Introducing Myself and Losing All Hope

Hello everybody,

My name is Hania and I've suffered from tinnitus for a little longer than 2 years now. I am 20 yrs old and i live in Antwerp, Belgium. What sounded like a little buzz when it was all quiet slowly became with time louder and louder, due to me being just not careful enough AND a lot of incidents like being at the wrong time in the wrong place (sudden acoustic trauma).

Since December I had a sudden loud noise in my left ear for a few seconds which then flew over to my right ear and which stayed there (it was kinda loud).

Since then, things became A LOT worse , my sounds are really high and just when I was about to turn my life around I was exposed to a new acoustic trauma at work ON THE DAY OF MY 20th BIRTHDAY (last Thursday)!

My manager basically closed an old creaky loud cash register next to my left ear (-+ 5 cm from my ear) and since then I've been hearing new loud metallic sounds, like a train stopping or so. Its extremely hard for me to cope and I am currently in a depression due to my loud as T as such a young age, I'm also dealing with suicidal thoughts since im not sure how im going to survive these next years. In so little time I've literally became a horror case with loud intrusive T and I'm losing hope. Been taking oral steroid (medrol) two days after the trauma to not aggravate things. I also have hyperacusis but its not that bad as my loud screaming tinnitus. Need advice, help, support......

Im so desperate and i dont think i can ever habituate to this new intrusive sound.
Tinnitus has literally ruined my life

 

Have you done a hearing test? Are you comfortable posting your audiogram in here? (blank out any personal info)
What do docs say?

Do make efforts to protect your ears: you say yourself that you're not careful enough, and that could have very serious consequences.

Good luck!

 

Getting my ear checked this wednesday and i will post in on here .. i hope for the best..

 

@Hania ,
Welcome to Tinnitus Talk.
Try stay calm and keep relaxing music on around you to help and keep posting for support as we are here around the clock to support you...
Love glynis

 

@Hania ,

The first time I went to a doctor for tinnitus, they told me that the brain has the capacity to filter out the sound over time, especially for younger people (you are younger than me I do feel that that was the case for me, and despite your past experience, I am hopeful that can be the case with you as well. You just have to stay positive and be a bit more careful. Sure, there will be incidents out of your control, but do take care with the situations you do have control over, and give it some time.

 

Tinnitus tends to fade (especially if one is able to avoid new acoustic traumas). You are young, so there is a higher chance that yours will fade. I hope you wait for at least a year before you do anything that is irreversible.

Check out the thread below where I summarize everything (27 tips) I learned about managing tinnitus after reading the posts on this forum for the past year. I hope that at least some of those tips will be useful to you.
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...eone-else-who-has-tinnitus.26850/#post-307822

 

Welcome to the forum. That kind of thinking is quite common among T sufferer. Many of us have been where you are, thinking we can never habituate to our T. I was in such as mess that I never thought I could survive my ultra high pitch T and severe hyperacusis. Yes suicidal thoughts prevailed often as the mind felt stuck with T and that future must be very bad in waiting. Guess what, today I live a normal, productive and absolutely enjoyable life. I wrote a success story to share some helpful strategies. Check the following link out. Don't despair. Better days will come. Believe it. Take care. God bless.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/from-darkness-to-light-how-i-recovered-from-tinnitus-hyperacusis.3148/

 

Thanks for the hope, but sadly i think i've ruined all my chances for the proper recovery 4 acoustic trauma's in less than 3 months time took medrol for 3 of the 4 cases. Just me being at the wrong place in the wrong time

 

Many people (myself included) get those secondary acoustic traumas. It doesn't necessarily mean that T won't eventually fade. It just means that it will take longer (if it were to happen).

 

I can tell you that, YOU can adjust to this. No matter if your tinnitus is a low tone or a high pitch from hell. It does suck to get louder tinnitus or spikes. Things can happen and it can be quite shocking. You need to just know your body and what can trigger louder/more intrusive tinnitus.

Try to protect your ears, but don't dwell on the obsession of over-protection. If your work is loud, then possibly find a job that is not as loud. If people around you are loud, then try to not be around people/environments like that.

There is no guarantees, when it comes to tinnitus. It can fade, get louder or maybe go away. no one can predict this and tell you that...THIS or THAT will happen. Just do your best to use safe practices and try to live your life. I have an extreme case of intrusive tinnitus + very poor hearing. Just do know that there are some folks that do live a decent life, even with pure hell ringing in their head.

Remaining calm in the storm, is very crucial when it comes to tinnitus. It's an emotional thing and it can cause such raw emotions. It's not very easy to do this, but do know that you can live with it and even live a good life. Take it slow and know that this board is here for you

 

thank you soo much for the encouragment!!!!

i went to see my doctor after this post because things were/are not going OK with me and shes considering to put me on pills .. I think they can help me cope some maybe?

 

Pills can help people cope, but it depends on how long they use them. I don't recommend that you get stuck on pills and take them everyday. I speak from experience and can tell you that some pills can cause dependency and addiction. Once you are addicted, then the pills can work against you and you may have to increase the dosage.

Getting off pills/meds can be difficult and I would not go through that again. It is 100% up to you, on what you do or what anyone does. I share my experience here, whether it is a fan favorite or not

Relaxation, activities that reduces stress are what I would go for. Do remember that time is also very helpful. It takes time and support to move forward and get past some of our biggest obstacles.

If you need more support, I am always here

 

I would recommend you getting some medication to help you cope if you are suffering so badly that you have suicidal thoughts.

I am on 2 AD's myself: Mirtazapine and Brintellix, and they work very well, and are pretty safe to take when you have T.....mirtazapine is great for sleeping. and the same dose keeps working, you don't have to raise the dosage again and again, same with Brintellix. Don't worry about coming off the AD's again.... with a slow tapering plan, it really is not that difficult.

 

Hi @Hania

Although you have had your tinnitus for two years, please click on the links below and read my posts, as I think they will be of help. Since your tinnitus was cause by an acoustic trauma, I advise you not to use headphones even at low volume. More about this is explained in the links below.

All the best
Michael


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

 

Well, being young I have more hope than you that your tinnitus will get better in time. You should tell your parents how you feel if you haven't already. And perhaps see a specialist, or atleast your doctor. Perhaps even buy a book on Amazon on tinnitus coping methods. And keep something on in the background at all times. Radio, TV or even YouTube on your phone or tablet.
When sleeping put something relaxing on in the background. Perhaps a podcast on your phone might help you sleep.
Just carry on the best you can. And carry on doing the things you enjoy, even though at the moment you might not enjoy them quite the same at the moment.
I have confidence things will get better. But it takes time.

 

My tinnitus was caused by acoustic trauma. And I continue to use headphones with no problems. I never used them for quite a while when I first got t. But I use them frequently at a sensible volume. I don't listen to music much. Mainly podcasts. I know we are all different but after doing some research I came to the conclusion headphone noise is no different to any other noise, if used sensibly.

 

i so sso hope that you are right but my gut feeling is telling me that it will only get worse in the future , usually my gut feeling is right..

 

You probably feel that way at the moment because you are in a low point in your life. Just do something fun tomorrow. What ever you enjoy, do it tomorrow. Obviously look after your ears. But do something you love. Just for one day try to put the tinnitus to the back of your mind, and focus on the thing you decide to do!

 

Not everyone with noise induced tinnitus will be adversely affected by headphone use but it's something I advise against even at low volume. Peruse many of the posts in this forum from members, that returned to using headphones at low volume after they habituated, only to find the tinnitus got worse and will not return to its previous level. Many people have contacted me regretting they returned to using headphones at low volume. I have counselled people with NIT ( noise induced tinnitus ) emotionally upset after following the advice from their healthcare professional, that using headphones will cause no harm providing the volume is kept low. This is definitely not the case for everyone. If you believe otherwise then go ahead.

Michael


The views on whether a person with tinnitus should listen to music through headphones are controversial. Some people show no adverse affects while others do even when the volume level is kept low.
We are all different so the only way a one can know is to experiment for themselves if they want to. In my opinion, when the tinnitus was caused by exposure to loud noise/music and it has become intrusive - by this I mean a person having to seek help at ENT, then they shouldn’t listen to music through headphones no matter how low the volume is set.

Most music has syncopation throughout its frequency range, so it’s constantly changing in pitch, rhythm and timbre. The beat of the music and volume can also change while listening. This evokes pleasure and can stir our emotions. This happens whether we listen to music loud or soft, although certain types of music does sound better played at a higher volume than others, and vice versa.

Once the Cochlea in the inner ear becomes affected by noise exposure, it is much more sensitive to sound. This is one of the reasons hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) is often experienced with noise-induced tinnitus. The wearing of WNGs (white noise generators) as part of TRT treatment can often cure the condition or reduce its symptoms. Someone that already has a sensitive auditory system due to noise-induced tinnitus and listens to music through headphones at a low volume, risks irritating the Cochlea further, which can make the tinnitus louder and more intrusive.

In my opinion, it can be misleading when some health professionals tell tinnitus patients, listening to music through headphones is fine as long as long as the volume is kept low. These health professionals mean well and know a lot about the anatomy of the ear and therefore, it is not my intention to try and undermine their abilities or expertise. However, It must be said, that many of them have never experienced intrusive tinnitus and therefore don’t know much about. I have spoken to people and corresponded with them by email and at Internet forums, complaining their tinnitus has become worse after listening to music through headphones even though the volume was kept low. My advice to anyone that has tinnitus that was caused by exposure to loud noise is not to listen to music through headphones, as the auditory system is more sensitive.

White noise generators.
Some may question the use white noise generators and in-ear types that emit white noise directly into the ear. White noise generators don’t usually irritate the auditory system due to the volume being kept low and its frequency range remains constant, so there is no syncopation within it unlike music. Furthermore, the white noise generator has a thin plastic tube that wraps around the ear and rests in the ear canal. At the end of this tube there is a tiny opening where sound emits.

I believe someone that has noise induced tinnitus and uses earbuds to listen to music, is putting themselves at even greater risk of making the tinnitus worse. Earbuds are inserted into the ear canal which is around 1 inch in length, therefore they are very close to the eardrum. Earbuds and headphones use a large speaker/diaphragm in comparison to a white noise generator. As the diaphragm moves it produces sound waves within the ear canal even at low volume.

Michael

PS: You have said that you don't listen to music much only Podcasts. This could be another reason you are not adversely affected by headphone use. I still advise you to be careful. Tinnitus can be ruthless and very unforgiving when it becomes loud and intrusive and this level of intensity is sustained.

 

I respect your advise. And I'm quite sure it effects some people adversely. I do have loud intrusive tinnitus, but Im lucky I don't suffer with hyperacusis. Perhaps that's why they don't bother me. And yes I listen to podcasts and talk radio. I do enjoy music, but I know music through headphones gives me the temptation to increase the volume.

 

That is consistent with what professionals (doctors) say too. I consulted with many of them about it and there was a consensus among them.

 

With respect. Your quote on my post can be very misleading for some people and I thank you putting clarity on the matter. Many people that have noise induced tinnitus have it severe and also have hyperacusis. You have said your tinnitus isn't severe and you never had hyperacusis. Please read my post below on hyperacusis. It is very serious condition and when someone has it, it is imperative they do not use headphones in my opinion.

I wish you well.
Michael


Hyperacusis, As I See It.

Some members have asked for my opinion on hyperacusis as they are finding it increasingly difficult to live with. They want to know if there is a way of treating this condition so that their life can become a little easier? Or whether it can be completely cured? For a few it has become so distressing they have decided to only leave their homes when it’s absolutely necessary. This is because of the fear of making the symptoms worse, by subjecting their ears to the hustle and bustle of everyday road traffic noise and other environmental sounds that we are all familiar with.

Reading some of the posts in this forum, one can easily see that certain people daren’t leave their homes without first checking they have their earmuffs and an assortment of earplugs in various degrees of attenuation, in readiness for any potential environment that they happen to find themselves in. The cinema, nightclub, restaurant, or on public transport. If money is no object aspiring to custom made moulded earplugs for some is the way to go. It can bring the added assurance they will be getting the best hearing protection. Whether this is true or not doesn’t really matter because it’s what the person believes and this helps to give them that peace of mind which is something many of us strive for at one time or another.

The above may seem a little extreme until I tell you one member provoked a lot of discussion here, when he mentioned having the air bag in a car that he had just purchased disabled in case it was deployed in an accident. I suppose the thought of 170 decibels raining down on his auditory system and the possibility of his tinnitus and hyperacusis shooting through the roof was too much too bear and is more important than a potential life saving device. As strange as this might seem, others have discussed doing the same thing elsewhere on the Internet.

I am not an expert in this field but do have the experience of living with very severe hyperacusis that was brought on with the onset of my tinnitus twenty years ago due to loud noise exposure. It was so severe; conversation with someone at times caused immense pain. However, it was completely cured in two years with TRT and having counselling with a hearing therapist. I wore white noise generators for 10hrs a day and used a sound machine throughout the night until morning for sound enrichment. My tinnitus had reduced to a very low level.

Some people believe hyperacusis cannot be cured and if treatment such as TRT works then it merely suppresses the condition. In the event of future loud noise exposure it will return and the condition will be worse than before. I believe it's up to the individual to take care of their hearing and not subject themselves to loud noise exposure. However, accidents do happen as in my case. I have previously explained in this forum that my tinnitus increased to very severe levels in 2008 due to noise exposure so won’t go over it again. To my surprise the hyperacusis did not return and has remained the same till this day, completely silent.

This summer I went onto the Brighton Pier and into the arcade. The place was a hive of activity and many people were using the slot machines. Music was playing and mixed with loud laughter so everyone seemed to be having a good time. I had my sound level meter and also a sound App on my mobile phone. Just in case things got too uncomfortable I had my noise reducing earplugs with me that reduce sound levels by 18 decibels. This was a test and not something I normally do or recommend anyone else to try.

The sound level in that place remained constant at just over 100 decibels. My ears didn’t feel uncomfortable and I felt no pain. I stayed at the venue for 30 minutes and then left.

The next morning my tinnitus was silent and I experienced no symptoms of hyperacusis. I do not believe that it is a good idea for someone with tinnitus or hyperacusis (or both) to wear earplugs or noise-reducing earplugs with filters too often, because it’s possible for the auditory system to become hypersensitive. In some cases it could make matters worse and cause a condition called phonophobia. This is literally having a fear of sound.

I used to counsel someone that had phonophobia like symptoms although she wasn’t diagnosed. This person had hypercausis that gradually got worse and at every opportunity she kept away from sound. This got so bad going out the front door because of the noise was a problem. Her ears couldn’t tolerate the sound of the microwave, dishwasher or the washing machine. She even complained of the sound of rain falling on her conservatory roof that was made of glass. Fortunately she has improved.

There is much discussion on this in the medical field from experts saying that the overuse of hearing protection isn’t good and therefore discouraged as it will lower loudness threshold and I completely agree with this. I think if one isn’t careful they can become paranoid over sound making their hyperacusis and tinnitus worse and I don’t think it’s healthy.

I believe the answer is to seek proper treatment. If TRT is unavailable then start using a sound machine by the bedside at night for sound enrichment. This usually helps to desensitise the auditory system. Try going out for long walks and getting used to everyday sounds instead of keeping away from them by staying at home. I don’t normally recommend anyone to use white noise generators unless they are under the care of a hearing therapist. However, if your tinnitus is under control and you have habituated but experience hyperacusis, that some call: Reactive tinnitus. Then white noise generators could be the way to go. Two should be used to keep the auditory system in balance and set the volume level low, preferably below the tinnitus. This will help to desensitise the auditory system and treat the hypercusis.

Hearing protection is important and does have its place. If I am going to venues where I believe noise level could become loud then I have my earplugs with me. Night clubs, parties etc. I would always use them at the cinema although I haven’t been to one in years. Reading some of the posts on this forum people say those places can be very loud.

When I use my petrol lawn mower or electric power tools for those DIY jobs around the home, I always use my ear defenders. I want to live life and enjoy it. Not to be living in fear of hearing a fire truck or ambulance siren coming towards me and I have to panic and quickly insert earplugs or reach for earmuffs to protect my hearing. I just think this is overkill.

Michael

 

My tinnitus is severe but I don't have hyperacusis.

 

HI @Hania

Tinnitus caused by noise trauma will not usually get worse unless a person is exposed to overly loud sounds. If you keep away from headphones, use ear protection sensibly and don't expose yourself to very louds sounds too often, then I think you will be okay. Try and get a referral to Hearing Therapist for treatment.

 

Yes but what should i do, my tinnitus is HIGHLY REACTIVE to sound if someone raise his or her voice its sky rockets with it sadly.. I also have more hyperacusis then i thought being outside during rush hour is a real hel for me

 

@Hania did you do your hearing test , do you have hearing loss, can you share. Hope you feel better soon. With T you have to be able to help yourself, try to relax stay calm.what about ear plugs if you go outside.

 

Follow the advice above in my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it. I also suggest you get a referral to see a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist for treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

 

Hello Hania.

I've read your post a few times and I cant say how much it hurts to know about your condition.

First I want to address your emotional distress and suicidal thoughts and say please stay strong. I know its easier said than done but youre young, beautiful and seem to have a genuine soul. I believe one day your symptoms will subside. Naturally or by advancements in the medical field. Someone like yourself could potentially be a major inspiration to people like us or others not yet afflicted.

I was reading an article and coincidentally it references research in Belgium. Doctors have used what they call Surgically Implanted Electrodes. Have you heard of them? Apparently they have ridded all patients of tinnitus completely. I don't want to offer false hope but read it for yourself. Give me a second to get the link...I'm using a phone...

 

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/health/research/01tinn.html?referer=https://www.google.com/

I posted the wrong link. That's the correct link.

 

Don't worry Hania, you will get used to it. Seriously. But it takes a lot time. For me it took two years to accept and find a way to live with my T. And remind yourself that help is on its way. There are several biotech companies, mainly in the US, working on a therapy that is aimed at regenerating the damaged hair cells in the inner ear. But I guess it'll take at least 5 more years before this therapy is ready for practical application. But who cares ? I can wait. As long as there is hope, there is life.