the night before we were sitting in a room where guy with accordion/harmonica was singing very loud (he was almost shouting) and my ears were fine without spike afterwards. That's also the reason why I felt good about my tinnitus that it is not coming from ear abuse over time, but maybe inflammation or other temporary-related condition.

I had a great sleep and very quiet morning on today, maybe one of quietest so far from the beginning of my tinnitus and day is quite fine too, I hope it will stay at about this level for next few days and possibly go better and better.

I don't know what to think about it, but to stay on the safe side I pushed away my expectations that this nightmare will end in the next few months for me.​

Your best bet is to do HBOT with Ginkgo Biloba and Betaserc.

If your tinnitus is bilateral (in both ears) you should seriously consider the risks of getting an MRI since they are extremely loud. MRIs are typically done when your tinnitus is unilateral (in one ear) to rule out acoustic neuroma or doctors have other suspicions.
I had tinnitus in left ear with unexplained high frequency hearing loss (only in the left ear) and had an MRI done with earplugs and earmuffs and it had CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES.
You can search this forum and will discover that many people end up with much worse tinnitus after an MRI.​

Oh shit - that was my plan to wear both - I have foam earplugs that has 36 dB attenuation and was hoping that ear muffs will bring another 20-30 dB ... now I don't know if I should cancel the MRI as I received lucky-soon date compared to the usual waiting time. It's requested also by my neurologist and by my ENT doctor.
​

Your best bet is to do HBOT with Ginkgo Biloba and Betaserc.
P.S. Tinnitus made me give up motorcycles... I had plans to travel around Europe on a bike this Summer. I hope hearing loss restoration and treatments like Lenire and will allow us to return to our normal lives.

I can totally feel you:
I planned to attend few summer music festivals and do my hobby - motorsport with my hobby car, thaw is well prepared for season and it will stay parked for this year for sure or will be sold later based on how this will go further with my tinnitus.
For now - I can forget to even go for a couple of beer with friends on Friday night to mid-loud environment, or with plugs and won't hear the conversation. This is what bothers me the most.

Regarding to possible cures/treatments - will at least one of them work to suppress the tinnitus or to promote healing of our destroyed cells so far, or will be anything available for general use/buy, shared with ENT doctors or clinics on the horizon in the next 12-24 months?

 

[Bill Bauer]

ossibly negative effect of overprotection

Underprotection is also a thing:
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/learn-from-others-mistakes.29437/

 

[Ivkopivko]

Hello,

So I've decided to stick with earplugs (26dB SNR to at least hear what do people talk about around me) while outside in heavy traffic, or just for sure (dog barking, child screaming, accidental horn of car/truck and overly noisy place - for example I've been in pub with 80-85dB noise)

I found myself sensitive for certain sounds as loud doors, horns, dish clicking and so on. The first days after "motorcycle incident" and setback It was worse (could not handle anything above 65-70dB), but now after a week and 2 days I can handle anything up to 80dB so far - I'm praying this improves over time!
I also purchased pair of those https://www.earpeace.com/ - I just want to hear people/sound around me clearer compared to classic foam earplugs and also be protected, which should be possible with included acoustic filters 11, 17 and 26dB.

I will attend MRI on the beginning of next week, I'm prepared with 37dB earplugs and they will also provide additional earmuffs, so I believe it should be fine until MRI won't produce something noise above 120dB level.

Today It was my last dose of Prednison ... there I'm going to seek for your help/experience/advices.
I have 2 options how to proceed

1. Vasodilatation treatment - infusions 5days on the morning (HCT and Canviton)
2. HBOT - 2,4 atmosphere 10-15x for 2 hours/day
   

I would like to do the both, but It's not recommended to mix both terapies at the same time.
What is your opinion, which one could be more benefical, or which one should be first and which second?

I have a co-worker and his mom suffered from T - she went to ENT after almost 3 whole months of T (she didn't know what to do and was thinking it will go away) and after a month after infusions, T suddenly went away.

It's not about money, It's more about common sense, higher chance for success and also I don't have to mention how time-consuming both of them are. I also got Zinc, B-complex, Magnesium and some other supplements - but I'm aware this is more placebo.

Many thanks!

 

[Ivkopivko]

I'll use this thread as a journal for me.

So I'm still wearing plugs, I just decided to not underestimate sudden things like bus/heavy traffic horns, dogs barking and kids screaming. Not sure if this is helpful for recovery as there are a few opinions/threads that overprotecting is not good either.

As my ENT said that infusions are really last-shot try, I started HBOT - 2 hours, 3x30min 100% oxygen inhalation, tomorrow It will be dive nr. 3. I would love to share anything worthy, but I didn't notice any effects so far.

My hyperacusis is getting better, I can stand sounds that weren't possible 2 weeks ago.
My tinnitus is quieter again, I had 3 days in a row at let's say 1 - 1,5/10, today occasionally higher at 2/10, but now It's okay. Definitely much better and less intrusive compared my first 2 weeks from the onset and while taking prednisone.

I'm determined to do everything possible to try Lenire by Neuromod once it is available with positive feedback from sufferers, I'm kind of hyped and I hope it won't be a scam. If it works, I will consider us lucky to get tinnitus at a time when something to suppress it will be available for the first time.

To be honest, I still can't cope with the fact that this happened to me (us). I'll rather be slightly deaf with no ringing and loud noise sensitivity, than hear everything perfectly with ringing and hyperacusis, possible spikes and real change of worsening. This is really killing me and my always cheerful personality.

 

[winstona]

My tinnitus is quieter again, I had 3 days in a row at let's say 1 - 1,5/10, today occasionally higher at 2/10, but now It's okay. Definitely much better and less intrusive compared my first 2 weeks from the onset and while taking prednisone.

Thanks for sharing this with Us! There's no better news than your T staying low for 3 days in a row! I don't want to jump the gun but yours may simply fade away sooner than later!

 

[LugPaul]

It's good that you're staying on top of the medical examinations. Since you're noticing changes in pitch so early after the tinnitus onset, it's likely that it will be gone shortly.

 

[Ivkopivko]

I don't want to jump the gun but yours may simply fade away sooner than later!

My wish ... the only wish ... but reality will be most probably different, you will see, I'm not that lucky.
I'll avoid shooting and guns also If it's gone for sure.

It's good that you're staying on top of the medical examinations. Since you're noticing changes in pitch so early after the tinnitus onset, it's likely that it will be gone shortly.

Well, It's more than 6 weeks as now, my feeling is that It won't go this way, as I clearly has "something damaged" as my tinnitus isn't very predictable now. I completed short list of last few days how it develops.

My observations from last few days (yeah, trying to keep a record of days):

1.5 - normal (let's say 2/10)
2.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
3.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10)
4.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
5.5 - normal (2.5/10)
6.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 1st (1-1.5/10)
7.5 - quieter than usual HBOT 2nd (1-1.5/10)
8.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
9.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 3rd - afterwards for 2-3 hours no tinnitus at all, came back at afternoon but stayed quieter than usual for rest of the day
10.5 - normal, HBOT 4th (2/10)
11.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
12.5/today - normal (2/10)

• quieter 6x, normal 4x, louder 2x from last 12 days, maybe looks promising
• mornings are usually quietest part of the day, expect "normal or louder days
• quality and length of sleep does not affect my tinnitus on next day
• alcohol/coffee/food/physical activity does not affect my tinnitus level on next day

For me, It's currently totally unpredictable and I didn't find anything how I should keep my tinnitus lower.

I also want to mention - last few days I started to add more "intrusive" sounds, or in other words, less using earplugs as I found myself I'm not that sensitive as 2 weeks ago on them, short list:

• stopped with earplugs when Shutting entry doors (approx 80 dB), doesn't bother anymore, didn't spike afterwards
• stopped wearing earplugs when doing dishes (clinging), doesn't bother anymore, didn't spike afterwards
• stopped wearing earplugs while driving (May 10th did 3 hours driving, approx 65-70 dB with radio), didn't spike afterwards
• cooking in loud kitchen helping my GF yesterday about 3 hours in ~ 75 dB, didn't spike
  
• was watching hockey on TV with volume "as before" few times, didn't spike afterwards
• was playing guitar (75 dB), didn't spike yet (will see later).

One more thing, I'll be happy If you can share your patterns It they're similar with mine.
Every single time when I'm exposed to loud noise (busy traffic, pub, watching TV or listening music trough radio, along with it my tinnitus intensifies as well (If I plug my ears, I can notice It's much louder) and once I'm back to quiet, It goes down back to baseline that is usual for that day.

Is this called "Reactive Tinnitus"? Why is that, do I have damaged nerves/cells in my ear, or it might something to do with my brain, sound path or other? I had read some threads there and It seems that others has just constant noise no matter what they're doing/what they're listening to, or is that just my assumption?
I have 6 more HBOT to do (will be completed on Friday next week) and then I'll decide if I go for 5 more.

Thank you for your interest and possible answers.​

 

[Yuri_ol]

@Ivkopivko

On the second month of my tinnitus mornings were quiet time.
But now on the third month mornings are the loudest time in a day. Level of 1-2/10.

My hearing is also good.

 

[Ivkopivko]

@Ivkopivko

On the second month of my tinnitus mornings were quiet time.
But now on the third month mornings are the loudest time in a day. Level of 1-2/10.

My hearing is also good.

Interesting pattern. Where did you get the audiogram from 8 kHz above? I could not find an ENT with this capability yet and would be also interested to see my result.

By the way, relevant to my previous post - last 24-48 hours there is another change in my tinnitus.
Previously, I heard mostly high-pitch hissing (old television turned on, approx 12,5 kHz to 13 kHz) and "eeeeeeee" in right ear.

My current observation is that "eeeeeee" is less noticeable, I need to search for it in quiet or in head with side on the pillow. My high-pitch TV hissing - no change in volume, but It's more like sand dropping to the plate that hissing/noise of TV. Very interesting.

 

[Yuri_ol]

Interesting pattern. Where did you get the audiogram from 8 kHz above? I could not find an ENT with this capability yet and would be also interested to see my result.

By the way, relevant to my previous post - last 24-48 hours there is another change in my tinnitus.
Previously, I heard mostly high-pitch hissing (old television turned on, approx 12,5 kHz to 13 kHz) and "eeeeeeee" in right ear.

My current observation is that "eeeeeee" is less noticeable, I need to search for it in quiet or in head with side on the pillow. My high-pitch TV hissing - no change in volume, but It's more like sand dropping to the plate that hissing/noise of TV. Very interesting.

Audiogram from 8 kHz above is a legacy of the Soviet Union (in my city it cost $4-$8 capital of UA).

My tinnitus is like some sand dropping on a plate or some electric sound - it is a bit difficult to explain.

 

[Bill Bauer]

1.5 - normal (let's say 2/10)
2.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
3.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10)
4.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
5.5 - normal (2.5/10)
6.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 1st (1-1.5/10)
7.5 - quieter than usual HBOT 2nd (1-1.5/10)
8.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
9.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 3rd - afterwards for 2-3 hours no tinnitus at all, came back at afternoon but stayed quieter than usual for rest of the day
10.5 - normal, HBOT 4th (2/10)
11.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
12.5/today - normal (2/10)

What seems to matter the most is the monthly, and not the daily, trend...

 

[Ivkopivko]

1.5 - normal (let's say 2/10)
2.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
3.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10)
4.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
5.5 - normal (2.5/10)
6.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 1st (1-1.5/10)
7.5 - quieter than usual HBOT 2nd (1-1.5/10)
8.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
9.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 3rd - afterwards for 2-3 hours no tinnitus at all, came back at afternoon but stayed quieter than usual for rest of the day
10.5 - normal, HBOT 4th (2/10)
11.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
12.5/today - normal (2/10)

at that day, my ringing has changed a little from high-pitch "eeeeeee" to sound like dropping the sand on metal tray. "eeee" is still there, but occasionally 30% of time, less noticeable, only in quiet.

13.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 5x hardly noticable at work/in the quiet office.
14.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 6x
15.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 7x
16.5 - louder (3-3.5/10), HBOT 8x, been in loud environment - 75-80db 2 hours - no spike afterwards
17.5 - normal (2.5/10) - HBOT 9x
18.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10), been in loud gathering afternoon, dog barking close to my head, no spike afterwards
19.5 - normal (2.5/10), went to loud restaurant, got drunk, quieter in the evening
20.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10), 2 hours no tinnitus at all, now It's back. we will see.

I'm going to HBOT 10x on today, my plan is to try another 2-3 sessions max and then over ..

This pattern is also strange - I had earplug only in one ear while I was in a loud place. The internal noise was louder also in plugged ear! When I clogged the unprotected one with my finger, the noise went down in both. I don't know how to explain this in English, but it seems that the internal noise/tinnitus is not dependent on side, or which ear is receiving the noise - also the protected ear starts to ring louder, which makes me think if there might be an issue with my ear/cochlea, or if it might be related to auditory centre/nerves...

Now wondering If I should continue to expose myself to noise with reasonable limits (no motorcycles, no rally, airshows, sirens, truck horns...), or rather keep myself safe from noise as much as possible or use the plugs within situations like described above, or anything let's say over 70 dB.

 

[Arseny]

1.5 - normal (let's say 2/10)
2.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
3.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10)
4.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
5.5 - normal (2.5/10)
6.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 1st (1-1.5/10)
7.5 - quieter than usual HBOT 2nd (1-1.5/10)
8.5 - louder (3-3.5/10)
9.5 - quieter than usual, HBOT 3rd - afterwards for 2-3 hours no tinnitus at all, came back at afternoon but stayed quieter than usual for rest of the day
10.5 - normal, HBOT 4th (2/10)
11.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10)
12.5/today - normal (2/10)

at that day, my ringing has changed a little from high-pitch "eeeeeee" to sound like dropping the sand on metal tray. "eeee" is still there, but occasionally 30% of time, less noticeable, only in quiet.

13.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 5x hardly noticable at work/in the quiet office.
14.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 6x
15.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), HBOT 7x
16.5 - louder (3-3.5/10), HBOT 8x, been in loud environment - 75-80db 2 hours - no spike afterwards
17.5 - normal (2.5/10) - HBOT 9x
18.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10), been in loud gathering afternoon, dog barking close to my head, no spike afterwards
19.5 - normal (2.5/10), went to loud restaurant, got drunk, quieter in the evening
20.5 - quieter that usual (1-1.5/10), 2 hours no tinnitus at all, now It's back. we will see.

I'm going to HBOT 10x on today, my plan is to try another 2-3 sessions max and then over ..

This pattern is also strange - I had earplug only in one ear while I was in a loud place. The internal noise was louder also in plugged ear! When I clogged the unprotected one with my finger, the noise went down in both. I don't know how to explain this in English, but it seems that the internal noise/tinnitus is not dependent on side, or which ear is receiving the noise - also the protected ear starts to ring louder, which makes me think if there might be an issue with my ear/cochlea, or if it might be related to auditory centre/nerves...

Now wondering If I should continue to expose myself to noise with reasonable limits (no motorcycles, no rally, airshows, sirens, truck horns...), or rather keep myself safe from noise as much as possible or use the plugs within situations like described above, or anything let's say over 70 dB.

Keep yourself protected from noise. Plug both of your ears everywhere outside.
Continue doing HBOT if it's not very expensive.
You need to try real hard to make something worse from "overprotecting". You clearly have hyperacusis that's improving based on protection and HBOT.
Sorry I didn't reply to your previous message. I have some issues aside from tinnitus right now.
Are you from Russia or Soviet countries by any chance?

 

[Ivkopivko]

21.5 - very quiet day (0.5-1/10), HBOT 11x , worse during the day when exposed to loud restaurant, went back to quiet at the evening
22.5 - quieter than usual (1-1.5/10), yesterday exposed to loud restaurant (dropped heavy knife, clinging with dishes) - no spike, few drinks, evening was back to quieter.
23.5 - very quiet day (0.5-1/10), HBOT 12x no tinnitus first 2 hours of the day
24.5 - normal in the morning (2.5/10) - HBOT 13 - FINAL - no tinnitus for 4 hours during the day, can't hear it in the quiet office .. now It's back there, man I have lots of sand for my plate now, but the "pause" was amazing.

My conclusion from HBOT - I feel overaly better, It seems that I have more quieter days than louder, the most noticeable thing is switch from "EEEEEEEE" to sound like dropping the sand on metal tray and the biggest change is that from time to time, I have short periods (few hours) where my T is not noticeable. It will come back, but those moments are amazing.

I can't say because of using earplugs and avoiding very loud places/protecting myself, or ongoing healing process, or It has to do something with HBOT.

What I don't like and would be happy If it gets solved is reactive Tinnitus > Every single time when I'm exposed to loud noise (busy traffic, pub, watching TV or listening music trough radio, along with it my tinnitus intensifies as well (If I plug my ears, I can notice It's much louder) and once I'm back to quiet, It goes down back to baseline that is usual for that day.

Keep yourself protected from noise. Plug both of your ears everywhere outside.
Continue doing HBOT if it's not very expensive.
You need to try real hard to make something worse from "overprotecting". You clearly have hyperacusis that's improving based on protection and HBOT.
Sorry I didn't reply to your previous message. I have some issues aside from tinnitus right now.
Are you from Russia or Soviet countries by any chance?

Actually HBOT is unfortunately very expensive, It's not covered there by insurance companies, only If you have sudden hearing loss that wasn't shown on my audiogram, so It was my call.
Is my changes in loudnes of my T based on how noisy is the environment just hyperacusis?

Please don't apologize! You're not forced to answer, It's just your willingness and I'm very, very thankful for your interest!

I came from post-soviet union country, Slovakia - little big country in a heart of Europe, now hosting IIHF hockey championship! And you?​

 

[Ivkopivko]

Well, here's an update - I had quite a few silent episodes ... In a nutshell, It started on 20.5 after 10x HBOT, It went like this>

20.5 - first quiet episode - 2 hours quiet since my setback on 22.4(motorcycle incident)
23.5 - 2 hours quiet episode, very quiet day at all
24.5 - 3-4 hours quiet episode, I couldn't hear it in the office
27.5 - very quiet day - T was there but not bearable for 2-3 hours
28.5 - one of the quietest since the setback 22.4 - I can say I was T free for almost whole day, maybe masked by driving during the day (customers visits, 5 hours in average 74dB car interior with no protection)

Well, I knew that something has to be wrong - on the same day, I was out with couple of friends and my GF, I had following "accidents" ...

1. We had an popcorn - I love undercooked/unpopped seeds, I was chewing them on my right side, you know they're very hard and one of them popped so loud, that my right ear ringed for few seconds as result of that noise that went trough my head.
   
   I have to admit that it scared me...
   
   
2. About an 30 minutes later, I wanted to show part of one video to my friends, so I prepared the video, turned on the external speaker and as we were in loud place, I had to plug out my earbuds, raised the volume and from nowhere, there was very loud bark from the dog in the video, that hit my right ear very badly.
   
   Bad luck, I didn't even remember there was a dog in the video ... damn!

Besides of that, I had very quiet morning again for 2 hours, but the day is not that good, "eeeeeeee" tone in my right ear is back and also crickets are more noticeable compared to last few days

Unfortunately, another bad luck on today - dish accident with very loud clatter because of my awkwardness, the guy in the restaurant during the lunch dropped the plate that also scared me as hell next to me and third, similar accident in the bathroom - loud clatter again.

Besides of that, I didn't recognize any spike/anything, that bad as the motorcycle accident and I hope It's just my psychology and my inner ear didn't get it's ass kicked again

 

[MarkX]

@Ivkopivko

Your friends mom had what transfusion that got ride of her T in one month?

 

[Ivkopivko]

@Ivkopivko

Your friends mom had what transfusion that got ride of her T in one month?

I've replied back to you via message.

29.5 & 30.5 were about the same, I think I spiked my T by "accidents" as I described above, so besides to relatively quiet mornings, that lasted only for 1-2 hours the rest of the day was about 2,5/10 with buzzing and "EEEE" tone around 4kHz.

Today, I'm back to (relative) quiet and had one of quietest morning ever and very quiet day in the office once again, comparable to 28.5. (about 0,5 to occasionaly 1/10), but I know there is no guarantee and most probably next few days are going to be with more penetrating T again ...

I tried another audiometry examination on today morning, I was told that my hearing is "great" considering I'm 30yrs old, played in rock band, went to many concerts, festivals, loud venues in the past and few days per year attended and raced at few motorsport events such as hillclimb. See for yourself.

On monday, I'm going for MRI examination and found one made by Cannon/Toshiba with Piannisimo Zen technology, quite a quietest device that is around my as far I did my investigation, allowed to come with 35dB SNR plugs, so hopefuly It won't massacre my hearing/ears/cochlea as described by few on this forum.

Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Mat_]

A great thing is how doctors quickly immediatly chained a lot of medical exams. It sadly seems far for them to even prescribe an MRI. Was twice in hospital, never had anything more than an audiometry. It's great some do all these exams in such a qhort period to discard something else.

 

[Ivkopivko]

A great thing is how doctors quickly immediatly chained a lot of medical exams. It sadly seems far for them to even prescribe an MRI. Was twice in hospital, never had anything more than an audiometry. It's great some do all these exams in such a qhort period to discard something else.

Yeah, I had to search a lot for Tinnitus-oriented ORL medic, because the first one was tragedy, but sadly maybe the honest one, he just told me that shit happens and to live with it, as It most probably won't go away ...

I should have MRI on the beginning of May, but after reading some stories there that MRI ruined hearing, caused huge hyperacusis and increase of T level, I decided to search for quiet MRI and postpone the examination.

 

[Ivkopivko]

It's been another week and I have following conclusions...

1. Thanks god I have more and more quiet episodes and I mean quiet - T is not present, It's not noticeable in quiet rooms, quiet office, sometimes only when plugged my ears and searching for it, but mostly It's been quiet also when plugged in. Sometimes It's been few hours, sometimes almost whole day. Unfortunately, after few quiet days there It "needs" to be followed by normal, worse day just to remind me that I have huuuuge problem.
   
   31.5 - very quiet day 0.5/10 (T wasn't noticeable during the day even in quiet place), slight hissing started at 17:00 and stayed for the rest of the day.
   1.6 - very quiet day 0/5/10 (T wasn't noticeable during the day even in quiet place), went to barbecue and didn't hear/search for T for the rest of a day (so It wasn't intrusive at all)
   2.6 - normal (2-2.5/10), might be a result that I talked a lot, also some people got drunk and were louder. (is this a spike?)
   3.6 - very quiet day 0.5/10, - went to MRI = I was okay, It wasn't that loud with 35db SNR attuenation earmuffs - I had no sipke afterwards and GOT FIRST QUIET EVENING before sleep since T started 0-0.5/10
   4.6. - quiet morning and early afternoon 0.5/10, started to ring and buzz in the evening, so rest about normal 2-2.5/10
   5.6 - quiet morning and early afternoon 0.5/10, started to ring and buzz in the evening.
   6.6 - very quiet day 0.5/10 (T wasn't noticeable during the day even in quiet place)
   7.6 - normal :/, 2=2.5/10 , my body wants to remind me that I have this shitty condition and not enjoy life again ...
   
   
2. MRI results are fine - no finfing, everything is as it should be with my brain and veins, no vascular collision with nerves, no neuroma etc.

I'm 2 months and 2 or 3 weeks in, It will be 1 or 2 weeks to get to 3 months mark and T is till present and can be very disturbing .. . I hope that It will continue to fade, I'm avoiding loud places but sometimes It's not possible, you know it. I hope It's a good sign that I'm experiencing more quiet episodes ...