Another Week, Another New Noise. What Am I Missing?

I don't get it, I just don't get it. I'm protecting my ears at loud places, I stopped listening to headphones, I only use public transport with earmuffs + professional custom earplugs, I'm using sound enrichment at night. My tinnitus is still gaining new noises.

Today I woke up with a higher warble added into my left ear - I had a lower warble in both (gained those lovely things a week and a half ago), but this one is new and louder than ever. This is NOT how it's supposed to be. It is literally impossible to habituate to anything like this.

Every time I start getting used to my tinnitus, I get a new noise. I'm losing track of how many I have at this point.

The only new thing I'm taking is Valdoxan (a non-SSRI antidepressant) and sometimes a few pieces of clonazepam when I really can't take it. Should I stop? Should I just stop with the vitamins I'm taking? Or the Betaserc? The Nootropil?

I'm so scared, you guys. I can habituate to what I have. I know I can. I get used to the sounds and I accept them. I've been on the road multiple times. But HOW do I do that when I get a new sound every few weeks? What am I possibly doing wrong?! Any ideas?

 

I believe you are using too much ear protection and not allowing your auditory system to get used to normal everyday sounds. This can make the auditory system and your ears hypersensitive. My advice is to start using less ear protection. Please be prepared for some discomfort perhaps even spike in your tinnitus but this will improve. Please read the post below to get an idea of what I mean. Over protecting the ears can cause problems like you've described. I also advise getting tests done at ENT just to make sure everything is as it should be. If possible get some counselling with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist that's trained in the management of tinnitus.

When sound enrichment is used correctly, it will treat hyperacusis and cure it.

Hyperacusis, As I See It.

Some members have asked for my opinion on hyperacusis as they are finding it increasingly difficult to live with. They want to know if there is a way of treating this condition so that their life can become a little easier? Or whether it can be completely cured? For a few it has become so distressing they have decided to only leave their homes when it’s absolutely necessary. This is because of the fear of making the symptoms worse, by subjecting their ears to the hustle and bustle of everyday road traffic noise and other environmental sounds that we are all familiar with.

Reading some of the posts in this forum, one can easily see that certain people daren’t leave their homes without first checking they have their earmuffs and an assortment of earplugs in various degrees of attenuation, in readiness for any potential environment that they happen to find themselves in. The cinema, nightclub, restaurant, or on public transport. If money is no object aspiring to custom made moulded earplugs for some is the way to go. It can bring the added assurance they will be getting the best hearing protection. Whether this is true or not doesn’t really matter because it’s what the person believes and this helps to give them that peace of mind which is something many of us strive for at one time or another.

The above may seem a little extreme until I tell you one member provoked a lot of discussion here, when he mentioned having the air bag in a car that he had just purchased disabled in case it was deployed in an accident. I suppose the thought of 170 decibels raining down on his auditory system and the possibility of his tinnitus and hyperacusis shooting through the roof was too much too bare and is more important than a potential life saving device. As strange as this might seem, others have discussed doing the same thing elsewhere on the Internet.

I am not an expert in this field but do have the experience of living with very severe hyperacusis that was brought on with the onset of my tinnitus twenty years ago due to loud noise exposure. It was so severe; conversation with someone at times caused immense pain. However, it was completely cured in two years with TRT and having counselling with a hearing therapist. I wore white noise generators for 10hrs a day and used a sound machine throughout the night until morning for sound enrichment. My tinnitus had reduced to a very low level.

Some people believe hyperacusis cannot be cured and if treatment such as TRT works then it merely suppresses the condition. In the event of future loud noise exposure it will return and the condition will be worse than before. I believe it's up to the individual to take care of their hearing and not subject themselves to loud noise exposure. However, accidents do happen as in my case. I have previously explained in this forum that my tinnitus increased to very severe levels in 2008 due to noise exposure so won’t go over it again. To my surprise the hyperacusis did not return and has remained the same till this day, completely silent.

This summer I went onto the Brighton Pier and into the arcade. The place was a hive of activity and many people were using the slot machines. Music was playing and mixed with loud laughter so everyone seemed to be having a good time. I had my sound level meter and also a sound App on my mobile phone. Just in case things got too uncomfortable I had my noise reducing earplugs with me that reduce sound levels by 18 decibels. This was a test and not something I normally do or recommend anyone else to try.

The sound level in that place remained constant at just over 100 decibels. My ears didn’t feel uncomfortable and I felt no pain. I stayed at the venue for 30 minutes and then left.

The next morning my tinnitus was silent and I experienced no symptoms of hyperacusis. I do not believe that it is a good idea for someone with tinnitus or hyperacusis (or both) to wear earplugs or noise-reducing earplugs with filters too often, because it’s possible for the auditory system to become hypersensitive. In some cases it could make matters worse and cause a condition called phonophobia. This is literally having a fear of sound.

I used to counsel someone that had phonophobia like symptoms although she wasn’t diagnosed. This person had hypercausis that gradually got worse and at every opportunity she kept away from sound. This got so bad going out the front door because of the noise was a problem. Her ears couldn’t tolerate the sound of the microwave, dishwasher or the washing machine. She even complained of the sound of rain falling on her conservatory roof that was made of glass. Fortunately she has improved.

There is much discussion on this in the medical field from experts saying that the overuse of hearing protection isn’t good and therefore discouraged as it will lower loudness threshold and I completely agree with this. I think if one isn’t careful they can become paranoid over sound making their hyperacusis and tinnitus worse and I don’t think it’s healthy.

I believe the answer is to seek proper treatment. If TRT is unavailable then start using a sound machine by the bedside at night for sound enrichment. This usually helps to desensitise the auditory system. Try going out for long walks and getting used to everyday sounds instead of keeping away from them by staying at home. I don’t normally recommend anyone to use white noise generators unless they are under the care of a hearing therapist. However, if your tinnitus is under control and you have habituated but experience hyperacusis, that some call: Reactive tinnitus. Then white noise generators could be the way to go. Two should be used to keep the auditory system in balance and set the volume level low, preferably below the tinnitus. This will help to desensitise the auditory system and treat the hypercusis.

Hearing protection is important and does have its place. If I am going to venues where I believe noise level could become loud then I have my earplugs with me. Night clubs, parties etc. I would always use them at the cinema although I haven’t been to one in years. Reading some of the posts on this forum people say those places can be very loud.

When I use my petrol lawn mower or electric power tools for those DIY jobs around the home, I always use my ear defenders. I want to live life and enjoy it. Not to be living in fear of hearing a fire truck or ambulance siren coming towards me and I have to panic and quickly insert earplugs or reach for earmuffs to protect my hearing. I just think this is overkill.

Michael

PS: There is a condition called: vestibular hyperacusis. This is where the sound can cause a person to fall, lose balance or experience dizziness, and will probably require more professional help.

 

I can't comment on the effects of the drugs that you have using, but after talking to Michael Leigh I called two sound labs on Friday. They said to own some vented ear plugs as in many situations they will do. My neuro surgeon told me that zinc and many other vitamins are worthless. Magnesium and B12 may help some, but don't over do the magnesium.

Hey Michael you just beat my post by a second. I want to say I got that new updated sound machine and ocean sounds helped after one night of use. So I won't be using the static rain anymore.

 

Hey @Michael Leigh, thanks for popping in! I really don't think I'm overprotecting - I'm from an Eastern European country, and our metro system is old and loud, using ancient Russian machines that should have been scrapped ages ago, with loudness regularly going over 90 dBs (I've measured it with a proper loudness meter, not just on my phone). I've had consultations with various ENT specialists plus an audiologist who specialises in tinnitus and I've ordered my noise generators - they should be done next week or maybe the week after that, depending on the manufacturer. I always make sure to remove my earplugs/muffs in environments where they're not needed.

The problem with spikes is - when I get a new sound, it doesn't go away. When this whole mess began in April, I had two distinct noises - one tonal sound in my left ear and a CRT TV hiss in my right. These have spread to the other ear, I've gained new sounds, high-pitch whines, low warbles, something that sounds like a life support machine... Once a sound is established, it does *not* go away. The CRT TV hiss spikes when I take a shower or when I listen to YouTube or whatever, but I've learned to ignore it since a good night's sleep seems to reset it and I don't care. But how am I supposed to do anything when all my noises stay around? A month ago, I only had like half of them...

There's something up with my Eustachian tubes, too - sometimes I can hear my breathing and speech through my ears. I don't even know what's going on anymore. Maybe the noisers will help? If they don't, I really don't see any other way out than killing myself, as this seems to be a progressive thing...

 

@Greg Sacramento That's good news and hope that you continue to make improvement. Vented earplugs are good but again, I do not advise them to be used too often. I believe that hyperacusis can be cured. In severe cases white noise generators might have to be used under the guidance of a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist. The reason: The auditory system is so sensitive it needs to be constantly supplied with low-level "sound enrichment" throughout the day and using a sound machine at night.

I do not recommend using earmuffs and earplugs on trains long term or on the public highway. The sooner a person allows their auditory system to get used to normal everyday sounds the better.

Michael

 

@Greg Sacramento Hey! My plugs are vented - they were hella expensive, too... not sure how much better they can get :\

 

From what I've seen in TRT literature, earplugs are recommended if you have to raise your voice in a conversation to make yourself understood... well, our trains are loud enough that you literally have to yell into someone's ear if you want to talk to them, so uh... that's hardly a normal everyday sound, lol. I don't really wear them when I'm not on public transport.

 

I do not agree with you @Zenyatta but it is your choice. The fact that you are wearing ear protection on the train and other people are not shows that you don't need them in my opinion. Please read my post above. I went to a venue where the sound level was 100 decibels and I had no problems. If you must use earplugs on the train then use vented ones with filters. However, I strongly advise you to only use them short term.

When you begin using the white noise generators. Introduce them to your auditory system slowly. Wear them at 2hrs intervals. 2hrs on and 2hrs off. Slowly build up the wearing time over a few weeks until you are able to wearing them up to 8 to 10hrs a day. It is not advisable to wear them when asleep. Use a sound machine by the bedside instead.

Michael

 

You are paying too much attention to TRT literature. Although it is good it cannot beat people who live with tinnitus and hyperacusis. I have had TRT twice. I once had very severe Hyperacusis that was completely cured in two years using TRT and wearing white noise generators.

Michael

 

It's going to be a step by step process with the audio. I had a good phone conversation with an audio therapist for low noise enrichment, but my neuro surgeon told me no audio testing until my ears settle down. My sound machine is at my bedside, but the ocean sounds are much lower than my tinnitus itself.

 

@Michael Leigh I wish I didn't have to use them but honestly, the train *really* hurts my ears if I don't. I've had my loudness discomfort levels measured and they're... not the best. I'm all for healthy sound enrichment and I'll start using my devices ASAP, but I don't think going into roaring loud traffic without any kind of ear protection is a good idea, especially since my tinnitus tends to scream for the rest of the day, even when I use it... Would you have used the trains without earplugs when your hyperacusis was so severe?

 

Wait, you're seeing a neurosurgeon for your tinnitus/hyperacusis? How? Why? :O

 

I will admit @Zenyatta 21 years ago when I first got tinnitus with severe hyperacusis which was so bad my ears hurt when people talked to me. I did wear earplugs (the foam type) out on the street for quite a while. I even used them when using the vacuum cleaner so I understand what you mean. If the train is painful for you then use the earplugs. As you habituate your sensitivity to sound will reduce and I advise using vented earplugs that allow more sound into your auditory system when on the train.

I wish you the best of luck with the white noise generators. I still use mine. When did your tinnitus start?

 

@Michael Leigh Yeah, I'm definitely using custom vented plugs. They're originally not like that but I've had some adjustments made so now they allow a little environmental noise as well.

I've had low tinnitus for about five years now - I never cared about it since I only heard it when I was in bed. This April, I got a nasty infection which kickstarted the spikes and added hyperacusis into the mix - I don't know why it's not stopping and it's really making me desperate. I mean, how does one habituate to something that's constantly changing and increasing?

 

@Zenyatta Before your tinnitus increased did you used to use headphones or attend clubs or concerts. Work in a noisy environment? In most cases when tinnitus increases and hyperacusis is present "loud sounds" are usually the cause or headphone use.

Michael

 

@Michael Leigh Yeah, I'm an editor and I had to use headphones for my job - I also listened to music a lot. It literally never made a difference or made me spike until this infection - my ears felt full for weeks and I had to go through a course of both antibiotics and steroids. I'm guessing that this, combined with the earlier noise exposure in my life, was the straw that broke the camel's back. Which is... okay I guess, I've taken good care not to do any of those things anymore and I will transition into a headphone-less job soon, fortunately my employer is willing to make accommodations for me. What is not okay is the fact that I'm still gaining new sounds and I just cannot understand why on Earth it's happening?!

 

I not sure why my T is down to a 8/10 tonight instead of 10/10. The ocean sound enrichment with my updated sound machine or some jell that a neuro give me to put on my gums where the dentist cut my mandibular incisive. The gel is tinnitus friendly. I can't eat or drink anything for two hours after applying the gel. I also have to keep my tongue at the roof of my mouth. With means I can't talk, which my wife likes.

 

@Greg Sacramento ...what kind of gel is it? Give it to me!

 

Try to stop using headphones at least for leisure as they are dangerous in my opinion. If you want your treatment with white noise generators to be successful then I advise that you never use headphones again. However, if you need to use them for your job do so with care.

The reason you are gaining the new sounds is because your auditory system, has suffered noise trauma and this as I said is usually a result of being exposed to "loud sounds" or headphone use. This is my belief.
Michael

 

@Michael Leigh That's the thing though. I have not touched headphones since April, as I haven't been able to work at all. My sound enrichment at night is nature sounds played through speakers facing away from me so it's not going right into my ears. I just can't tell what else I could possibly do for myself? Maybe stop the anti-depressant just in case? I don't know, I really don't.

 

@Zenyatta Hyaluronic Superoxide Dismotase

Then after two hours I have to rinse my mouth for 20 seconds with Chlorhexidine Gluconate - an oral infection rinse to stop an acid reaction for 20 seconds. I can only use this 3 days a day, otherwise my gums and teeth could turn bright red after a week or so.

 

Welp! Looks like I'm not gonna be able to get that without a prescription...

 

With respect @Zenyatta I don't think you are fully aware of what "noise trauma" can do the 2nd time around. I know because what you're going through is very similar to what happened to me when I had my 2nd noise trauma and my tinnitus increased in 2008. The fact that you have given your ears a rest since the increase in April doesn't really mean anything. I don't want to frighten you so won't tell you what happened to me. Just give it time. I suggest using a small "sound machine" by your bedside: a sound oasis machine model S-650
Michael

 

@Michael Leigh Yeah, I've read your story... it's why I'm so afraid. So many horror stories on this forum. I'm considering a sound machine, but they seem ridiculously overpriced for what they do... with my own apps, I can customise the noises exactly the way I want, I can even change the frequencies that are uncomfortable for my ears. Is there any advantage to using one instead of just using my own speakers connected to an app?

 

I don't want to frighten anyone @Zenyatta as I am a positive thinking person but also there's no point in shielding certain truths. It is for this reason when I wrote: Tinnitus, A Personal View, it was written with a lot of care and consideration based on my 21 years experience with "noise induced tinnitus".

You are not a newbie to tinnitus and therefore I can see you have quite a lot of understanding about the condition. Whilst compiling your own sounds apps is good. If you are playing these "sounds" through large speakers and turning the speakers away from you and the sound is "filling your whole bedroom" with sound while you sleep, then I don't think this is a good idea.

The way to use sound enrichment is this: Place the sound of choice approximately 20inches from your head (bedside table) is ideal. Set the volume below your tinnitus or at a level that you can comfortably ignore and drift off to sleep. Music isn't the best source for sound enrichment as it draws attention to itself. As I've said, play your sounds through a small portable player and not through large speakers that fill your room with sound.

Michael

 

@Michael Leigh Oh no, I'm definitely not playing them through large speakers! They're small bedside speakers connected to my tablet, I bought them specifically for this purpose, as I wasn't convinced by the limited sound boards the Oasis machines had to offer (not to mention that a lot of sounds like wind, rain etc. tend to get distorted and bother my ears, so I have to be careful with what I use for now). They're about 20 inches away from me on my bedside table (can you tell I've been reading the forums?). I can just turn them towards my head, it's not bothersome at all, I just wasn't sure if that's the right thing to do...

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I'm getting a little desperate here and I have to go back to work soon... my boss promised me that I never have to use headphones again and I will be doing more administration to make up for my loss of headphone quality checking. I hope the noise generators and counselling will help... I'm already in a very dark place and if it doesn't stop getting worse, I really see no future for myself.

 

The tablet and speaker setup that you are using sounds good so continue using it. It will take time for your auditory system to recover and you need to be patient that's all.
Continue with what you're doing and I advise not to use headphones for leisure even at low volume.
Michael

 

@Michael Leigh that's what my ENT told me about those new reactive whistles/distortions I developed. She said I am overprotecting my ears and I should reduce protection. My brain reacts and started developing H. She wasn't happy.

 

What do you mean your ENT doctor wasn't happy? Please give me more information about your condition.

 

@Zenyatta The reasons why I see a neurosurgeon. I had to arrive at the hospital where I worked around 4:30 am. The coffee in the cafeteria was old from the night before. So I made coffee in the doctor's lounge. Four doctors who also arrived at the hospital early in the morning were coffee drinkers. One was a heart surgeon. Another was an oncologist that that to view x-rays before the new technology, where x-rays could be sent to his office. Another was a neurosurgeon. Many surgeons showed up at the hospital early in the morning.

This neurosurgeon was staff chief over the ENT group. I got to know him well over the years. He has been an advisor for several clinical trials per tinnitus and the brain.

I used to play basketball with this neurosurgeon along with several other doctors and hospital staff. Once I went to Tahoe with this neurosurgeon. Tahoe is high above sea level in the mountains. My ears got blocked. The neuro treated me to unblock my ears. While in Tahoe he told me that his staff of 12 ENTs are worthless. Other area hospitals have a few better ENTs because they get paid more.