To Continue TRT or Not After Changing Tinnitus

[kmohoruk]

Hello @Dr. Nagler

I wanted to see if you may be able to shed some light regarding some concerns that I've been having with TRT.

I will try and keep this message short as we all know on here that I have a habit of rambling a bit! haha

The long story short of it is.....

I have currently been trying TRT for a second time through Robbyn Brodie at NexGen Hearing in Victoria BC to help with my H mostly, and my T a bit as well. I have invested close to about 3 months into the process (I know not very long) and have had some success in regards to my sound tolerance issues getting a bit better.

However, the big issue that I was having was that the device was slipping out a bit in my right ear and required me to constantly have to push it back in through out the day at work. This is largely due to the fact that I work as a Park Patroller and am out in the sun sweating everyday. We tried lots of different tails, tips etc.. and couldn't really find one that fits perfectly and only sort of half fits in that ear. The device fits nice and snug in my left ear.

Currently I am coming up to the end of my 90 day trial period for the devices. I have thought about proceeding further with the treatment, but besides the issue with the fit, I am also having issues with increases in my fluctuating tinnitus around water sounds (which did settle a bit after taking out the devices for 5 days).

Also, I have woken up today to a louder version of the ring in my right ear and it still hasn't really settled even after 4 hours. I am worried that this may not be temporary, but am hoping that maybe this is just my ears de-adjusting to the sound therapy.

Before this happened I was actually starting to habituate nicely and then BHAM, this happened.

I also just want to note that through out this whole process Robbyn has been extremely kind and thoughtful and has answered all of my emails. She did note (and even sent me some photos from the actual TRT texts!!) that often when people experience temporary changes in their tinnitus (During the first 4-8 weeks), that it's actually a positive and not a negative as it's a a sign of fast habituation and a good prognostic for continued habituation. I just worry that this new spike in my right ear has something to do with the devices. I have emailed Robbyn and am waiting for her response as well.

I am currently using the Oticon Ria2 Pro Ti RITE mini models, and have them set in the 35 decimal range (we have the devices set for a range of +/- 5 decimals on the devices.) using a nice red noise sound. Robbyn made sure to give me a large range, as well as setting the devices at a very fair default level and hasn't forced me to push myself beyond what I feel comfortable doing which has been good (compared to my first experience with TRT).

I wanted to post this question on here and see if you would be able to shead some light on this as well as I'm just trying to get as much info as I can before making this decision on wether or not to return the devices and try TRT again later on down the road.

My parents are both retired and $3,000 is a lot of money and I just worry that I'm wasting it. I am just trying to decide that maybe I'm not a good candidate for "in ear sound therapy" (As I am a category 4) and maybe would suite more "environmental sound therapy" (aka: just using the sound around me). Or maybe try TRT again later on down the road when my environment would give me a better chance of success.

I also wanted to post this on here as well because hopefully this could maybe be a good learning tool for other people who are going through or considering TRT.

Thank you very much @Dr.Nagler

Cheers,

Kris

 

[Dr. Nagler]

Hello Dr. Nagler I wanted to see if you may be able to shed some light ...

Kris, I'd love to be able to shed some light - but there are just so many variables here that I wouldn't know where to start. Even an "educated guess" on my part would be a disservice under such circumstances. I do not know Robbyn Brodie at all, but if she wants to call me to discuss your case (with your permission), I would be only too happy to help in that regard. I get calls just like that all the time.

In terms of your devices themselves, I am not at all familiar with the Oticon Ria2 Pro Ti RITE units - so I cannot comment on the settings. Regarding the tube fitting in your right ear, perhaps Robbyn could talk to her Oticon rep about the problem. There really ought to be a relatively easy fix. One thing to try might be EarGear. Check with Robbyn for the proper size. Even though the problem has to do with the ear fit rather than the case, protecting the case from the effects your perspiration may make a difference. Also, ask Robbyn to add a retention hook to the tubing if she has not already done so.

 

[kmohoruk]

No worries @Dr. Nagler I appreciate you honesty!

I will ask her if she would be up for possibly giving you a phone call when I hear back from and see what she says regarding my devices.

I guess the only question that I would have, is in your experience is it quite rare for TRT devices to actually cause permanent increases in your T?

I guess if I could pass along anything that I've learned (some of this from this awesome forum) is that this tone in my ear could be from many things...maybe more ear wax in my ear, TMJ symptoms, my ears adjusting to not having the devices in...But I do know that the worst thing that I could do is just sit around worrying and testing my ears etc...

I have had run ins with louder sounds through out this journey since last summer and my ears have usually settled everytime. So whatever this tone is, and where ever it came from, I know that it's just being "ol' unpredictable Tinnitus".

I am going to go out an enjoy the sun today, and take my girl friends parents dog for a nice long walk, and then have coffee with a friend later

Thanks again Dr Nagler. I appreciate your honesty!

 

[Dr. Nagler]

I guess the only question that I would have, is in your experience is it quite rare for TRT devices to actually cause permanent increases in your T?

I have never heard of a case in which TRT devices used properly have caused a permant increase in tinnitus.

Thanks again Dr Nagler. I appreciate your honesty!

You are most welcome.

 

[Bertman]

@kmohoruk Got a couple questions for you regarding the aids. I'm thinking about getting some for masking purposes and to possibly use for TRT later on. Did you continue with the Oticon Ria2 Ti? And if so how have you liked the masking noises they provide? I've been looking around and these seem like they would be good for me but would just like a little more feedback.
Thanks.