I May Be Counting My Chickens — Hopeful Progress in My Tinnitus Journey

[FellowSufferer]

Hi everyone,

This is not a success story, at least not yet, but I am posting because I have had a noticeable reduction in my tinnitus over the past month. This gives me a great deal of hope. I developed tinnitus in February 2022 from listening to loud music on headphones. After some initial worsening, it stabilized at roughly 6 out of 10 in volume and has remained that way ever since. It caused me quite a bit of distress. I was not really habituating, but I did learn to distract myself.

Last year was a bit of a nightmare for me in other aspects of life, and, long story short, I moved back in with my parents after living on my own for a year and a half. I also promised myself that in 2025, I would do everything in my power to eliminate, yes eliminate, my tinnitus.

The two main things I have tried are Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and supplements. I have been self administering TRT for a month using an MP3 player and Koss earbuds while reading books on tinnitus. I am also waiting for a doctor's appointment in February. So far, it feels like it is really helping. In addition, I have been taking Ginkgo, Turmeric, Hawthorn, Vinpocetine, Magnesium Powder, Garlic, and Pomegranate, which I think might be helping to calm my brain and those overactive bursting neurons that researchers believe create the tinnitus signal. Just generally destressing and doing less has also made a difference.

Anyway, I hope to give another update at some point with more improvement!

 

[FellowSufferer]

February Quick Update

My tinnitus progress seems to have plateaued a bit. I've continued using the MP3 player with earphones, but I admit I haven't been as consistent as I'd like. I also haven't been using my mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding at night or taking my supplements every day. I'll try to be more consistent with these in March.

The good news is that I've started seeing a private TRT practitioner in London. I get along well with the audiologist who will be administering TRT, and he has given me a Phonak sound generator to play soothing sounds. I'm feeling quite hopeful about this, especially once I figure out how to replace the default, annoying white noise with something better. Regardless, I'm optimistic about making better progress in March!

 

[FellowSufferer]

March Update:

I have been more consistent with the sound therapy this month, and there is definitely objective progress, which is encouraging. At the start of the year, I measured my minimum masking level in the late 20s to early 30s on my MP3 player, but now I am reliably getting readings in the early 20s, and I even hit 20 a few days ago. This improvement in the volume of my tinnitus has made me less anxious about it. So I think it is working, and if I continue to stay consistent with the pink noise sound therapy, I should see further gains. I will post again at the end of April.

Regarding supplements, I have added Zinc Picolinate to what I am taking, but I have not noticed any significant change from it. I definitely think the Magnesium is helping to generally calm my brain, which is naturally overactive.

 

[momus]

When I first developed tinnitus, I went to their headquarters in Portland and picked up some brochures. Their approach to TRT and your homemade version are not the same. Theirs is a structured and intensive program that lasts one to two years, during which you are required to wear the sound buds continuously. The program also includes extensive counseling.

In my experience, healing starts when we begin to habituate to the sound. Even just speaking with a supportive therapist might help, allowing you to release some of the fear and agitation.

I have had some success using bedside noise generators and a box fan to help me sleep.

 

[FellowSufferer]

April Update (Slightly Late):

My use of sound therapy this month was inconsistent because I went paintballing early in the month, and someone fired their gun too close to my right ear. I did not notice any effects on the day itself, but starting the next day and continuing for a few weeks, I had sharp, intermittent pain in my right ear. I was unable to do sound therapy properly in that ear and could only listen to the soothing noise through my left earbud.

Thankfully, my ear is back to normal now, but I am quite annoyed with myself for not wearing hearing protection. I have now restarted Tinnitus Retraining Therapy properly and have also resumed taking the supplements.

I think the tinnitus has improved slightly, even though I was not consistent with the therapy. I measured the minimum audible level of the pink noise in the 6 to 9 range on my MP3 player, which is lower than before. However, the minimum masking level remains about the same, so I am not sure what is going on there.

The best thing that happened this month is that I ran the London Marathon for Tinnitus Quest and raised $10,000. An anonymous donor very kindly pledged to double that amount to $20,000, which is just incredible. Considering the knee trouble and shin splints I had during training, the fact that I completed the marathon feels like a miracle.

I will post another update at the end of May!

 

[JarnoNL]

Keep posting. I like reading it. 20.000 is a big amount.

 

[SafeMusicFan]

The best thing that happened this month is that I ran the London Marathon for Tinnitus Quest and raised $10,000. An anonymous donor very kindly pledged to double that amount to $20,000, which is just incredible. Considering the knee trouble and shin splints I had during training, the fact that I completed the marathon feels like a miracle.

Thank you so much for that!

It is thanks to people like you that we will eventually find better treatment options, and maybe even a cure, in the not-so-distant future. I am confident it is possible, provided we continue moving in the same direction and bring people together to take action.

 

[FellowSufferer]

Keep posting. I like reading it. 20.000 is a big amount.

Cheers, mate! I will do that. It makes me feel better to know that others are reading.

Yes, the money should really help. I believe Tinnitus Quest is different from all the other charities.

Thank you so much for that!

It is thanks to people like you that we will eventually find better treatment options, and maybe even a cure, in the not-so-distant future. I am confident it is possible, provided we continue moving in the same direction and bring people together to take action.

You're welcome! It was looking very uncertain, but thankfully, I finished it without any injury. I am confident as well.

 

[FellowSufferer]

May Update (01/06/2025)

Not much change this month, though perhaps a slight improvement again. I definitely need to be more consistent and make sure I get the full six or more hours of sound therapy every day.

My latest tinnitus measurements in the diary are: Minimum Masking Level 18 (R3) and Minimum Audible Level 2 (R3). The "R" just means the sound is louder in the right ear, as my tinnitus is slightly stronger on that side. Apologies if the values are unclear, as they are simply based on my MP3 player settings. Still, they are lower than they were in January, when the typical MML was in the low 30s or high 20s, and the MAL was more like 15 to 19.

So I would say the tinnitus level has improved from a point where it caused a deep feeling of hopelessness—where I thought I could never live like this for another 20, 30, or 40 years—to a point where I now think I could live with it. It is still quite annoying and distressing, but it feels manageable. That said, I am still going to try to eliminate it completely. That would be amazing. Just imagine how much I will appreciate peace and quiet once I have it again.

I also just started the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy part of my TRT course, so hopefully that will help me develop a better approach to dealing with tinnitus.

I'm continuing to take the supplements, though to be honest, I think only the Magnesium, Turmeric, and Vinpocetine are actually having any effect.

I also need to remember to wear the nightguard every night to stop teeth grinding.

 

[Isabella 123]

You might try the amino acids Taurine and L-Theanine, which were recommended to me by my doctor. They have proven helpful in lowering the volume of my tinnitus, though not eliminating it completely. Still, they have been very beneficial.

 

[FellowSufferer]

You might try the amino acids Taurine and L-Theanine, which were recommended to me by my doctor. They have proven helpful in lowering the volume of my tinnitus, though not eliminating it completely. Still, they have been very beneficial.

Thanks, I just ordered some online. I will let you know if I notice any difference.

 

[FellowSufferer]

Halfway Through the Year Update (02/07/25)

Progress is definitely slower now, probably because I have already come a long way. But I still believe I can eliminate my tinnitus through my Tinnitus Retraining Therapy course, the nightguard, and supplements.

I am trying to listen to the sound therapy for the recommended six to eight hours every day and will be seeing the audiologist again soon. I have been fairly consistent with wearing the nightguard to prevent teeth grinding, although I keep forgetting to take my supplements because of the assignments I have to write.

I recently reached 15 on the MML (minimum masking level on my MP3 player), which I am excited about. My goal now is to consistently stay at that level, as I am currently hovering between 15 and 20. Hopefully, I can bring it down to 10. At the beginning, it was around 30, so that would be a massive improvement.

I am hoping that when my part-time university course ends at the end of July, my stress will decrease and progress will become faster.

I am regularly on the lowest volume level of 1 for the MAL (minimum audible level), although this did temporarily spike — understandably — when I was in Budapest with my friends, going to the club every night with 26 dB protection. I will just try to keep it at that low level.

I am feeling significantly better in terms of both volume and habituation compared to the beginning of the year, and I will post another update at the end of July!

 

[FellowSufferer]

July update (31/07/2025)

A quick update, though not much is new. I've finished my part-time university degree, which is a big relief. It should help lower my stress levels, so that alone may benefit me. I'm just waiting for the final marks now.

My routine fell apart a bit this month due to essay writing and late nights, but I can finally start taking proper care of myself again.

The MAL remains at 1 to 3 on the MP3 player, and the MML is in the 12 to 16 range. That said, the MML is getting harder to judge accurately. At higher pink noise volumes, the tinnitus changes suddenly—from a softer "eeeee" to a much louder "EEEEE" when I increase the volume. At lower volumes, the shift is more subtle.

I'll post another update at the end of August. With university behind me, I'm hoping to get on track and eliminate my tinnitus by the end of the year. That would be amazing!

 

[FellowSufferer]

August Update (05/09/2025)

A short update, as not too much has been happening. I have moved out of my parents' home now that university is finished, and I feel optimistic about what life in my new flat will bring. It is noisier with neighbors and general background sounds, so it has been harder to set the MML and MAL. If I shut the doors and stand in the hallway, it is better. MML is around 10–14, which is a little better, though on many days I did not set it as mentioned before.

I could definitely be going to bed earlier and spending less time on screens. I will update again at the end of the month. Let's try to get things back on track.

 

[orenge01]

Yeah, neighbors can be quite a pain if the walls are thin. The worst is when the flat is near a construction site.

 

[Cirq]

I just now followed your journey, and it sounds like you're making good progress. I'm habituated myself; mine started in 2022 as well. What is TRT? I didn't do any programs. During the first year, I struggled at work and eventually quit because of depression. I went through two years of major depression. Even though I never did any of the training, I still might go see what they are about.

Congratulations on your degree and on getting your own flat. That's a big step for you. What's your field of study, if you don't mind me asking? I'm glad to hear you're slowly getting your life back. The process is slow, but it sounds like you're doing the right things. Keep it up!

 

[alwaysmasking]

Wow, what an inspiring story! You have much more mental resilience than I do, that's for sure. Keep at it, we're all rooting for you.

 

[Cirq]

I do not think my resilience is stronger than anyone else's, I just refused to quit. Even during deep depression I would not give up. I have my nephew, whom I raised from birth, and he gave me a reason to survive. Many people want to quit and leave this world. I was one of them. All the pain with no hope, mental and physical illness, three years.

Do you know what I have? Faith in God. I prayed for a miracle for three years, and one day it happened. I lost hope but never faith. It took time, but I made it. Yes, my uncle called me a warrior. We are all warriors for battling this condition, every one of you.

 

[Furetto]

I prayed for a miracle for three years, and one day it happened. I lost hope but never faith. It took time, but I made it.

What was the miracle?

 

[Cirq]

I came out of a deep depression caused by tinnitus. After I pulled myself out of that depression, the tinnitus did not bother me as much. It is still there, but I ignore it.

 

[delta784]

I came out of a deep depression caused by tinnitus. After I pulled myself out of that depression, the tinnitus did not bother me as much. It is still there, but I ignore it.

How did you take yourself out of depression? I'm suicidal.

 

[Cirq]

Hi @delta784,

I was in deep depression for two years, mostly in my bedroom. During the first year of tinnitus, I tried to keep living and working, but depression slowly wrapped its vines around me.

After three years, I was lying in bed looking at the nice weather and thought, "I can't do this anymore," as in lying in bed all day. I got a job and went back to work. Being busy took my mind off the tinnitus. It is still there, but I ignore it now. My hyperacusis went away. I did not even know I had it, but being here I realised I did.

I was never suicidal, though I will admit I did not want to live. The suffering was unbearable. I did not want to be put in a straitjacket and taken to a mental hospital. I wrote notes to my family even though I had no intent to take my life. I just needed a release.

If you need a sounding board, let me know. I am here for you. I have been in hell on earth, so I understand 110 percent what you are feeling right now.

 

[delta784]

Hi @delta784,

I was in deep depression for two years, mostly in my bedroom. During the first year of tinnitus, I tried to keep living and working, but depression slowly wrapped its vines around me.

After three years, I was lying in bed looking at the nice weather and thought, "I can't do this anymore," as in lying in bed all day. I got a job and went back to work. Being busy took my mind off the tinnitus. It is still there, but I ignore it now. My hyperacusis went away. I did not even know I had it, but being here I realised I did.

I was never suicidal, though I will admit I did not want to live. The suffering was unbearable. I did not want to be put in a straitjacket and taken to a mental hospital. I wrote notes to my family even though I had no intent to take my life. I just needed a release.

If you need a sounding board, let me know. I am here for you. I have been in hell on earth, so I understand 110 percent what you are feeling right now.

Did you have pain or just loudness? I am only 30, brother. I do not have only tinnitus; I also have Visual Snow Syndrome, mild dysacusis (sound distortions that are not very bothersome), and occasional ear pain that seems random rather than caused by sound exposure.

I have never done loud things in my life. My ENT caused this by giving me IV steroids for "no hearing loss." I am completely sure it damaged my inner ear and my brain. Of course, I also blame myself because I feel stupid for listening to her.

 

[Sonia554]

Did you have pain or just loudness? I am only 30, brother. I do not have only tinnitus; I also have Visual Snow Syndrome, mild dysacusis (sound distortions that are not very bothersome), and occasional ear pain that seems random rather than caused by sound exposure.

I have never done loud things in my life. My ENT caused this by giving me IV steroids for "no hearing loss." I am completely sure it damaged my inner ear and my brain. Of course, I also blame myself because I feel stupid for listening to her.

How long after the steroid treatment did your tinnitus get worse? I was prescribed Prednisone when my tinnitus started after noise exposure, but I was too scared to take it. I asked for Dexamethasone because urgent care had given me a dose, and my tinnitus reduced for a day right after, but I ended up with Prednisone instead. I sometimes wonder if I had been given Dexamethasone, as I asked, if I would be better by now.

 

[Saba]

I had loud noise exposure at an indoor gun range and used inadequate hearing protection. I later found out that my earmuffs were not manufactured for range use. I experienced ringing right away.

I was put on 60 mg of Prednisone for 2 weeks, which I took faithfully. Almost 18 months later, my tinnitus has diminished. I also had sound distortions and still live with hyperacusis, but I can manage that. The reduction in tinnitus volume has been most important to me.

Here is what I do:

1. Carry earmuffs everywhere.
2. Bought Widex hearing aids with sound therapy and masking. I have decreased the tonal masking volume from a 6 to a 2 when I am at home in quiet, but I still use them every day.
3. Take 1 mg of Klonopin, half in the morning and half in the evening.
4. Take 50 mg of Zoloft daily.
5. Take a supplement called Soundbites, with vitamins A, C, E, and magnesium.
6. Get cranial sacral therapy with Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) about 3 times per month to calm my limbic system.
7. Prioritize sleep. The spikes I used to get after naps have reduced or disappeared.
8. Rely on my faith to sustain me, especially since I found myself alone with this condition.

Many of you are young, while I am in my 60s. Do not give up, but give yourself time to heal. I am on month 18, and I know it is easier said than done. I had to distract myself from the loud tinnitus by taking walks, volunteering, going to Mass daily, and staying active while avoiding junk food. Wearing the Widex sound masking was necessary for me.

I pray that healing is on your path.

 

[FellowSufferer]

I just now followed your journey, and it sounds like you're making good progress. I'm habituated myself; mine started in 2022 as well. What is TRT? I didn't do any programs. During the first year, I struggled at work and eventually quit because of depression. I went through two years of major depression. Even though I never did any of the training, I still might go see what they are about.

Congratulations on your degree and on getting your own flat. That's a big step for you. What's your field of study, if you don't mind me asking? I'm glad to hear you're slowly getting your life back. The process is slow, but it sounds like you're doing the right things. Keep it up!

Hi mate, sorry, I only just read this. I didn't get the notification for some reason.

TRT stands for Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. It's a combination of sound therapy using pink or white noise delivered through earphones or hearing aids with built-in speakers, set at a level below the tinnitus volume, and tinnitus-specific talking therapy. The talking therapy explains what tinnitus is and how the feedback loop works: tinnitus sound → angry, anxious, or desperate thoughts → stress → more focus on the tinnitus sound, which then either doesn't improve or becomes louder.

The part that really stood out to me in TRT was the idea that silence is a myth. There are always sounds in nature and even inside your own body, such as blood pumping, but your brain filters them out. Unless you have catastrophic hearing loss, that's essentially what tinnitus is—your brain's filter not working properly.

I'm a quantity surveyor, just finishing up my apprenticeship.

 

[FellowSufferer]

September Update (07/10/2025)

Sorry, this update is a bit late, as I was on holiday. My latest MML is around 10, and my MAL hovers between 1 and 4, so maybe there's been a tiny bit more progress. My absolute dream is to never hear the sound again, even in silence like Peter Studenik, but I recognize that if the volume is reduced by 95%, that's as good as a cure.

My next goal is to get the MML down to 5 consistently, which might take another two or three months depending on how regularly I manage 6 to 8 hours of pink noise each day.

I think I also need to book another appointment with the TRT specialist who's been monitoring my progress. He's been really helpful in explaining what tinnitus is and in encouraging me to be kind to myself, so I can now live an almost normal life again.

 

[Pixelito]

The spikes I used to get after naps have reduced or disappeared.

I'd love to know how you did this. I haven't had a nap since I realized they gave me spikes two years ago.

Man, I could really use a nap.

 

[Saba]

My tinnitus came from an indoor gun range. I was wearing earmuffs that were inadequate for that level of noise. It has been 18 months, and this is the treatment I am currently on:

1. 50 mg of Zoloft daily in the morning.
2. 1 mg of Klonopin, half in the morning and half in the early evening.
3. A daily supplement of Sound Bites, Vitamins A, C, E, and Magnesium.
4. I wear Widex hearing aids with sound therapy. At first, I used them for masking, but I learned that even mild hearing loss requires sound input. I wear them daily and during naps.
5. I still use a fan in my bedroom.
6. I eat a healthy diet with no processed or fast foods. I drink a lot of 2 percent milk because I don't have a big appetite. I avoid caffeine and alcohol.
7. I receive craniosacral therapy with FSM three times a month to calm my limbic system. FSM involves a type of microcurrent used during therapy.
8. I believe in God's grace through the sacraments of the Catholic Church and invest time in prayer, sacrifice, and charity to others. I try to show gratitude by holding on to hope that science will bring about effective treatments for all sufferers.

Praying for all sufferers to find peace!

 

[Badger55]

How did you take yourself out of depression? I'm suicidal.

Try playing music on a Bluetooth speaker at around 30 dB. That helped relieve my depression. Your tinnitus is idiopathic, so it should subside over time — you have better odds than most. Hope is a powerful weapon against tinnitus. I was at a 9 out of 10 from an acoustic shock explosion for over a year about 30 years ago, and I gradually went down to a 1 out of 10.