A Short Relief from Tinnitus Followed by Relapse Triggered by Rain Noise

[Tasbloke]

Hi all,

I am feeling pretty demoralized right now. After a week of ringing and a low intermittent hum, I woke up yesterday and the tinnitus was almost gone. Not completely, but about 98 to 99 percent. Nothing for the whole day. I even spoke to my GP, who agreed that it was, at the very least, a good sign.

This morning, however, I woke up at 2 a.m. to the ringing having returned, most likely triggered by rain on the metal roof above me.

It has faded a little since I have been up and about, but this is draining. I am very concerned about the effect this is going to have on me in the long term.

 

[FXBG]

Since you mentioned it was raining, I've read that changes in barometric pressure with the weather can affect tinnitus levels. It affects mine, as well, especially when I go up to higher elevations. It usually takes a couple of days for the ringing sound to return to what feels normal. I've also noticed that my tinnitus is always louder for a few hours after I wake up.

 

[Jupiterman]

It was likely the sound of the heavy rain rather than air pressure that caused the worsening.

Perhaps check the weather forecast and wear earplugs at night if needed.

 

[Tasbloke]

Update: Since waking up today, my tinnitus has been almost entirely silent for the whole day. That makes it the second day in the space of four days. I'm not getting excited because I know how gutted I'll feel when it returns. I can only hope it's some kind of good sign, that something in my brain is trending in the right direction or healing. I guess we'll see.

 

[Tasbloke]

…And of course, it is back today, as loud as ever. Sigh. This is exhausting.

 

[TLD]

Hi @Tasbloke,

How long have you had tinnitus?

I am so sorry you are feeling this way. I do not have any real advice to give, as I only just returned to the forum yesterday after years away. I had habituated to my tinnitus and barely noticed or thought about it. I have unilateral tinnitus that has now become intrusive again, starting five days ago. I suppose this is what people here call a spike, which I had never experienced before and did not even know existed.

I am hoping it will settle and return to baseline. My fight or flight response has kicked in, anxiety is running high, and my sleep is poor. I understand how you are feeling, as I am already exhausted from it too. It is very hard not to think about it or obsess over it.

What are you doing to help manage your tinnitus and how you are currently feeling? I would be interested to know.

Take care.

 

[gagarings]

That sounds to me like residual inhibition.

 

[Tasbloke]

Hey @TLD,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. It really is a terrible thing, and yes, I agree, not thinking about it is much easier said than done.

I've had tinnitus for just two weeks now. I know plenty of people here have been dealing with it for much longer, but it's still not much fun, especially with the thought that it might stay.

I appreciate your kind words, thank you. I truly hope yours settles down, and soon.

 

[TLD]

Hey @Tasbloke,

Thanks for your lovely words. I woke up this morning and it appears my tinnitus has returned to baseline. However, like you, I am not getting my hopes up too high. I am now terrified it will be back tomorrow when I wake. I am also focusing and thinking about my baseline tinnitus, which never bothered me for years, and that has triggered anxiety. It feels like I am entering the habituation cycle again.

How are you doing today?

 

[Tasbloke]

I feel for you @TLD. This is such a cruel affliction, after all that hard work, and now it feels like you are back at square one. I'm crossing my fingers that it will settle for you soon.

I'm just taking it one day at a time. It's all I can do. I'm seeing an audiologist tomorrow, which is something. I am not expecting much, but at the very least he might be able to shed some light on an underlying cause.

 

[Tasbloke]

Update:

The audiologist tested my ears and found some mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss, which isn't unexpected given my age (48). Apart from that, my hearing levels were within normal limits in both ears. He also noted that my right eardrum, the ear that's been ringing, was somewhat retracted.

His opinion was that, based on what he observed, the tinnitus is most likely temporary and probably related to a middle ear infection, a retracted eardrum, or a combination of both. He said he saw nothing to strongly suggest permanence.

I certainly know better than to get my hopes up with this awful condition, but hearing that from a professional was encouraging, at least.