Recent content by Mark F.

If I understood your last reply, your theory is that the ear aches/pain and hyperacusis must subside BEFORE the tinnitus starts to fade. Am I correct on that? If so, I really don't have a clue how the body/mind heal, and if healing is in a certain order, or everything at once. All I know is I...

Yes... It's been 17 months since the incident. Yes... Tinnitus, pain, hyperacusis were maybe "moderate" right after the incident. I'd say at least 3 months for dull ache in my ears to go away. 9 months, at least, for the hyperacusis to settle down. The volume of my tinnitus HAS faded. It is...

I’m back with an update. The tinnitus is still with me—mild and stable—and for that, I am VERY grateful. I know it could be much, much worse. The hardest part has been forgiving myself for the poor choices I made the day my wife and I went shooting. I already had a mountain of regrets, and when...

Hang in there, Emily! The trauma to your ears—and your psyche—is still fresh, but it will get better with time. We all go through the initial shock, grief, and regret over the actions that caused our tinnitus. Feelings of panic, high anxiety, hopelessness, and depression are common. But please...

I'm glad it went well for you! Did you wear earplugs throughout the entire process?

Thank you for explaining the "occlusion effect." If you're unsure about going to the dentist, don't rush into it. Dentists are businesses, and part of their job is to create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to act quickly before your teeth deteriorate. Don’t fall for it—you...

I’m really happy to see you posting encouraging comments, Matthew! I’ve wondered how you’ve been doing. It sounds like you’re in a much better state of mind compared to earlier in the year. Keep taking care of yourself!

Would using earplugs work? I know people have mentioned the "occlusion effect," but I’m not sure I fully understand what that means. Is it harmful to your ears to wear earplugs at the dentist's office? If so, is it because the dental drill is being used inside your mouth, causing the sound waves...

Try running a box fan in your bedroom when you’re ready to go to sleep. Any kind of soothing or hypnotic sounds can help distract your brain from the tinnitus, making it easier to fall asleep. We've all been where you are right now, and yes, it’s tough. But it might go away, and if it doesn’t...

I have had tinnitus for just over a year, while you’ve been dealing with it for 43 years. I don’t know if I can offer much help, but I want you to know that you’ve been heard. Please hang in there. I’m sure someone with more experience than me will come along and respond to you. Pray to...

I have had mild tinnitus for 16 months now. Fortunately, it has been non-reactive, and the hyperacusis faded away within the first six months or so. However, I did experience something similar to what you described—a wailing police car rushing past me. I've also had loud Harley-Davidson...