Tinnitus Sufferer for 7.5 Years — Constantly Worsening

I signed up because I need some advice on the best way forward with my life.

I have been suffering from tinnitus for 7.5 years now. The loudness level of the tinnitus has been increasing throughout the years. Though the worsening is gradual, it comes from specific events listening to child voices over speakerphones or music (at moderate levels). These are also the things that led to me developing tinnitus in the first place. My tinnitus consists of high-frequency steady sounds that sound almost like some sort of electrical current around my head, combined with a lower sinusoid as well. I am struggling a lot since the most recent increase in volume. It is impossible to focus on anything but the loud iiiiiiii.

One thing that I have had a hard time coming to a balance with is the amount of outside sounds that I should allow myself to experience. I have been trying to maintain a somewhat active life with traveling (including flying) and a few parties each year. However, I constantly wear high-quality earbuds in any environment where I do not have perfect control of the noise. So I dampen the amount of sound that I experience a lot. I also use active noise-canceling headphones on top of earbuds in very noisy environments such as flights or by busy roads. I am somewhat noise sensitive but not in the extreme that I had just after I got tinnitus.

I have been taking sleeping pills from time to time to get some sleep. Approximately one Imovane/Zopiclone 5 mg once a week for 5 years, never more than two days in a row. I decided to stop with this in October and have not taken any since then. My tinnitus started to really worsen in November. I have seen some reports of worsening tinnitus with withdrawal from sleeping pills. On the other hand, I was rather restrictive with how much I used them in the first place.

Since my situation keeps worsening I would like your input. Do you think the fact that I stopped with sleeping pills could be relevant to the worsening? What balance do you believe is the best for protecting the ears? I am considering also testing stopping using earbuds in things like normal conversations or when going to the supermarket. I am however afraid of a worsening there. I often perceive that a worsening comes after subjecting myself to moderate levels of noise.

I am also in a position where I could help research into the treatment of tinnitus. Not as a primary researcher but through my computer science and machine learning skills. Perhaps I should give it a go... It could be interesting/meaningful though it will reduce my income somewhat.

 

I took Zopiclone (7.5mg) too to help me sleep when the tinnitus first started bothering me and I had trouble sleeping. I took it for about 2-3 weeks... I noticed that I was gradually building up tolerance to it so I stopped taking it. I didn't notice an increase in my tinnitus afterwards.

 

Man, even if you don't build up tolerance it doesn't mean the receptors haven't changed.

Take the total amount you've had and give yourself a timeline of double that for receptors to change.

I can tell you I'm going through something similar after "needing them" for about 6 weeks. I don't have benzo withdrawal but certainly new sounds and they disappear given enough abstinence, just to come back when I use them.

So take it as you will, it's more than likely worse due to withdrawal, and it'll be protracted (expect a few months at least).

Try masking for a whole night instead, then plug your ears at some point before falling asleep. Hopefully you'll sleep to static.

 

HI @HouseInTheWoods.

Noise induced tinnitus which is what you have, usually remains stable contrary to what some people believe, and will stay this way for many years. You have said yours has been getting worse. There are a few things in your post that could be responsible for this. Firstly, when were you last seen at ENT for tests? Have you ever been referred to an Audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment?

The constant wearing of high-quality earbuds has probably, I would say certainly made your symptoms worse, by lowering the loudness threshold of your auditory system and thus making it more sensitive to sound. My advice is to slowly reduce wearing them more information about this is in the links below. If you have been using headphones, earbuds or headset even at low volume these can contribute to making your tinnitus worse.

The number one cause for noise induced tinnitus worsening is related to sound. Using headphones, earbuds, headset, or being exposed to other forms of loud noise. Overusing earplugs and hyperacusis that hasn't been treated. If you haven't been seen at ENT for a while I suggest you make an appointment and also get a referral to an Audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment.

Please go to my started threads and read my posts: Tinnitus, A Personal View. Hyperacusis, As I see it. The habituation Process, Tinnitus and the Negative mindset. Acquiring a positive mindset. Please click on the link below and read the post: Will my tinnitus get worse?

I wish you well
Michael

Will My Tinnitus Get Worse? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Welcome to the forum. It is always not easy to pin point the exact cause of spiking tinnitus. I will list below some common causes of tinnitus or spikes of tinnitus. Check if you have any of these recently or during the spikes.

There are many causes, single or combined, which can trigger or aggravate tinnitus including by not limited to drug reaction or side-effects from ototoxic drugs, ear wax build-up, ear or Eustachian tube infection or ETD, ear drum injury, fluid build-up in ears feeling pressured or fullness, sinus infection & congestion, TMJ, TTTS, high blood pressure or blood circulation problem, loud noise exposure or acoustic trauma/shock, head trauma & injury, neck injury or muscle problems, hearing loss, Meniere's Disease, barotrauma from sudden change of air pressure such as during landing & taking off on flights especially with blocked nose causing failure to balance the pressure changes, slapping of the ears, deep grief for the loss of loved ones, untreated sleep apnea, extreme, extended stress, anxiety & panic disorder, etc., etc. Tinnitus can also be caused or made worse by unhealthy diet such as too much salt, sugar, caffeine, MSG, alcohol etc. or by lacking some mineral or vitamin supplements, such as Magnesium, Zinc, B12, D3 etc.

 

You mentioned extreme stress for extended periods of time. Once that stress is relieved, have you seen people improve?

twa

 

I can say in general, myself included, reducing stress has resulted in tinnitus being less intrusive, whether in perception or actually fading. Just to illustrate, many members have reported that going on a vacation, their tinnitus seems to be less unnoticeable.

This is not a medical opinion of course but a general observation.

 

I guess you’ve tried Melatonin?
It does help me sleep longer.