Tinnitus Originally from Hereditary Hearing Loss, Now Made Worse by Playing Drums — In a Bad Place

[Rob1974]

I first got tinnitus in April 2018, after a few visits to the Doctors, CT scans etc I was diagnosed with hereditary hearing loss. They said this was the probable cause. Both my Grandparents had hearing loss, my father, too.

After over 2 years I did habituate with the constant scream in my left ear, my life almost returned to 'normal.' I stupidly started to play my drums again but with (what I thought) was good hearing protection. Now all Hell has broken loose, I have variable screeching in both ears. I can honestly say that I have never in all my 46 years felt this scared. I am literally shaking with fear writing this message. The feeling of being trapped with this is so overwhelming.

Reading a few posts on this forum indicates to me that I need to wait for things to stabilise in order to re-habituate. If this is the case, what shall I do now? Shall I rest my ears by using in ear foam plugs? Should I use distracting sounds that constantly play?

I appreciate that no one has the miracle answer but any help would be much appreciated. I am in a really bad place.

Sending Love to all other sufferers. Rob

 

[ASilverLight]

It's unfortunately hard to tell what you should do, but you definitely need to rest your ears. Stay away from anything loud and no headphones etc.

Don't overprotect your ears, but if you're somewhere loud (say 75dB or more) then plug up, or plug up whenever you don't feel comfortable.

Masking may be useful but some get negative effects from it. Best thing to do is to find some pleasant white or ambient noise videos on YouTube and see how you like it. If it makes no difference or makes you feel worse, or makes the tinnitus worse, you know not to do it.

That said best of luck and welcome here! Check out the success stories and the research forums, they help me whenever I feel really bad about my situation.

 

[Rob1974]

ASilverLight, thank you so much for your response, it makes me feel great that you have taken the time to respond.

I have installed a dB metre on my phone (not scientifically accurate but at least a guide) to help. I also have a nice little app called, 'Relief.' You can tailor different soundscapes to help mask and distract. My concern, as you mentioned is the possible negative effects of it. Whilst using it, it is great but as soon as you turn it off, all Hell breaks loose again!

Also, I have ordered from Amazon some headband Bluetooth wireless sleep headphones. I am hopeful that some quite, distracting sound may stop the deafening roar at night. Wish me luck!

I will continue to read other posts including the success stories, it certainly gives some form of comfort that there are many others with this condition and I am not alone.

 

[ASilverLight]

Also, don't be afraid to admit you're struggling. Getting tinnitus is pretty traumatic, especially the first few months. I'm half a year in and I've only just managed not crying almost daily (and trust me, I am not someone who cries easily at all.)

Best thing is to do is to take each day as it comes and reach out to people who know what it's like. It's hard to predict what will happen, but chances are in a year or two you'll feel much, much better.

Another thing I would like to advice is, don't be discouraged by spikes or fluctuations. Many people here believe it's about the baseline low, and if you notice improvement there, it's a good sign. Again, this takes a lot of time. Don't worry if you don't notice anything for a while, many report lowering months after onset.

 

[Rob1974]

Thank you again ASilverLight, your kind words are much appreciated.