How Much Better Life Would Be without Tinnitus — My Cause: Aspirin Overdose

[Anamay]

I've had tinnitus for decades since I foolishly took an Aspirin overdose as a teenager. At the time, the admitting doctor asked how I felt, & I replied that my ears were buzzing. They have not stopped buzzing since.

Over the years I became very good at masking the sound, ignoring it etc, & it would mostly only bother me if I was very tired, had had a lot of alcohol, or was in a very silent place. I'd often thought how much better life would be without it, but there was no possibility of that.

Of recent times, perhaps the last year, it has steadily been getting worse. I've often described the buzzing as being like the bush full of cicadas (I am Australian). Now, it is more like a number of dentists' drills. I seem to be conscious of it nearly all the time, & nothing masks it any more; it is horrible and intrusive. I hate it so much. If only it would stop.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi @Anamay,

Life without tinnitus for people that have it severe would certainly be better. Those that have it mild to moderate perhaps it won't matter so much as the brain will have learned to habituate to it over time. This is just a generalisation and won't apply to everyone because we are all different.

Tinnitus is a very common condition and most people are able to cope with it it quite well. However, I have corresponded with people that have mild tinnitus and yet they still have difficulty accepting it.

I have variable tinnitus which can be silent, mild, moderate, severe or very severe. It only becomes a problem when it reaches severe levels, then it can interfere with my quality of life and some of the things I want to do. The way I see it, I have tinnitus and can't change that, so I try not to dwell on the negative and focus on accentuating the positive things in my life that I'm able do with tinnitus because things could be worse. I am just speaking for myself and not trying to downplay the severity of tinnitus or the way it can impact on a person's mental and emotional wellbeing.

When necessary I take Clonazepam for a day or two and this usually calms the tinnitus down to a more manageable level for that I am thankful.

I am sorry to know the difficulty that you are going though. Perhaps a referral to ENT for some tests might be helpful then on to see an audiologist, that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management. I advise that you don't listen to audio through headphones even at low volume. This includes earbuds and headsets as it could make your tinnitus worse.

Take care,
Michael

 

[Anamay]

Thank you Michael, sound advice (pun intended!)

For years I had no trouble living with it; it was merely annoying at times. For some reason it has become so much worse, impossible to ignore, & increasingly hard to bear at times.

I wrote last night's post late last night when I was lying in bed in my silent house rather overwhelmed by the drilling in my ears, & feeling somewhat despairing. It's with me again this morning, but the day is bright and fresh and there are things to get on with doing, & I'll succeed in putting my mind elsewhere.

It hasn't occured to me to see a specialist as you suggest, as all I'd ever got from a medical professional was a shrug.

 

[Michael Leigh]

It hasn't occured to me to see a specialist as you suggest, as all I'd ever got from a medical professional was a shrug.

Hi Anamay,

Tinnitus that has been stable for a considerable amount of time as in your case there is usually a reason when it increases.

There are three common causes. The first is an underlying medical problem within the auditory system and there are many. This is the reason I have advised you to see an ENT doctor for tests as this is their area of expertise. It could be something relatively simple such as hearing loss which is known to cause an increase in tinnitus. If you don't have significant hearing loss, then it's unlikely you will require a hearing aid(s).

Whilst most ENT doctors don't treat tinnitus please don't think they are unable to help you for it is a process of elimination. If further tests reveal there is no underlying medical problem within your auditory system causing the increase in your tinnitus, the next step is a referral to see an audiologist that specialises in tinnitus treatment and management.

The second cause can be linked to stress. A combination of counselling with an audiologist and medication can help here. Once stress is reduced, the tinnitus usually does too. Some medicines can cause tinnitus to increase and therefore your audiologist may ask if you are taking any new medications.

The third cause could be linked to sound, this is the reason I have advised you not to listen to audio through any type of headphones even at low volume. Although your tinnitus wasn't noise induced, I still advise not to use headphones.

Try to avoid being in quiet rooms and surroundings especially at night by using low level sound enrichment. A sound machine placed by bedside and set to play throughout the night can help here. More about sound enrichment and tinnitus management are explained in my posts: New to Tinnitus, What to Do and Tinnitus, A Personal View. Please click on the links below.

All the best,
Michael

New to Tinnitus, What to Do? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Tinnitus, A Personal View | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum