20 Year Anniversary Today!

New to the forum as of this morning

I have suffered for 15 years, a loud constant high pitched sound. When stressed its louder. Especially at night which leads to the classic vicious circle.

I went to a specialist who said there was nothing he could do. Lots of tests etc showing its caused by damage to the hairs on the inner ear. As a result I haven't really tried much.

To be honest, I've 'managed' for 20 years, I accept its not going away, and I've never got into over thinking things. Never even visited a forum until this morning.

If you had a top 3 things to try. What would they be?
thanks
T

 

I have not been back on this forum for a few months. I got Tinnitus about a year ago after a bout with Vertigo. It drove me nuts for about 3 months and I went to Audiologists, my doctor and a chiropractor and no one could help me so I did my own research and essentially I rely on sound therapy. I have also habituated to the Tinnitus - it seems I have gotten used to the ringing, which I may add has become a lower swishing pitch over time - it started with a high tinny pitch and now its a low swooshing sound. It no longer bothers me during the day when I'm out and about, but when I am in my quite apartment I play soothing music or when reading or going to sleep I turn on white noise that I downloaded to my IPhone and lay it next to me on the bed. So sound therapy is my go to. PK

 

Relaxing music
Pillow speakers
Maskers/hearing aids
Support

 

Distraction - keep busy and engaged.
Phone playing talk radio through its speaker under my pillow at night.
Vodka.

 

I had intrusive Tinnitus for 4 months and it has destroyed me, it kills me when people say they have been suffering for 15 years, I fear I v got no hope for the future, its only my 2 year old daughter that's kept me alive, but things are getting to much even she cant keep me going as iv turned to booze to cope

 

@Bazan . If you want to pm me let me know and we could try to set up a chance to chat on the phone. Only if you want. Sounds like you need some support.

 

I’m only just over 2months in and yes it’s soul destroying, and takes over your life.
I know a lot people have had it for years but that doesn’t mean you will, if you do then there ways to cope until they find a cure.
Keep your daughter in the forefront of your mind, alcohol may seem like it’s numbing the pain/rest bite for a while but it’s not the answer. See if you can go the GP and discus with them, maybe get you on some medication for a while, maybe go and see a counsellor. There are ways to help you with this and help you move forward.
PM me if you want to chat, there’s plenty of support here for you.

 

@brownbear yes I’d love you give you a call if you don’t mind,? How do pm? Best Bazan

 

@Jcb thank you for you kind words iv checked into a hospital for the depression and anxiety and hopefully some intensive CBT sessions

 

@Bazan . I think when you log in you can start a conversation with me and we can arrange it.

 

For the time being that might be the best place for you, I hope this helps you move forward and gives you some better coping mechanisms. Genuinely wish you the best man, and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Have you experienced any fading in the past 3 months?

 

@Bill Bauer sadley not, same level no change about 4 months into it now

 

If you haven't already, you might want to experiment with staying away even from moderate noises (e.g., sound of a vacuum cleaner, blender, etc.)

If you try that, make sure to watch TV with the volume set at the loudest level you can stand without giving yourself a spike. Doing this (or something similar, where you expose yourself to noise while making sure that the noise is not loud enough to give you a spike) will hopefully help you to avoid developing hyperacusis.