Debilitating Tinnitus Since 2018: Constant Noise, Distorted Hearing, and Mental Strain

[Dee62]

I have had tinnitus since 2018. I woke up one morning with the typical ringing, but it has gone from bad to worse over the past few years. The ENT diagnosed mild hearing loss in my left ear. The sounds have now become distorted, with both ringing and pulsatile elements. I hear the tinnitus over almost everything, except when I'm outside or in the street.

It is extremely loud and torturous, especially when I wake up. It then stays more or less the same throughout the day and night. I was offered hearing aids, but they were the basic kind and completely useless, so I'm still waiting for a proper appointment.

This condition has really ruined my ability to enjoy TV and gaming, as I hear the tinnitus over them. Radio programs are no longer possible. Quiet moments are gone. My social life has disappeared.

It has caused such deep depression that I've had suicidal thoughts.

 

[Regis]

@Dee62, have you considered seeing a psychiatrist? I know that antidepressants can sometimes increase tinnitus, but not always.

I tried three different antidepressants. The first one increased my tinnitus significantly, so I stopped it after two weeks. The second one had no effect on my tinnitus but also did nothing for my mood, so I stopped that after three months. The third one is effective—it does not impact my tinnitus and helps me cope with it.

From my experience, dosage also matters when it comes to tinnitus. The higher the dosage, the more likely it is that tinnitus will be affected. So you can start with a low dose and see how things progress.

Also, if you have the opportunity to work with a CBT expert who specializes in tinnitus, I would highly recommend it. That helped me a lot as well.

 

[lostb1t]

@Regis, what antidepressants did you try and settle on?

 

[Regis]

@Regis, what antidepressants did you try and settle on?

Brintellix, 15 mg daily. A 20 mg dose was too much and worsened my tinnitus.