Is There a Difference Between Noise Sensitivity and Tinnitus?

I have had T for 20 years plus a few. When I was first diagnosed by an ENT doctor he called it tone deafness. I had had my right eardrum rupture more than once and have hearing loss (as of 2004) in both ears. I was given a script for Seldane back in 1992. My doc told me it would take a long time perhaps 3 wks or more to work. It did dull it after about 5 wks a little but I was so busy the only time it really bothered me was when I was still and it was quiet. Life happened and we moved so I did not continue with the Seldane. That was over 20 years ago.

I used to be able to understand toddler's and all sorts of accents. I can no longer even watch tv without closed captions. I know that I am very sensitive to noise because if I am in a loud location (restaurant, family get togethers, etc) my ringing gets louder. I'm not up on all of the latest treatments and am semi retired. I do have TMJ but I do not wear a mouthgaurd as it makes it worse and more painful.

The things I can't really do well anymore range from balance issues to hearing consonants. Going out for dinner uses to be a joy. Now I no longer wish to go. Riding in a car I can't hear people talking in the backseat. This Noises that bother me and do not seem to effect anyone else for example a refrigerator running. Very loud to me but doesn't seem to bother anyone else. Carrying on a conversation can be very difficult especially in large groups. I drive in silence so I can hear others around me for safety. What really gets me is sometimes I will have a ringing in one ear that is so loud it lessens the current ringing. I have never really been diagnosed with T but am sure I have it, 24/7/365 does not stop. Are there any reputable tests for this? Does anyone else feel like me? Is there a difference between sensitive hearing and tinnitus? Thanks all.

 

I thought this was a really good article and thought I would share. I wonder if there is any more recent info on this.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/science-july-dec13-tinnitus_11-06/