New Member

Hello,

My name is Susan. I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself. I'm glad to find a group of people who can relate to the same struggle of obtrusive Tinnitus. I know the exact minute my tinnitus started. It was 20 months ago. I went to get acupuncture to help reduce some TMJ tension. It did not work and the tinnitus began the minute I left the office. They had me sign a waver that noted in rare cases TMJ could get worse, so I'm assuming the cause of mine is TMJ. I've never heard of anyone getting T from acupuncture so it must have been that my TMJ got worse. I don't have any hearing loss. I have plenty of neck and shoulder problems to support the issue. It took about 8 months to "get used to" the constant noise, but I still have freak outs every once and a while. Last night was one of my freak outs, the T has been so loud lately and I haven't had a good day in a while. I'm used to getting a quieter day here and there, but it's been a while. I hear several noises and in both ears. There's the constant high pitched whine, hissing, crickets, some weird metallic clanking that's hard for me to describe and finally if all of those are pretty quiet I hear this strange mechanical alarm type sound - it's like someone's alarm is going off in the next room but it's more low toned than an alarm. Intermittently I get noises that sound like little workmen are doing some construction in my ears - I believe it's some muscle contractions around my TM area. I have ear pain and pressure most of the time, but sometimes the pain gets intense and they always feel plugged.

I have tried physical therapy on my jaw and neck and that seemed to help a little (I need to get back to it I guess). I get massages every other week. I've tried chiropractic both traditional and Atlas Orthogonal. I tried Flonase. I've tried essential oils. I did what I found out later to be a too small a dosage of Prednisone that didn't do anything. What helps me most is staying positive; prayer, praise and studying the Bible keep me positive most of the time.

Anyway, that's my story. I'm looking forward to meeting you. I've learned some things that help me cope and hope to learn more from this site. Peace and love to you all.

 

@Susie_Q ,
A warm welcome to Tinnitus Talk.
Have you tried a mouth guard for TMJ?
Your dentist or Maxillofaxial specialist can make you one from a mould done from your teeth.
This will reduce pressure on your jaw.
love glynis

 

Yes, I have a mouth guard but haven't been using it as it has caused severe sensitivity in one of my teeth. I have soft teeth I'm considering getting a soft appliance made. Thank you for the welcome!

 

@Susie_Q
Take it back as it can have some plastic shaved off it to fit you better to stop pressure.
Love glynis x

 

Hi Susie Q ~ just got here me self ~ happy to meet you ~ we'll see what we can see here ~ hope things work out and you see or find improvement ~ God Bless you and yours sister ```


Richard