Why Is This Tinnitus So Painful?

[glynis]

@Lex,
Nice to hear your doing better,
love glynis x

 

[Smartone202]

I've had really bad tinnitus for almost 5 years now, recently I was exposed to extreme noise and the tinnitus worsened, this time around the tinnitus is excruciating pain. The old tinnitus hurt as well, but mostly when I would put my head on the pillow. This is totally different, I honestly did not think it could get to this, I can't put it into words.

I didn't ever think I would be back here at Tinnitus Talk again, but now it's like everything is completely new, and a lot worse than the first time.

I feel as though the noise is now piercing through my ear drums with pins and needles through my brain, behind my eyes, when I move my eyes etc. This is completely different this time around, I thought I had it really bad before, and I did, but this is absolutely unbearable, a totally different condition. I'm being forced out here, there is no way in hell I live like this permanently.

I don't care about the annoyance, it's the pain that is crippling me. Even when I don't hear it, i can feel it. Maybe this will pass? Has anyone had this, and did it pass???

I don't want to hear that I will get used to this, I absolutely will not, it needs to change. I don't care if things get way louder, but this pain has to go away, or maybe the the pitch comes down. I feel like I'm listening to 7 kHz to 20 kHz all randomly firing at 150 dB or something ridiculous. My ears are burning hot, and red as well, they feel infected or something but aren't. My head is pounding, my vision is blurry.

I've done sweep tests starting at 20 kHz, I'm pretty much now deaf beyond 8hkz after this incident. I honestly never thought it could be like this. This isn't livable. I've become a master at dealing with aweful tinnitus over the years, there is just no way now.

I lost a ton of additional hearing with the noise trauma, I can hear this tin sound in every voice I hear, I've had hyperacusis for 5 years, and now I don't know if this is hyperacusis or not? Its not like what I had before where everything was just too loud and painful, I can't take listening to a fan, or hear my own voice. I've tried things like nature sounds on high quality speakers, too much pain, even at low volume, I hear this painful tinnitus in everything I listen to.

It's been about six weeks now, the first month, I couldn't sleep more than 10 min without the noise and pain waking me. I can get about 1 hour now at times until I start hearing it in my sleep and it wakes me, and then it's back to 10 min at a time. I'm in bed for 14 hours a day just trying to get a couple hours sleep.

I really thought when it first happened 6 weeks ago that things would calm after a week or so. Nothing has happened here.

I hate drugs, never take anything, but I'm almost to the point that I will just gobble down anything, antidepressants, pain pills, basically just start experimenting with my brain. I'm at the end of my rope.

I would like to think of myself as a fairly calm person, I've never really had anxiety before, now I can hardly breath, can't slow my heart, just not myself anymore at all. I feel like this is mentally insane version of myself.

First things first, what kind of "extreme noise" were you exposed to that you claim you lost a "ton of additional hearing" ? Just as an fyi, unless it was something like a gunshot or airhorn next to your ear or you put your ear directly against a mega subwoofer at a nightclub, it is legitimately impossible for one to lose a significant amount hearing in an instant.

That all being said, I sympathize with the horror you are clearly going through. I was there too, and still am a bit. More on that in a bit. But for starters, you should know if you have been through these forums enough(Maybe you haven't), that no spike should ever be considered permanent until MANY months down the road. 3 minimum, 8 maximum in my honest opinion, and there have even been plenty of cases of people's T settling down after well over a year. I can almost guarantee that in 6 months from now you will be doing better, somehow, someway. For now, you need to relax. You need to calm your nerves. Research some breathing exercises and mindfulness tips that will help you get your mind OFF of your Tinnitus the best you can.

This is coming from someone typing this right now that has a semi PIERCING pulsating Tinnitus happening in his right ear. Don't believe me? Read all my posts from the last month. I have been a horror story and then some with a mixture of a regular spike which began back in mid July, and then a subsequent head buzz along with on and off pulsating T for the last 35 days now(though the PT began about halfway through that). That's right, a mixture of three noises in and out of my head, constantly. I have had trouble hearing people at work, trouble concentrating, and couldn't even enjoy watching TV at some points. I also had bouts with H on and off, bad enough to where even driving was uncomfortable to me bc of the road noise. The H has since subsided.

But beginning two weeks ago I started to learn how to simply CALM the f-ck down and with that my T also calmed down a bit, and at the moment at least, I am hoping (and praying) things will get even better. Unfortunately I have some experience with health problems and letting anxiety make things even worse, so I was quick to kind of catch myself so to speak. I have still not even done an MRI after all this time, as I am still under the impression that my nerves and anxiety have caused most if not all of this(the head buzz began on an extremely severe stressful day) and that sooner or later, it will subside. I can bet you the same can be said for you.

So take my advice. Relax. Check your blood pressure at a local pharmacy for starters. Have a little bit of NyQuil just for tonight to try and help you get a good night of sleep that you deserve and wake up tomorrow with a new mindset that will ultimately be the start of you getting better. Oh, and eat healthy too.

 

[Telis]

First things first, what kind of "extreme noise" were you exposed to that you claim you lost a "ton of additional hearing" ? Just as an fyi, unless it was something like a gunshot or airhorn next to your ear or you put your ear directly against a mega subwoofer at a nightclub, it is legitimately impossible for one to lose a significant amount hearing in an instant.

That all being said, I sympathize with the horror you are clearly going through. I was there too, and still am a bit. More on that in a bit. But for starters, you should know if you have been through these forums enough(Maybe you haven't), that no spike should ever be considered permanent until MANY months down the road. 3 minimum, 8 maximum in my honest opinion, and there have even been plenty of cases of people's T settling down after well over a year. I can almost guarantee that in 6 months from now you will be doing better, somehow, someway. For now, you need to relax. You need to calm your nerves. Research some breathing exercises and mindfulness tips that will help you get your mind OFF of your Tinnitus the best you can.

This is coming from someone typing this right now that has a semi PIERCING pulsating Tinnitus happening in his right ear. Don't believe me? Read all my posts from the last month. I have been a horror story and then some with a mixture of a regular spike which began back in mid July, and then a subsequent head buzz along with on and off pulsating T for the last 35 days now(though the PT began about halfway through that). That's right, a mixture of three noises in and out of my head, constantly. I have had trouble hearing people at work, trouble concentrating, and couldn't even enjoy watching TV at some points. I also had bouts with H on and off, bad enough to where even driving was uncomfortable to me bc of the road noise. The H has since subsided.

But beginning two weeks ago I started to learn how to simply CALM the f-ck down and with that my T also calmed down a bit, and at the moment at least, I am hoping (and praying) things will get even better. Unfortunately I have some experience with health problems and letting anxiety make things even worse, so I was quick to kind of catch myself so to speak. I have still not even done an MRI after all this time, as I am still under the impression that my nerves and anxiety have caused most if not all of this(the head buzz began on an extremely severe stressful day) and that sooner or later, it will subside. I can bet you the same can be said for you.

So take my advice. Relax. Check your blood pressure at a local pharmacy for starters. Have a little bit of NyQuil just for tonight to try and help you get a good night of sleep that you deserve and wake up tomorrow with a new mindset that will ultimately be the start of you getting better. Oh, and eat healthy too.

I ll eat healthy, and take NyQuil, words of wisdom, you should write a book, that's amazing, thank you so much.

I'm sure up to 120db pulses for 40 min wouldn't seem extreme to a stud like yourself, but for a normal guy like me, yeah it caused a lot of hearing loss.

Why the f::k would I come back on here and "claim" such a thing if it weren't true? I learned to "calm the f—k down" a long time ago friend, I've had debilitating tinnitus, hyperacusis and hearing loss for almost 5 years now.

I haven't slept in 6 weeks for more than 2 hours per night because my tinnitus has become extremely painful. The noise wakes me as soon as I drift off. This is not something I can control. I can easily fall asleep but can't stay asleep, it gets painful and I wake up.

Here's a hint, don't give condescending advise based on your own situation, you don't know what the other person is going through.

What does your audiogram look like? I really really hope you aren't another one of those pricks with no real damage and just some bull shit anxiety acting like you have it so bad, and all the while handing out advise to make yourself feel superior. If you are, get a life, clean up the basement or something, I'm sure your mom would appreciate that.

 

[Telis]

I got the notification that @Tinker Bell tagged me. So sorry you're going through this, @Telis. But I don't think we have the same kind of H. My T is not painful, stays fairly constant, and doesn't bother me most of the time. I have sound distortion with music (seems tinny and no bass) especially from cheap speakers, and I tend to hear everything louder than I know they should be. My H is more of a delayed kind of burning/stabbing pain. It has improved immensely after more than a year since my horrible setback but it's still there. Time helps, as well as leading a quiet life. Hope you find relief.

Thank you. Glad to hear you are doing well.

 

[Smartone202]

I ll eat healthy, and take NyQuil, words of wisdom, you should write a book, that's amazing, thank you so much.

I'm sure up to 120db pulses for 40 min wouldn't seem extreme to a stud like yourself, but for a normal guy like me, yeah it caused a lot of hearing loss.

Why the f::k would I come back on here and "claim" such a thing if it weren't true? I learned to "calm the f—k down" a long time ago friend, I've had debilitating tinnitus, hyperacusis and hearing loss for almost 5 years now.

I haven't slept in 6 weeks for more than 2 hours per night because my tinnitus has become extremely painful. The noise wakes me as soon as I drift off. This is not something I can control. I can easily fall asleep but can't stay asleep, it gets painful and I wake up.

Here's a hint, don't give condescending advise based on your own situation, you don't know what the other person is going through.

What does your audiogram look like? I really really hope you aren't another one of those pricks with no real damage and just some bull shit anxiety acting like you have it so bad, and all the while handing out advise to make yourself feel superior. If you are, get a life, clean up the basement or something, I'm sure your mom would appreciate that.

I am 34 with bad hearing loss. Moderate on the audiogram chart. Nowhere NEAR where it should be for someone my age. I have a small genetic loss and then other loss from the incident in 2004 and likely some regular subsequent loss from loud bars/clubs in my 20's. The woman doing the test even told me and I quote "You would be a candidate for hearing aids".

You don't know my life or what I've been through and what I'm going through. I gave a lengthy response where a small portion of it might have sounded condescending but it really didn't mean to be that way. I didn't mean any harm, but clearly you did in your response. I even stated that I sympathize for the horror you're going through, but don't worry, I won't be taking my time to do such a thing again.

 

[Telis]

Have you seen an audiologist? There are hearing aid options that work for loss between 8k-12k. Addressing your hearing loss may help.

Yeah, even before this, I have pretty big dips before the 8khz mark, I'm going to have a hearing test done in the next couple of days, see where I'm at. Thx

 

[Tinker Bell]

Yeah, even before this, I have pretty big dips before the 8khz mark, I'm going to have a hearing test done in the next couple of days, see where I'm at. Thx

Good. Sometimes the anxiety of not knowing compounds the situation. Can you find an audiologist who tests beyond 8k? If hearing aids are recommended, you would likely see more benefit from ones that cover up to 12k.

 

[Telis]

Good. Sometimes the anxiety of not knowing compounds the situation. Can you find an audiologist who tests beyond 8k? If hearing aids are recommended, you would likely see more benefit from ones that cover up to 12k.

Yeah, I've been lucky enough in the past, always tested to 16khz so I should easily be able to see the damage after this incident I would think ?

 

[Tinker Bell]

Yeah, I've been lucky enough in the past, always tested to 16khz so I should easily be able to see the damage after this incident I would think ?

Yes, that will give the audiologist a good comparison. Be sure to bring your previous copy along.

 

[Telis]

Yes, that will give the audiologist a good comparison. Be sure to bring your previous copy along.

Will do. Just not sure who programs up to 12khz, I could barely find a extended audiogram, and happens to be through the health care system, they don't sell hearing aids.

I looked before, and these dealers could order them but but didn't do the audiogram beyond 8khz

 

[Tinker Bell]

Will do. Just not sure who programs up to 12khz, I could barely find a extended audiogram, and happens to be through the health care system, they don't sell hearing aids.

I looked before, and these dealers could order them but but didn't do the audiogram beyond 8khz

I tried a Widex aid that did. However, it was a trial and not fully programmed accurately for me. That's another word of encouragement if you do go down that path, hearing aids can take some adjusting before they best accommodate you. And I've heard even then it can take a month to get used to them.

 

[Telis]

I tried a Widex aid that did. However, it was a trial and not fully programmed accurately for me. That's another word of encouragement if you do go down that path, hearing aids can take some adjusting before they best accommodate you. And I've heard even then it can take a month to get used to them.

Okay I will keep that in mind. Thanks so much for the advice

 

[Telis]

I am 34 with bad hearing loss. Moderate on the audiogram chart. Nowhere NEAR where it should be for someone my age. I have a small genetic loss and then other loss from the incident in 2004 and likely some regular subsequent loss from loud bars/clubs in my 20's. The woman doing the test even told me and I quote "You would be a candidate for hearing aids".

You don't know my life or what I've been through and what I'm going through. I gave a lengthy response where a small portion of it might have sounded condescending but it really didn't mean to be that way. I didn't mean any harm, but clearly you did in your response. I even stated that I sympathize for the horror you're going through, but don't worry, I won't be taking my time to do such a thing again.

Most of it sounded condescending to me, but whatever, it doesn't really matter, not a big deal . Take care

 

[Sam Bridge]

What's your audiogram like @Smartone202?

 

[PDodge]

Most of it sounded condescending to me, but whatever, it doesn't really matter, not a big deal . Take care

Where did you get tested t0 16khz? from past searches I see your also from yyc?

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@Telis I can only express that I'm sorry for what you are thru as I know myself at this very minute. Acoustic trauma wipes out magnesium from the body. Magnesium Chelate might help with much that you describe and it may help you get a little sleep.

@Eric N If your updated hearing tests are still in normal range, as we discussed in another thread - then I would focus on the neck. Magnesium Chelate may help you as well including neck muscles. Prednisone use for some with neck problems can make them feel a little sick by causing arteries to expand.

 

[Telis]

Where did you get tested t0 16khz? from past searches I see your also from yyc?

Done through the Alberta health care system, The old children's hospital just off 17th and crowchild

 

[PDodge]

Done through the Alberta health care system, The old children's hospital just off 17th and crowchild

Ah. Thanks for replying. I've been looking for somewhere private but and only find up to 12khz

 

[Telis]

Ah. Thanks for replying. I've been looking for somewhere private but and only find up to 12khz

Where did you find that tests to 12khz? The problem with the health care system is they don't carry hearing aids, I want to try aids programmed to 12khz, all the private places that i have checked that carry hearing aids, only donthe regular 8k audiogram

 

[PDodge]

Where did you find that tests to 12khz? The problem with the health care system is they don't carry hearing aids, I want to try aids programmed to 12khz, all the private places that i have checked that carry hearing aids, only donthe regular 8k audiogram

It was https://www.calgaryearcentre.ca/ I didn't actually do a test there but they did tell me they do tests up to 12khz when I asked

 

[Telis]

@Telis I can only express that I'm sorry for what you are thru as I know myself at this very minute. Acoustic trauma wipes out magnesium from the body. Magnesium Chelate might help with much that you describe and it may help you get a little sleep.

@Eric N If your updated hearing tests are still in normal range, as we discussed in another thread - then I would focus on the neck. Magnesium Chelate may help you as well including neck muscles. Prednisone use for some with neck problems can make them feel a little sick by causing arteries to expand.

Thanks Greg. My mother has been telling me that I should be taking magnesium as well. She read that acoustic trauma also creates a surplus of serotonin, and serotonin makes tinnitus worse? Apparently magnesium regulates serotonin? I'm just going by what she told me, no idea if this is correct. I'm out of the loop, I haven't read about tinnitus in ages.