HI, so everything began about 4 years ago when a noticed a slight ringing in my ears. I didn't worry too much at first as it went away after a few days. Then it kept coming back off and on for about a year. At first it really got to me and I began to worry that I would have to live with this forever because I had researched what tinnitus was. After on and off for a year it became permanent and though it was hard at first, I learned to ignore it and most days I got through okay. I tried to be as positive as possible and sometimes I failed miserably. The less I focused on it the easier it got, at first. Then I noticed I couldn't listen to music as much or as loud as I used too and I used to turn the volume all the way up with ear buds no less. Ear buds did me in and I kept turning the music down, lower and lower over time. Mind over matter would become even more important down the road. I struggled to give up my music and little did I know even at low volumes was still making it worse. About a year and a half ago the ringing started affecting my tolerance for sound everywhere and I found my ear phones even more uncomfortable and also noticed that movie theatres and loud places were starting to bother me quite a lot. About 6 months ago I stopped using ear buds and stopped going to movies all together. It was just too painful. I kept finding myself in disbelief it could get so bad. The things I loved now had to be moderated and sometimes avoided completely. I kept telling myself it would get better and it never did. All of this I went through without seeing doctors. Just had a feeling they couldn't help. Now in the last month it is so bad I am afraid to leave the house. The t.v. has to be turned down low and I can only listen to music with ear plugs even if its just on my iPhone. There is pressure and pain which has gotten much worse over the last 2 months. To top all of this off I have developed arthritis as well. Which just happens to have manifested seriously in the last four months. I have had other medical issues on top of these all in the last 8 months. It is taking every bit of willpower just to keep going. I don't like to complain and lately I'm in so much pain its very hard not too. My girlfriend is so supportive I don't know what I would do without her. I am not very good at asking for help and it bothers me people might get the wrong idea. I know what's happening and I'm not asking why, only how do I rise above it so I can find a way to help others.
I'm new to this forum too, and don't have as much help to offer, but I wanted to at least let you know that you are not alone, and there are people here that will chime in soon, and lead you in the right direction. I've had tinnitus for 5 or 6 years I think- but only this year has it been intolerable at times, especially this last week (that's how I found this forum). There is so much to read hear that gives different opinions, and treatments, some work for one person, and maybe not others. But, I would say, that I'm not sure about the pressure and pain accompanying your tinnitus and if you haven't seen a doctor yet, I would advise it. It's great that you seem to have a great attitude about it, by not asking "why", but I'm sure you've read that not all of tinnitus has the same cause, and some causes are something that should be addressed. I also envy your attitude at wanting to help others- as you learn more about tinnitus and what works for some, and how others cope, etc... you will be able to help others. Dr. Nagler has a lot of advice here on this site. You may read his background and there are several links and threads that will help greatly- among all of the other helpful threads. Just dig in and know you are not alone! These past couple of days for me have been much better by just being able to talk to others and glean from their research, trial and errors, and comforting/encouraging words. Welcome Henry. I'm sorry you have tinnitus. I hope you find the encouragement and direction you are looking for, and the help you need. Rochelle
Thank you for your reply and it has been very hard at times to keep a positive attitude. The days I fail give me a glimpse into what others must be going through and even when I want to give up, I find I cant. I have always been a spiritual person and that has helped immensely with all of this. Give it time and you can learn to be more positive as well. We can sometimes surprise ourselves and find that even one good day in a bad week can inspire us to be better, caring people. We may be by our self sometimes but we are never alone. I truly believe that. Let me know if you ever need someone to talk too. I will get back to you as soon as I see your post. I will check out that Doctor, Thanks again.
Hi, Henry 417, and welcome to Tinnitus Talk! We're glad you've joined us here. We are a caring community, growing every day, with lots of mutual support, and lots of information to share. Tinnitus is a personal journey for each and every one of us -- what works for one person may not work for another -- so a lot of trial and error is involved in finding what coping mechanisms work best for you. Henry, in reading your introduction, it sounds like you may have hyperacusis in addition to your tinnitus. Are you familiar with that term? There is a whole category here devoted to hyperacusis (I don't suffer from it myself), so you may want to check that out, and stay in contact with some of the other folks who suffer from this same condition. The good news is, from what I've heard, hyperacusis can fade with time. Also, I know that in the beginning, I experienced a lot of fullness (pressure) in the ears, plus crackling and popping noises, etc. Four years later, these things are virtually gone. I still have ringing and pulsating, but both are much more manageable now. Please look around our forum, and be sure to read some of the "Success Stories". They will inspire you and give you hope. That's what this community is all about!! Best wishes and hugs, Karen
Henry 417, welcome to TT Forum. I believe that Karen is correct in stating that you may have hyperacusis in addition to your tinnitus. I had it for a few months earlier this year but it eventually subsided and I haven't experienced it again for the last couple of months. I have no idea if it will ever return or not. However, I just wanted to give you some hope that if my H subsided perhaps your will too. I hope that you'll follow Karen's suggestion and check out the section pertaining to hyperacusis: Hyperacusis & Ear Pain Good Luck!!
Thank you everyone for your support and yes I have recently suspected I may have hyperacusis. I have done some reading on it and after struggling for the last 2 to 3 weeks have been trying to prepare myself. I am going to the doctor soon and will get a referral for a specialist. I will be sure to check out that section and had my eye on it last night. I have a tough road ahead but reading some of the stories about hyperacusis kind of made me determined to not be defeated by it. Its going to be hard but I will find a way through it. The light shines bright amidst the darkness, calling the wayward home. Blessings to all of you. This site has given me hope.
