A Year Later, I Don't Know What My Tinnitus Baseline Is

[Nes]

Hello everyone,

It's been one year since my tinnitus began, and unfortunately, I haven't habituated yet because it changes every two months. I don't react strongly to it anymore (except when I get brand-new sounds), but I can't ignore it.

It started as a very high-pitched ringing in February 2024, and since then, I've experienced different variations, including just hissing, hissing with mid-tone ringing, unilateral ringing with hissing, unilateral low-pitch tinnitus that comes and goes, multiple mid-tone ringing, and reactive tinnitus.

For example, in November and December, I had just hissing. Then in December and January, I developed ringing with hissing. In January, my low-pitch pipe tone came back in my right ear after four months of absence.

I constantly get new sounds that come and go, varying a lot in loudness. Every single tinnitus sound I have is lower than 2000 Hz (although my first-ever sound was 12,000 Hz). I also go through periods where I get transient tinnitus every day due to my posture.

I have bad TMJ, which impacts my tinnitus a lot. Since I clench my teeth at night and can't do anything about it (yes, I have a retainer, but no, it doesn't prevent the clenching), every morning is kind of a surprise as I discover which "flavor" of tinnitus I got overnight.

The latest addition to my tinnitus is a buzzsaw sound that appeared after I accidentally watched a music video with the same sound for less than 20 seconds. It might be a coincidence, and hopefully, it's temporary since it's only been two days.

Over the past year, I've learned to cope better, but I'm getting tired of having to habituate to something new every two months—as if I could even habituate that quickly in the first place.

Does anybody else have no baseline? And how do you cope?

 

[Mark F.]

Hello everyone,

It's been one year since my tinnitus began, and unfortunately, I haven't habituated yet because it changes every two months. I don't react strongly to it anymore (except when I get brand-new sounds), but I can't ignore it.

It started as a very high-pitched ringing in February 2024, and since then, I've experienced different variations, including just hissing, hissing with mid-tone ringing, unilateral ringing with hissing, unilateral low-pitch tinnitus that comes and goes, multiple mid-tone ringing, and reactive tinnitus.

For example, in November and December, I had just hissing. Then in December and January, I developed ringing with hissing. In January, my low-pitch pipe tone came back in my right ear after four months of absence.

I constantly get new sounds that come and go, varying a lot in loudness. Every single tinnitus sound I have is lower than 2000 Hz (although my first-ever sound was 12,000 Hz). I also go through periods where I get transient tinnitus every day due to my posture.

I have bad TMJ, which impacts my tinnitus a lot. Since I clench my teeth at night and can't do anything about it (yes, I have a retainer, but no, it doesn't prevent the clenching), every morning is kind of a surprise as I discover which "flavor" of tinnitus I got overnight.

The latest addition to my tinnitus is a buzzsaw sound that appeared after I accidentally watched a music video with the same sound for less than 20 seconds. It might be a coincidence, and hopefully, it's temporary since it's only been two days.

Over the past year, I've learned to cope better, but I'm getting tired of having to habituate to something new every two months—as if I could even habituate that quickly in the first place.

Does anybody else have no baseline? And how do you cope?

I do have a baseline, fortunately. To those of you with reactive tinnitus, I truly feel for you. Hopefully, someone who can better relate to your struggles will comment soon. Stay strong!

 

[pants]

I'm coming up on a year in April, and mine also varies a lot. I have a Morse code tone, which is the worst because it's so hard to ignore. Sometimes it's in the background, and I don't notice it, but other times it makes it impossible to sleep.

I also have an ache in my other ear that fluctuates in intensity. I feel like if it were constant, it would be much easier to habituate. The constant variation is what makes it difficult, especially after experiencing false hope when it gets lower in intensity, making me think it might be improving.

 

[Nes]

I also have an ache in my other ear that fluctuates in intensity. I feel like if it were constant, it would be much easier to habituate. The constant variation is what makes it difficult, especially after experiencing false hope when it gets lower in intensity, making me think it might be improving.

I relate to this a lot. I go through cycles lasting anywhere from two weeks to a month and a half. Last November, I had just a hiss for a full month—I felt like my struggle was over. Then one day, it started ramping up again.

Over the past few days, it has doubled in intensity, and I have no idea why. It's super reactive, so it could be anything. Maybe it's my period, stress, or clenching too much.

But I know it can go lower again, so right now, my life just feels like waiting for it to calm down.

 

[Nes]

Update:

I think I have a slight idea of what my baseline is, but the issue is that I cannot figure out how to stay at baseline.

As I have mentioned, my tinnitus is extremely reactive and somatosensory. The problem is that I am a very tense person. Even the slightest stress causes all my muscles to tighten up, which significantly increases my tinnitus and triggers SBUTT episodes. I also live in an almost constant state of back and neck pain and clench my jaw at night.

The good news is that I do not mind my baseline! It is a predominant hiss with a bit of ringing on top. I actually like the hiss. It is far less dreadful than the ringing.

 

[Scruffiey]

Update:

I think I have a slight idea of what my baseline is, but the issue is that I cannot figure out how to stay at baseline.

As I have mentioned, my tinnitus is extremely reactive and somatosensory. The problem is that I am a very tense person. Even the slightest stress causes all my muscles to tighten up, which significantly increases my tinnitus and triggers SBUTT episodes. I also live in an almost constant state of back and neck pain and clench my jaw at night.

The good news is that I do not mind my baseline! It is a predominant hiss with a bit of ringing on top. I actually like the hiss. It is far less dreadful than the ringing.

It sounds like you've identified the issue, so now the question is: how do you go about resolving it?

Would exercise help? Physical or psychological therapy? Meditation? Or even medication, if you're open to that option?

My therapist taught me something called autogenic training. It's basically a quick, 2–3-minute self-hypnosis/meditation technique. It won't get rid of the tinnitus, but it's simple and quite relaxing. Something like that—or a similar approach—might be useful for managing stress and muscle tightness.

 

[delta784]

It sounds like you've identified the issue, so now the question is: how do you go about resolving it?

Would exercise help? Physical or psychological therapy? Meditation? Or even medication, if you're open to that option?

My therapist taught me something called autogenic training. It's basically a quick, 2–3-minute self-hypnosis/meditation technique. It won't get rid of the tinnitus, but it's simple and quite relaxing. Something like that—or a similar approach—might be useful for managing stress and muscle tightness.

Can you teach me?

 

[AfroSnowman]

Update:

I think I have a slight idea of what my baseline is, but the issue is that I cannot figure out how to stay at baseline.

As I have mentioned, my tinnitus is extremely reactive and somatosensory. The problem is that I am a very tense person. Even the slightest stress causes all my muscles to tighten up, which significantly increases my tinnitus and triggers SBUTT episodes. I also live in an almost constant state of back and neck pain and clench my jaw at night.

The good news is that I do not mind my baseline! It is a predominant hiss with a bit of ringing on top. I actually like the hiss. It is far less dreadful than the ringing.

Maybe explore the migraine–tinnitus treatment approach. It is based on the idea that our spikes are actually a type of migraine, and that by avoiding triggers, you can also avoid the spikes. I do not know if it has real validity, but it is something I am trying to experiment with.

 

[Nes]

Maybe explore the migraine–tinnitus treatment approach. It is based on the idea that our spikes are actually a type of migraine, and that by avoiding triggers, you can also avoid the spikes. I do not know if it has real validity, but it is something I am trying to experiment with.

Oh, that's good to know! What are your triggers, and what are you doing to avoid them?

In my case, I'm currently wondering if I might have chronic sinusitis. I have a lot of breathing issues, and my TMJ specialist told me he could tell from my posture that I mouth breathe. I also suspect I might have allergies. Right now, I have sinusitis with associated headaches, and my tinnitus has been extremely loud today.

 

[AfroSnowman]

Oh, that's good to know! What are your triggers, and what are you doing to avoid them?

In my case, I'm currently wondering if I might have chronic sinusitis. I have a lot of breathing issues, and my TMJ specialist told me he could tell from my posture that I mouth breathe. I also suspect I might have allergies. Right now, I have sinusitis with associated headaches, and my tinnitus has been extremely loud today.

I'm not sure that I have found any yet, but it is certainly making me consider my diet's effect on this a little more, and consider whether my focus on self-care should be on modifying my daily spikes rather than my very significant baseline.

Check out the below thread for more information:

NeuroMed Tinnitus Program — Founded by Dr. Hamid Djalilian

 

[Nes]

May Update:

This month I'm doing better. Tinnitus still has its ups and downs, but I have hope, as I'm experiencing more and more periods where it doesn't bother me as much. As a result, I've been sleeping very well, which significantly reduces my tinnitus. Sleeping well also greatly decreases my nighttime clenching, which in turn helps reduce the tinnitus further.

I've been trying to wean myself off heavy hearing protection by using cotton in my ears instead of ear defenders. I'm already noticing progress. I can now have virtual calls with friends without needing heavy protection. I've also managed to go out twice using only earplugs (without double protection), and my tinnitus didn't react much afterward.

However, the low-pitched sound in my right ear has returned, and it's louder than ever. I always thought it was caused by my TMJ, but now I suspect it might be something more. It's sometimes accompanied by pulsatile tinnitus. I've noticed that it tends to get louder after wearing earplugs, and I don't think this is due to increased perception, but rather the pressure the earplugs apply.

I've set some goals, and I'm working every day to reach them. My first goal is to be able to go outside freely (with protection!) without fearing spikes that last for weeks.

 

[Uklawyer]

@Nes, did you work on your neck and back? Have you considered trying Botox for your jaw if you keep clenching at night even while using a splint?

 

[Nes]

@Nes, did you work on your neck and back? Have you considered trying Botox for your jaw if you keep clenching at night even while using a splint?

Hello,

Yes, I have! I already know that my posture is directly responsible for my transient tinnitus episodes, so I've been working extensively on it. I bought a desk chair with upper back support and armrests, and I actively try not to slouch. I also noticed that all pillows hurt my neck because they are too high, so I came up with a sleeping position that works for me, and sometimes I even sleep without a pillow. Since making these changes, my transient tinnitus episodes have become much less frequent—going from several times per day to once or twice every two days.

I also considered Botox and even consulted several dentists about it. I was referred to a specialist in gnathology, which is the study of the masticatory system. He started by confirming what other specialists had already told me: the splint I currently use is not suitable for jaw clenching and could eventually cause occlusion problems and pain.

He also immediately noticed that I breathe with my mouth open, which could be contributing to my TMJ issues. I was referred to an ENT to check for possible causes of the mouth breathing. However, I have been delaying the appointment because I'm a bit nervous the ENT will focus only on my tinnitus and hyperacusis if I show up with the heavy protection I usually wear.