Universal Sound Therapy (UST)

Let me introduce myself first. My name is Arthur and I live in the Toronto area. I have had tinnitus in my right ear since 1995 caused by hearing loss. However, it was not too bothersome until one year ago. And then I did the stupidest thing ever. I was at a disco next to a very loud speaker, and after just 30 minures, I walked out and my tinnitus had increased by a factor of 10. It also moved from my right ear to my left ear.

I now wear a hearing aid in each ear ( Widex with Zen) and this has given me some relief. Having said that I still find it difficult at times to cope. I have tried just about every herbal option and also subscribed to Beyond Tinnitus, which is a form of TRT. I also consulted with a TRT specialist who was helpful in helping me understand the positive things that I can do ( e.g relaxation, exercise etc) to cope better. Nonetheless my condition has not improved materially, although I do get a day or two of complete quiet once in a while, so I am hopeful for more of the same in the future.

One big concern I have is inadequate sleep. Although I wear my hearing aids 24/7 and expecially at night given the soothing benefits of the ZEN musical tones, I find it very difficult to sleep properly. I have tried amytriptelene ( helpful but elevates my blood pressure and accelerates my heart rate) and also Melatonin ( no benefit at all). The only thing that works well is unfortunately, a prescription drug ( Zopiclone ), but of course this is supposed to be for occasioinal use, and I am taking it fairly regularily, so this in concerning.

I should also mention that I have had high blood pressure for 20 years or so which appears to be genetic based. My siblings and parents all have or had this condition. I take Ramapril 5 mg and HCT 25 mg per day and my BP is always in the normal range. I have tried not taking Ramapril for 10 days or so and rely only on HCT for BP control. I wanted to ensure that ramapril was not aggravating the tinnitus...and it was not.

I am in otherwise excellent health...not overwieght, eat properly and exercise frequently.

As I mentioned, I tried the Beyond Tinnus program, but I did not find it very helpful. Given then propensity for tinnitus suffereres to "try everything", I recently bought the CD from Universal Sound Therapy. I have been using it daily for about 3 or four hours, but after two weeks or so, I cannot say that i have noticed much of a difference. However, I do want to remain positve, and I am encouraged by the apparent success achieved by Calin in the tread.

So my thanks to all for your contributions and its always nice to read about positive improvements that one or more contributors may experience, It helps the rest of us...and I hope that I 'll have something positve to report myself which will be helpful to the rest.

 

Hello Karen

Thanks for your reply.

I woke up this morning with zero tinnitus...and does it very feel wonderful. As I mentioned, I am getting the odd day (about one day per week) when I am tinnitus free, and I have no idea what is causing this to happen. Having said that, I am quite convinced that TRT is the only reasonably proven therapy that alleviates the problem for many.

For the last week or so when my tinnitus was particularly bothersome, I used the recordings that I had make when I subscribed to the BeyondTinnitus program....and I also listened extensively to the UST CD. In addition, I wear my Widex in the canal hearing aids 24/7. As I mentioned, mine are equipped with Zen technology which allows one to hear non repetitive musical tones. These are particularly soothing when one tries to fall asleep. Lastly, I have cut down on coffee and sugar generally.

I believe that the combination of all these activities is what is giving me this level of occasional relief. I intend to carry on with this combination of therapies and am hopeful that I will contintue to progress.

Time will tell...but hope for a more permanent cure is what we all wish for...and science will one day figure out the solution...hopefully within our lifetime.

Hope that this helps in some way.

Arthur
If

 

Hi Karen:

My tinnitus was back yesterday after a day and a half of complete quiet. However, it is not quite as annoying as it has been in the past...which is why I continue to be optimistic that my series of therapies,including UST are beneficial.

As for your question about Widex Zen, I frankly feel that they have been very helpful. As I mentiuoned i have a hearing loss in both ears, and the Widex Zen is both a hearing aid and a sound generator of very pleasant musical tones....sort of like wind chimes which are non-repetitive. I have 5 different program varieties of these tones but I have a particular preference for two of them. A remote control unit makes it very simple to adjust volume levels both of the Zen tones and the hearing device itself, and to select the program that suits you best.

During the day, the Zen tones "melt away in the background"...sort of like white noise. And, since my Widex hearing aids are the "inside the canal" type, I wear them very comfortably at night too as they help me get to sleep somewhat easier. What I do just before bedtime, is lower the volume of these tones to a comfortable level ...given the quiet of the bedroom. Of course, these hearing aids are very easy to remove and indeed one should do so regularly to clean them ( of ear wax buildup) and also if you are taking a shower/ bath etc.

I have worn the these Zen hearing aids virtually 24/7 for about 8 months now, and I really cannot live without them. My tinnituis would be unbearable, and I could not hear well enough anyway without them. The sound amplification from them is superb in my opinion, and much improved from earlier models which were less than ideal in crowded rooms with high ceilings. When my tinnitus is inactive and I am wearing these aids, I feel like my hearing is normal.

The only real negative is the cost. Mine were $6000 for the pair...but I figured I had no other reasonable choice.

This short video may help you decide if Zen is right for you.. but in any case you should check with a qualified audiogist who has had some experience with this particular hearing aid. I am not sure if you should have one or two.. If your tinnitus is concentrated on ine side..you could try one to start with.

Tinnitus and Widex Zen

I hope that this is a bit helpful. Importantly, remain positive. I do.

 

Hello Karen:

I thought I would give you a quick update as I have had a few very good days. I have had no tinnitus for three out of the last five days, and during the two days that my tinnitus was active, it was nowhere as bothersome as it used to be. Whether this is a long term trend, or simply the "calm before" the storm, I do not know. But I hope it is the former.

I have made a few changes to my treatment routine. The most significant is that I have been taking, for the past 10 days or so, a much higher dosage of magnesium.....specifically 500 mg per day, in addition to the 8omg per day that comes in a multi vitamin. For the first few days there was no noticable difference, but after a week or so, I got the results I mentioned. Whether the magnesium is responsible for the improvement, I do not know. It may very well be a combination of all therapies, including the Widex Zen, UST and deep breathing exercises on a regular basis.

Having said that, I do think that magnesium may have had an impact and I though you and others would be interested in this clinical study currently underway by the Mayo Clinic

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01273883

And there is also this interesting article....

http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/treatments/magnesium.aspx

Since Magnesium is relatively safe with minimal side effects, you may want to consider this higher dosage, assuming you are not already doing so.

Cheers and stay positive

Arthur

 

Arthur -
Thanks for posting this information about magnesium.
Now I'm off to the drug store to get some.
- Karl

 

Hello Karl:

You're welcome. During the past few days my tinnitus has certainly improved. I am getting more days which are tinnitus free, and when the tinnitus is active, it seems less intrusive...less bothersome. Again, I do not know if this improvement is caused by my higher magnesium intake, but I intend to stay on this higher dose sincethere is very little downside risk, and potentially, substantial benefits.

Please keep me posted on your experience with magnesium.

Arthur

 

Arthur -

I've been taking magnesium 500 mg/day for a week. I'm not sure if I notice much difference yet. Interestingly, I had a couple of glasses of wine last night, and I seemed to notice quite a reduction the next morning. This is the second time I noticed that drinking wine has a benefit the next morning.

Your tinnitus is very interesting, because it comes and goes. If only tinnitus researchers could use people like you to make MRI's before your tinnitus and after tinnitus. They would have an invaluable resource for determining if there is a physio-structural reason for your particular tinnitus. Seems to me that you would make a great test specimen for the right tinnitus researcher.

- Karl

 

Hi Karl:

Thanks for your interesting post. I have increased my magnesium intake to about 1000mg per day from about 600mg or so. The reason is that the higher dosage is well within the safety limits, ...thus, minimal or no side effects. The second reason is that I am still reasonably convinced that magnesium has helped my tinnitus. Besides the fact that I am tinnitus free about two to three days a week, I also notice a reduction in the loudness of tinnitus when it is active. In the last three weeks or so, I can honestly say that the level of tinnitus intrusiveness is now lower overall and therefore much more bearable.

I would certainly agree to be a test specimen for a tinnitus clinical study as you suggested. However, I suspect that this is something that cannot be arranged easily, if at all.

You should try the higher dosage of magnesium for a week or two...the risk is minimal and the benefits potentially substantial.

 

Hi Arthur.

Magnesium is one of the most abundant elements on our planet, therefore it's probably pretty safe. Since I've been taking it only 6 days, I'm a bit early reporting on my progress. It is very interesting that the Mayo Clinic is conducting a tinnitus study related to magnesium.

Frankly, I'm somewhat frustrated with the progress of tinnitus researchers. Sometimes I want to grab them and say "try this!" It bugs me that the ATA is "celebrating" 40 years, but after all this time, there is yet be a clear consensus about the most basic mechanism of what causes tinnitus. Tinnitus seems to be another of the elusive "deseases of the head" - such as autism, depression and altzheimers - which medical researchers have difficutly understanding.

 

Hello guys!

What kind of magnesium are you all taking? I read that magnesium oxide was better so I started that months ago. 500mg. I can't remember where I saw it though.

Now that I am doing a search on it, I see that oxide is not as absorbable.

• Magnesium Sulfate, or Chloride: Inorganic; may cause diarrhea.
  
• Magnesium Ascorbate: A salt form of magnesium with the anion ascorbate. Typically contains about 20% magnesium by weight. Used when a vitamin C claim is also intended with the product.
  
• Magnesium Aspartate: A salt form of magnesium with the anion from aspartic acid (aspartate). Typically contains between 20 and 22% magnesium by weight.
  
• Magnesium Carbonate: A carbonate salt of magnesium yielding approximately 25% magnesium as magnesium oxide. Used primarily as an antacid, buffering, or laxative additive rather than a source of magnesium.
  
• Magnesium Chelate (Amino Acid): A chemically reacted magnesium ion, bound to 1 or more amino acids, thus allowing the magnesium to enter through the intestinal wall via the amino acid pathway rather than active magnesium diffusion. A true reacted chelate differs from simply mixing the amino acids and minerals which is often referred to as "chelated". Examples: citrate, aspartate, malate, succinate - organic; better absorbed, don't cause diarrhea.
  
• Magnesium Citrate: Yet another salt form of magnesium with the anion from citric acid (citrate). This salt form yields about 16% magnesium.
  
• Magnesium Oxide: A form of magnesium tightly bonded (ionic) with oxygen. Often called magnesia. Contains 60% magnesium. While high in magnesium, this is one of the poorest forms of magnesium supplementation. This form is useful in high doses as an antacid (see Mg Carbonate) or a laxative. Many manufacturers cut corners to use magnesium oxide because the cost and less material is required to meet the USRDA compared to the better sources with less magnesium by weight.
  
• Magnesium Stearate: A salt form of magnesium with two molecules of stearic acid (18 carbon fatty acid). Used almost exclusively as a lubricant in the formation of tablets and capsules. Amounts are usually too low to account for any beneficial magnesium. Suggestions about the negative aspects of using magnesium stearate have been greatly exagerated. Magnesium stearate should be food grade or better, and from a vegetable source. Magnesium stearate is listed in the National Formulary (NF). http://www.diagnose-me.com/treat/T29226.html

 

I hear ya on the pulsing tinnitus!

I am doing fine as far as my expectations. I gave it 4 months and I have until mid March to give a review on the UST.

I also do the supplements as well as the sonic toothbrush for circulation. I added other UST therapies in an effort to speed this along. Since I have a vascular tinnitus (ENT diagnosed) I am using the circulation one as well just in case I have a vascular issue in my neck and head. I have not ruled out getting the ultrasound on my neck as prescribed though.

I don't notice the T anymore unless I focus on it. I am pleased that it is very low now upon awakening. I still have it but measurably lower. Very faint most times. It has it's moments though. Maybe a 1.75 - 2.0.

I am pleased that you are finding a decrease in volume. woo-hoo! Any change as such is a sign of hope.

I just realized that I am taking magnesium oxide AND magnesium sulfate (in the drops to balance my body ph levels)

Hope to hear some good news from you soon!

 

Hello all;

My tinnitus over the past month is quite a bit better than it used to be...but of course, it is still there. I have hearing loss in both ears ( I wear hearing aids) and ringing tinnitus . As I noted in a previous post, I have been taking 1000mg of magnesium oxide every day plus doing the UST and toothbrush procedures at least 5 days per week. Just two weeks ago I also decided to start a three month therapy taking Arches Tinnitus Formula capsules ( 2x2 daily).

http://www.tinnitusformula.com/library/arches-tinnitus-formula-and-the-good-gingko/

I well aware of the fact that these are very expensive supplements but the site appears to be so professional that I decided to give it a try. Essentially, this capsules contain ginko, zinc and garlic extract. However, the claims are that the quality of the ginko in particular is much better than what one would find in a typical health food store. Also, the testimonials seem to be quite positive...and honest.

That said, this might be "snake oil" stuff just like so many other supplements. However, I figured that $120 or so for a four month supply is worth a try, ever if it turns out to be a rip off at the end.

As I said, my tinnitus has certainly improved, and I am Tinnitus free approx. 2 days a week. Also, when active it appears to be lower in intensity and less bothersome. I have no idea what the improvement is due too, but I intend to keep this multiple therapy approach as I know that something is working and my condition is much more bearable than it has been.

I'll be happy to report further about the impact of Arches supplements. Hopefully it will be more good news.

 

Wow! I am so happy for you - 2 days a week - much lower intensity on the other days! Just wow!!

I am taking all the supplements that you have mentioned, except only 500 mg of magnesium oxide. If I do any more I will be in the bathroom a lot!

I try to get the best quality supplements that I can find.

I even bought a new Sonicare a couple weeks ago... my old one was wearing out. The new one is so much better for the treatments.

Hope to hear some more positive results from you again! I am making wonderful progress myself!

 

YEP.... been 4 months!

Actually I am getting weaker signals when it is normally the strongest - when I wake. Much weaker. By the end of the day, it is fainter yet. Most times now I don't notice it - it is that low. However... it is still there. It can get weak enough that I don't notice the pulsing very much. I have to concentrate on the "signal" to pick up that distinction.

I am a couple of weeks into the seratonin level increase from the Lepticore. Unfortunately I haven't noticed a reduction in appetite, but I am not taking it for that. I added heavy metal toxicity to my UST therapy as well.... shucks... couldn't hurt! haha I still have those nasty silver fillings which are 30 years old now. I do have a strong sense that the circulation UST is also helping. There is a circulation issue with pulsitile, so I am doing that daily for the tinnitus too. I am still doing the tinnitus protocol. Heck, if it takes 7 months, that is what I will do.

I stopped using my sonic toothbrush therapy. I didn't see a change for the worse when I did... so.... I am giving my ears a break! lol

So.... any changes for you?

You are very kind and a warm person. I am glad to have met you here!

 

How did it go with the audiologist?

I checked with amazon.com for reviews on the Arches and no one who purchased and wrote a review found that symptoms were alleviated... just reduced. It has all the same ingredients that I take as supplements now, so I won't consider taking it.

 

ohhh... I see.

When I first got tinnitus I suspected hearing loss as that is what the research was saying. I had already gotten the protocol from UST for hearing loss before I found that I was cleared for that from the audiologist. It didn't got to waste though... my bichon has benefited from it. She now seems to be hearing things better. I only used it on her a couple of times... but seemed to help. Ya know... I should use it myself, even if I don't ave hearing loss come to think of it. I may do that every once in a while and see what happens.

About the otosclerosis... is a typical symptom tinnitus? I didn't see that on the wiki source - although I didn't read it word for word.

 

Hi hon!

I just had a thought. Have Dick at UST make a custom one for you. Hearing loss, circulation and tinnitus. Or when you talk to him, explain your condition and see if he can conjure up a combination to help your individual condition. I asked him do that for me for my dental issues.

Also, if you can't tolerate more than one a day, try just placing the headset around your neck or just off center of your ears. I do that all day long just about for my protocols.

My pulsating never goes away.... weak as it can get, it is still there. I am noticing that if I miss a day of the circulation protocol the tinnitus increases slightly the next day. Oh, be sure you are doing the alignment each day before the specific condition. I have the protocols separated on my smart phone and I can forget now and then to play it daily.

What really works well for me is liquid melatonin before bed. The dosage is 2 tsp, but I have never done that much. I was taking a quarter tsp, but now I just take a smidgen! lol The volume on my tinnitus is low enough now the I can distract my attention away from the pulsing tone so that I can nod off to sleep fairly easily with the smidgen of melatonin. I used to have to play my CD with thunder and rain sounds to mask the tinnitus to get to sleep. I haven't had to do that in months. Sleepy time tea before bed too.

How is your blood pressure?