New Member, Old Problem

Hello all.

New to the forum.
Had tinnitus pretty much all through my adult life - on and off for the past many years. Over this last few years i've found it getting MUCH more pronounced and continuous.

Going back through the years I have tried to examine factors which could have caused and/or exacerbated my tinnitus.
Things like working in a factory with high pressure airlines, or going to really loud rock concerts. I am pretty sure things like these have not helped.

I am deaf in my right ear, and have been from birth. Could that have some influences on tinnitus...? Like my left ear having to work harder...? I don't know.

Anyway, as i've mentioned the tinnitus has been getting MUCH worse of late. It is ALWAYS there, like a high pitched steam train whistle constantly screeching in my head. It is so loud at times that it overrides everything else I could normally hear.

I sleep very poorly - and have done most of my adult life - not so much falling asleep as STAYING asleep! I awaken to the ever present screeching noise in my head.

I just thought i'd make my presence known, so i'll quit jabbering on for now.

Regards to all

[edit] PS I put the date of tinnitus starting as 2010, but it goes back much further than this.

 

HI @ktulu

The things that you have mentioned in your post could be responsible for your tinnitus becoming more intrusive. Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of tinnitus and making it worse. Therefore, limiting your exposure to loud sounds would be a good idea in my opinion and refrain from using headphones even at low volume, I think would also be beneficial. If you haven't done so already I advise you to get some tests done on your auditory system at ENT. If nothing further untoward is found then a referral to a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist for tinnitus treatment and management I feel would be of help. If you aren't using sound enrichment at "night" then I advise you to do so. Sleeping in a quiet room isn't a good idea for someone with tinnitus, as this can make the brain increase its background activity making the tinnitus louder and more intrusive during the day.

Please seek professional help as I've indicated above and take the steps, I've suggested in limiting your exposure to loud noise and not using headphones is my advice.

All the best
Michael

 

Hi @Michael.

Thank you for your response

I have found that having "mellow" music playing quietly in the background at night when i'm trying to sleep helps a little bit - I guess it gives my brain something else to focus on instead of the screech.
I found some low key classical music best, as it is least invasive. I never use headphones or those horrible little ear bud things.
The thing which is of most concern to me at present is the big increase of loudness of the tinnitus I have - without any obvious source I can identify.
I have made an appointment with the doctor in order to begin some further investigations.
Thank you again for your reply.

Regards

 

You are welcome @ktulu

I like classical music a lot but it or any other type of music is not the best source to use for "sound enrichment" at night. Music draws the brain's attention and also evokes emotion and this is not ideal for night time use. Using a dedicated "sound machine" that plays nature sounds is the best source for sound enrichment at night. You can download nature sounds from the Internet if you wish and use them on your mobile phone. However, it would be best to have a docking station for your phone with external speakers or Bluetooth to an external speaker of adequate volume. Sound Oasis sound machines are good and specifically made for people with tinnitus. Model S-650 is popular.
Please click on the links below and read my posts that you might find helpful.

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/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-ent-doctor-and-hearing-therapist.24047/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

 

@Michael -

Thank you so much for clarifying that for me - about natural sounds being better than music (albeit mild classical stuff) - I admit I wasn't aware of that.
I have some old nature ambient tapes somewhere, it might pay to dig them out whilst I come by some new.

Also much thanks for posting all those links, I shall sift through them over this coming day!

Regards,
ktulu

[edit] PS I have looked up for the S650 tinnitus sound therapy system. It is reasonably priced (to be honest, at the moment need transcends cost so I shall invest in one.)

Thanks again