Very Disturbed by Tinnitus

[Samantha R]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Sam and I am from Melbourne Australia.
My story starts in July this year.

I noticed a low, disturbing him in my right ear one night, initially thinking that our clothes dryer had been left on. I soon realised when I went to investigate that the noise was in my head.
Thinking nothing of it, the next morning it was gone.

It returned later that day, and I panicked after reading the negative stories on the Internet.
It went again the next morning but returned the next day and hung around for three more days before it finally went and hasn't returned.

I saw an ENT during this time who was useless, told me it wouldn't go away and learn to live with it.
What this experience has done was made me notice a higher pitched tinnitus that I think I've always had to some extent but it's never bothered me. It started to disturb me at night, but I was working through that, but I've had a couple of nights where I've woken up with a severe ringing in ears that did tone down but I swear the high pitched ring has increased.

I was hearing 'head noises' only at night when trying to sleep, but again, I was sure I'd most likely always experienced these but never thought anything of it.

Is it possible that this is all in my head?

I am in a state over this, I cannot eat or sleep, and this makes life very hard as I have a 22 month old son and 10 week old twins to care for and enjoy.

The noises seem so loud now - even during the day with TV on.

Is it possible nothing has changed and the extra brain focus is the reason I think the noises are louder?

I have checked myself into a private psychiatric hospital for some help, I'm feeling that low.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
You are a wonderful community of support.

Sam.

 

[whale]

@Samantha R

First don't get worked up on all the negative stories out there. anxiety will make it worse. There is a good chance you tinnitus will go away. Technically tinnitus isn't considered chronic until 12 months. The fact that yours came and left is a good sign ,it will fade away. You may want to go to a psychiatrist and get some medication to help with sleep and anxiety. focus on the kids and try to keep busy and distract yourself.

 

[Samantha R]

@whale
Thanks so much for your reply.
My low pitch tinnitus hasn't returned, thank goodness.
It's this high pitched tinnitus that had me scared.
I am sure I've always had it to some degree, but feel like it's got worse. I don't know if this is because I've paid more attention to it and am noticing it more, or whether it's actually got louder. I had a couple of nights where I woke up with a sharp, ultra high pitched whistle, this settled but feels like the volume is still higher.
Is it possible I'm imagining it and it's just that I am paying way more attention to a tinnitus that I've always had?

 

[GregCA]

Is it possible I'm imagining it and it's just that I am paying way more attention to a tinnitus that I've always had?

Certainly the perception of your T is going to increase if you pay more attention to it, as the attention tells your brain to focus on it that makes the brain try to amplify the sound to try to get as many details about the sound as possible, much like the cavemen would try to focus on the crack they hear in the middle of the night, in case it's a tiger coming.

Give it a bit of time. It may be worth doing basic hearing tests (tuning forks & audiograms) just in case, and to get a baseline.

 

[Samantha R]

Thanks @GregCA, I appreciate your advice.
I just had an audiogram done up to 8,000 Hz, hearing is normal. I guess there could be hearing loss at higher levels that are not tested.
Middle ear function is normal too.
My right ear still feels wrong following the low hum. Right now it feels full, it's irritating too. I saw a well respected audiologist at the time of the hum, Myriam Westcott, and she told me about her theory on Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome, which she thought I had. Very plausible, but she couldn't explain why my hum would stop when I put earphones on (like the type you wear when having a hearing test). It was wierd and there's still something not right about my ears.... But thank goodness the hum is gone.
I was relaxing about the hum but now dealing with this new tinnitus.... I'm driving myself crazy, scared of this getting super loud.
Funny thing was in the audiogram with the headphones on, my tinnitus sounded like it always had with headphones on. I would have thought I should hear the tinnitus louder with headphones on than in a normal environment?

 

[MikeP505]

Hello Samantha.

First off, don't be afraid of the ringing in your ears. There can be many different reasons this has become louder or more noticeable. From various drugs, viruses, head trauma, loud environments..... no one can really be certain. Your best bet at trying to understand why its getting louder or more frequent is to ask yourself what has been different lately. Have you been feeling fine? Seen a GP for any reason and have been prescribed medications? Been in loud places more in the past year or two? Had any viruses? Illnesses? Some of these may have increased your noise level. You are not going crazy nor are you alone in this. It's also very possible it just has simply........gotten louder?? So now the next step to really take is to adapt and accept. Try not to let it consume you.

I am now completely deaf in both ears other than the ability to hear loud bangs or alarms in my right ear. Cannot even use a hearing aid. I suffer the worst Tinnitus you can possibly imagine. It nearly drove me crazy. Was prescribed many different meds over the past couple years to help with anxiety and stress and even tried anti-depressants that most certainly were useless if not harmful. I now use a mild Valium very rarely on my worst days to calm down but all in all, I just accept that I have to hear this high pitched steam whistle and do my best to not focus on it. You must train yourself to try to let it go. Of course I always advise everyone to speak with your GP or any other specialist to help with your issues but only you will know what works best for you. This takes time and trial and error. Be careful what medications you agree to. Many can be habit forming and then you have added another issue to one you now have. You have more control over you than any doctor or specialist out there. Do not allow it to ruin your life.

Hoping things improve in time for you and would be terrific if that Tinnitus just went away. Focus on your close family and friends. Enjoy your life. You are not alone in this!!

Mike

 

[Candy]

Hi Samantha

You've done the right thing, getting help with your anxiety. One step at a time, a few mummies like u on here, knowing you have to look after babies in the midst of all this makes you even more anxious, going through the same but three months in am less panicky.

Hugs x

 

[Samantha R]

@MikeP505 thank you so much for your post. I cannot imagine what your tinnitus is like and to have to deal with the hearing loss as well. You are indeed a strong person, my problem must seem trivial to you.
A lot has happened this last two years - I have had two pregnancies, the latest being twins 10 weeks ago. That along with the c section took a toll on me. I had a spinal block and several different pain killers.
Recently started on an anti depressant, had a bad head cold while pregnant and also recently had another one
One of the twins has been in hospital twice, both times my issues with tinnitus started soon after, so I wonder if this is a stressor?
They do seem ready to hand out the medications, I will be careful what I take.

@Candy - thanks for your kind words. I feel terribly sad that I am so anxious and not enjoying my beautiful bubbas as much as I should be.

 

[glynis]

Hi @Samantha R .
Tinnitus can start or seem louder after child birth and with hormonal changes that should settle down over time .
Do what you can to relax and have family help out so you get some sleep and keep your mood up.
I know it can be hard to not focus on your tinnitus sound so try keep soft sound on around you day and at night also.
White noise generators can help you refocus on another sound that might be more tolrable for you....lots of love glynis
Ps I'm a twin x

 

[MikeP505]

HI again Sam.

Your problems are real and your issues at hand are very much real. Hoping your Tinnitus will lessen or disappear but if it does stay, and even possibly get louder, your real best bet is to just accept that and try your hardest NOT to concentrate on that. I highly doubt, with all the research and doctors visits, that I will ever see a cure for Tinnitus in my lifetime. You need to step up and take full control of your life or this will drag you down forever. We live in a great age of information and technology however we are miles away from many cures for many ailments. I can talk to anyone around the globe today without making a long distance phone call, simply by logging onto forums like this. 20 years ago that was impossible. I really want to see what the next 20 years brings and am still excited about life and learning. Don't be a medication guinea pig if possible and take full control of what you decide what to take and not to take. You can easily Google any medication prescribed BEFORE going on them and make your own educated decisions on the risks. Not long ago, you would have had to go to the local library and spend countless hours looking for answers. It takes time Sam. Time really is your best friend here. Time to adjust. Time to cope. Time to accept and live with things that was once never an issue. Your issues are no less than mine and are as real and as awful. I would never tell anyone NOT to take a medication prescribed by a physician or specialist. Just make sure with research you feel this may help more than harm you in the long run. Only YOU can really be sure what works for you.

Big hugs from Canada and hang in there Sam. Enjoy every moment you can with those twins. Let go of the bad memories and past illnesses and focus on tomorrow.

Mike

 

[whale]

@whale
Thanks so much for your reply.
My low pitch tinnitus hasn't returned, thank goodness.
It's this high pitched tinnitus that had me scared.
I am sure I've always had it to some degree, but feel like it's got worse. I don't know if this is because I've paid more attention to it and am noticing it more, or whether it's actually got louder. I had a couple of nights where I woke up with a sharp, ultra high pitched whistle, this settled but feels like the volume is still higher.
Is it possible I'm imagining it and it's just that I am paying way more attention to a tinnitus that I've always had?

Because you wake up with these pikes you my be grinding or clenching at night. If this is the cause you might want to look into a nightguard to keep you from bruxing.

 

[Samantha R]

@MikeP505 thanks so much for your post. Your positivity is inspiring. I am very stressed about this, but your words do ring true. I need to take control back. I know I've had some level of tinnitus for a long time - I acknowledged that when I suddenly got the low hum. That tinnitus never bothered me - I was clearly habituated - none the wiser - of the ring in my ears.
My husband reminded me I mentioned this to him, but was very flippant in saying the noise doesnt bother me.
Now it does.
It's amazing the power of the mind.

@whale My audiologist suggested the same thing - I am starting by seeing a physio who specialises in the jaw. Hopefully she can recommend a dentist. With the stress I have been under lately, it wouldn't surprise me if I was clenching.

@glynis thanks for your advice. I bought a white noise machine and it helps (also helps out the twins to sleep!). I've tried a sound pillow too, but that's not as great as I had hoped, the speakers move around and you have to have your ear on them.
Are you an identical twin? My twins are fraternal - (IVF) - a little boy and girl.

 

[MikeP505]

Hey Sam.

Should you decide to get a mouth guard for night time sleeping to stop the clenching, you should check up on the local Colleges and Universities in your area to see if they have a dental program. In most cases if they teach dentistry, they also practice it under guidance with board certified dentists. You may be able to have a custom mouth guard made up for a fraction of the cost of a dental office. Just a thought............

 

[whale]

@Samantha R I know I had/have that issue, If I'd know earlier it might have been better for me. my jaws and ears are so must up. Stress and sleep apnea were killing me. keep in mind during the day not to clench. thats a start. maybe get a sleep study to see if you've got apnea

 

[Samantha R]

@whale - I am trying to be conscious of not clenching during the day - had another spike overnight - scares the crap out of me but its ok now. Does this happen more when you wake up during a deep sleep phase rather than the lighter sleep?
It's happened a few times - once I was in the hospital with my my baby son, and woke up with a start when the nurse came in. The other two times I've woken up quite suddenly for some reason?
Hubby says I've been snoring a lot - which I don't usually do (only through my pregnancy I did). I am still carrying more weight than normal, but wondered if the T spikes and snoring could be related?

@MikeP505 thanks for the tip. I will do this. I've spent quite a bit of money on this T thing already....

 

[gary]

Certainly the perception of your T is going to increase if you pay more attention to it, as the attention tells your brain to focus on it that makes the brain try to amplify the sound to try to get as many details about the sound as possible, much like the cavemen would try to focus on the crack they hear in the middle of the night, in case it's a tiger coming.

Give it a bit of time. It may be worth doing basic hearing tests (tuning forks & audiograms) just in case, and to get a baseline.

Hi Greg, sure would be nice to see a different profile pix. Looking at the one you have reminds me of distress when ever I see it. I think we all feel your pain when we see it. I do not mean to offended you, just sayin..

 

[MikeP505]

@gary

Hey, Greg's picture reminds me of the days I would open up my hydro bill!!!!!!!

 

[whale]

@whale - I am trying to be conscious of not clenching during the day - had another spike overnight - scares the crap out of me but its ok now. Does this happen more when you wake up during a deep sleep phase rather than the lighter sleep?
It's happened a few times - once I was in the hospital with my my baby son, and woke up with a start when the nurse came in. The other two times I've woken up quite suddenly for some reason?
Hubby says I've been snoring a lot - which I don't usually do (only through my pregnancy I did). I am still carrying more weight than normal, but wondered if the T spikes and snoring could be related?

@MikeP505 thanks for the tip. I will do this. I've spent quite a bit of money on this T thing already....

I think it is very possible, Snoring is also a symptom of sleep apnea, and clenching is a symptom of sleep apnea. if you are not breathing well at night, clenching is a way your body wakes you up if you are not breathing right. clenching can put your masseter is spasm or other TMJ issue to cause ringing, and head pain and other inner ear issues. I would have horrible nightmares right before I woke. Many TMJ doctors will have a home sleep study kit, but I need both a dental device and a TMJ splint. Getting to the root of you sleeping issue could also be the root of your T.

 

[Samantha R]

@whale thank you so much!
I have made an appointment with the TMJ clinic in Melbourne for next Thursday, and when I briefly explained my symptoms they said pretty much what you just said.
I am not grinding my teeth, nor does my jaw hurt (though my teeth do at the moment??), and it's not getting locked.... So maybe I have a milder case. The audiologist also suggested TMJ was an issue when I had the low hum, causing the Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome. That ear still flutters today, and feels like it's full, so something is still not right....

 

[Dominic1955]

Sam do you have hearing loss too?
Dom

 

[Samantha R]

@Dominic1955
Yes I do have very mild notch loss in my right ear at 6khz.
I have a mild tinnitus in that ear for years, never even bothered me.
I had a high frequency audiogram and have more significant losses there, I suspect that's why I have tinnitus.