Tinnitus Ruining My Career

[Ray Seddon]

Believe me when I write that I've tried everything to rid myself of this ringing, from the simplest pill to the purchase of a $5200 Neuromonics unit. Placebos, really. What did start me on the right track, however, is having finally realized deep inside the truth. That this thing can't/won't kill me, and, after exploring tons of sounds to aid mitigation, I finally found one that closely resembles what I hear in my head. And so I carry that recording with me at all times and transmit it through an iCom from my MP3 player to my hearing aids almost daily.

Hi guys - (sorry David I don't know how to insert your quote above like others do) - I relate entirely to you and urge Mikel to try sounds (white noise, river, crickets) that will ease the T. When my T gains volume, usually late in the day when there is little distraction around, I have to plug into my earphones and mp3 player and I get instant relief - the sounds distract and ease T immensely. I also agree with you re Neuromonics David - I contributed $5G 15yrs ago and acieved nothing - my two $70 mp3 players are 100% more effective. Hang in there guys - I feel there will be a cure around the corner, there are some interesting posts here re research currently going on. Ray

 

[Della]

I've been taking xanax (alprazolam) for many, many years; but then, I deal with more than just T. Fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy and chronic fatigue are also daily challenges for me. Fibro and PN fool with nerves painfully all over my body, and xanax helps to calm some of the stinging and burning, along with pain meds and Lyrica. Plus, I have IBS-C, which is no picnic, I've undergone two prostate operations, and the list keeps growing.
It's when all of the conditions chime in at once that I think, "Now how do I get out of this one?" Normally, I just patiently hold out, sometimes in agony, take the meds, rest, and eat what I'm able. Eventually there's improvement. And still, while all this goes on, I hold down a 40 hr. week job, play a bass for three hours on some nights, read at least one book a month -- at times they are histories that are a labor of love to complete; I write for publications, keep my house clean and picked up, wash the car, cut the grass, date on occasion, and shop.
Even when you feel truly lousy, you can get things done; at least, I do.

Wow, @UserID ... somebody else with fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy and tinnitus! And another bass player to boot! (I too have been taking xanax, and a few other things, for many years.) My bass playing is the thing that's taking the biggest hit these days. I figured out that it helps if I wear open-back headphones while I play with my jazz group -- that way I can hear my own tone close up, but I can still hear what everyone else is saying and playing -- but some nights everything still sounds all distorted, out of tune, etc. Like you, I just forge on and hope the next session will be better.

 

[Della]

Thank you @Mikel for sharing your story ... I'm so very sorry for what you're going through, and completely understand your sense of desperation. But you've gotten some wonderful words of wisdom in these responses, words and links that have helped me too (I'm also still pretty new to this), and I know they've helped others on this forum as well. I'm very grateful for all of you!

 

[SoulStation]

I've been taking xanax (alprazolam) for many, many years; but then, I deal with more than just T. Fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy and chronic fatigue are also daily challenges for me. Fibro and PN fool with nerves painfully all over my body, and xanax helps to calm some of the stinging and burning, along with pain meds and Lyrica. Plus, I have IBS-C, which is no picnic, I've undergone two prostate operations, and the list keeps growing.

It's when all of the conditions chime in at once that I think, "Now how do I get out of this one?" Normally, I just patiently hold out, sometimes in agony, take the meds, rest, and eat what I'm able. Eventually there's improvement. And still, while all this goes on, I hold down a 40 hr. week job, play a bass for three hours on some nights, read at least one book a month -- at times they are histories that are a labor of love to complete; I write for publications, keep my house clean and picked up, wash the car, cut the grass, date on occasion, and shop.

Even when you feel truly lousy, you can get things done; at least, I do.

I love your attitude...I need to learn to do more with my time! From one bass player to another.

 

[UserID]

on the walls

I love your attitude...I need to learn to do more with my time! From one bass player to another.

You might start by forming a schedule, either in your mind or on paper, SS. It will feel pretty mundane to be on your knees with your arm reaching to the back side of the toilet to clean there or to scrub out the trash cans, but once done, it makes you feel like a million bucks.

I love it when I stay on top of things and someone pops in without warning when my house looks so welcoming. The secret is to not own as much as most women I've known. (forgive me ladies) They buy one or two hutches just to fill them up with dishes they use maybe twice a year.

Just keep it simple, but clean. Wipe down the TV stand, sort through the mess on your computer desk or get under it and unscramble that wirey mess. It is good therapy to clean; it really is. Do you use a squeegy on the walls after you shower? You'll find it will save you loads of scrubbing work because the grout will forever remain clean.
Now get to it!
David

 

[Ricky81]

I always have waterfall music at my work desk via smartphone app. I leave it on all day by my desk and no one cares. Waterfall sound is not too loud and only I can hear it or anyone near by desk.

 

[Jeff Collins]

Believe me when I write that I've tried everything to rid myself of this ringing, from the simplest pill to the purchase of a $5200 Neuromonics unit. Placebos, really. What did start me on the right track, however, is having finally realized deep inside the truth. That this thing can't/won't kill me, and, after exploring tons of sounds to aid mitigation, I finally found one that closely resembles what I hear in my head. And so I carry that recording with me at all times and transmit it through an iCom from my MP3 player to my hearing aids almost daily.

Hi guys - (sorry David I don't know how to insert your quote above like others do) - I relate entirely to you and urge Mikel to try sounds (white noise, river, crickets) that will ease the T. When my T gains volume, usually late in the day when there is little distraction around, I have to plug into my earphones and mp3 player and I get instant relief - the sounds distract and ease T immensely. I also agree with you re Neuromonics David - I contributed $5G 15yrs ago and acieved nothing - my two $70 mp3 players are 100% more effective. Hang in there guys - I feel there will be a cure around the corner, there are some interesting posts here re research currently going on. Ray

I have also tried Neuromonics and did not receive any benefit from it. The audiologist even blame me for it not working by stating that I used it for more than 4 hrs a day!

 

[Della]

@Ray Seddon and others who have tried a lot of things ... have you tried any of the Siemens hearing aids designed for tinnitus? I'm curious about these ... they seem to be quite customizable, offering therapy sounds and hyperacusis relief in addition to the hearing aid. I'm sure they're pricey though, and I'd like to know if anyone has had a good experience with them.
http://hearing.siemens.com/us/en/hearing-loss/tinnitus/solutions/solutions.html

 

[NiNyu]

It is hard to concentrate for sure, I have serious ear pain along with my tinnitus as well. I thought that meant things were healing/changing I use to like the pain, thought things were getting better. Doesn't seem like it now, it's just another thing to deal with..

I get the ear pain as well. So it doesn't mean healing then.

Been wondering about the same triangle: this is not lethal, this is not visible, there is no cure. What on Earth is this for a disease. I realized: this does NOT actually exist for other people!

Word!