Hello, My Name is Chantal

Hi, Chantal, and welcome!

I'm glad you have an appointment with an ENT next week. Maybe he can help you, and give you some suggestions as to possible causes and treatments.

Do you know if you have any hearing loss? If the ENT isn't able to help, you might try going to an audiologist. Sometimes audiologists have a better understanding of those of us with tinnitus, and can offer some assistance. There are hearing aids and masking devices that might offer some relief.

In the meantime, you can try background sounds in your home or work area, or to help you sleep. I have a sound machine with nature sounds, and other people have had success with various apps.

We're glad you've joined us, and are here to support you on your tinnitus journey!

Best wishes,
Karen

 

You're welcome, Chantal!

It's nice that the purring of your cat helps you sleep. You're lucky you've found a way to get to sleep; that's a positive step in the right direction. When my tinnitus first started, I had great difficulty with sleep.

Can you describe the sound of your tinnitus? Mine is a high-pitched, hissing sound, and I also have pulsatile tinnitus (heartbeat sound). Both types of tinnitus have improved a lot for me, over the last couple years. It's very possible to habituate to your tinnitus; many people have done it. So, if you're unable to find a cause or a solution, don't give up. Things will get better in time.

Do you have any idea what might have caused your tinnitus to begin?

 

@Chantal,

That makes sense, that it might have started due to loud noise in the city. Do you think you might have any degree of hearing loss? When you have tinnitus, there is usually some very high-level hearing loss, the kind that you wouldn't even be aware of. That's why I thought you might benefit from having an audiologist test your hearing.

I also find that walking helps a lot. In the beginning of my tinnitus, it was so bad that I couldn't concentrate on anything for very long. I love to read, and I had to give that up for awhile because I just couldn't handle it. Now, however, it is 3 1/2 years later, and I'm back to sleeping again, reading books again, etc.

Walking really helps me, too. It was one of the things that really saved me when my tinnitus was horrible. I'm glad it works for you, and I'm sure that being near the ocean really helps too; it can really mask the tinnitus!

Right now, anything you can do to distract yourself will really help. In time, you'll notice the tinnitus less, and your brain will be more able to tune it out.

I wish you a calm and quiet evening!
Karen