New to Forum

[Kantrijoe]

Hello all,

Let me introduce myself. My name is J and I live in Finland. A month ago I was affected by loud noise. The next day I thought I heard something but just thought it is just a ventilation that makes some noise. Then a couple of days went and my ears locked and the next day ears began to ring and haven't stopped since.

The first week was horrendous, I just couldn't relax and had hardly any sleep, I just didn't know what to do and felt like a total wreck. Then I went to the doctor and got prescription to buy sleeping pills which did help, after that it was a bit easier. I have been already in hearing examination and met an ear doctor (ENT) too.

As all you know I'm on the early stages of T and at the moment my life is like on a rollercoaster, feelings go up and down. Fortunately I'm not alone, I have two kids and a wonderful spouse, she has supported me already very much. It is just so difficult to think about the good things in life and not to feel so low. It is good to have this forum, the posts here give a lot of comfort.

A couple of questions I have: I got a cold and cough a week ago, could this worsen the T because I think it got worse after a few days of cold? And if it does might it go to the more bearable level any time?

I haven't had too much sleep during the last nights. I am aware of various sounds and apps that might mask T a bit but what you recommend as speakers or what might be the reasonable and affordable way to have some sound to be able to sleep at nights? At first I tried to sleep with earphones on but it is very uncomfortable as the wire gets stuck and even if I bought bluetooth earphones they still are uncomfortable to wear. So do you guys suggest pillow speakers or what? If yes could you give some brands or names. And doesn't the pillow speaker disturb my spouse who sleeps beside me?

Thanks for reading.

 

[Samantha R]

@Kantrijoe
Welcome to TT and I am very sorry you had to join us here.
For masking at night, I use a Sound Oasis pillow speaker. My husband cannot hear the sounds, so it's a good idea if you are sharing a bed with someone who doesn't like sound.
I have a Sound Oasis sound machine that I connect the pillow speaker to.
If my husband is on night shift and I am on my own, I don't use the pillow speakers. I prefer the sound machine on its own.
If my tinnitus is low enough and I'm tired, I fall asleep while doing some breathing exercises.
A cold could make your tinnitus louder, particularly if you are congested.
Maybe try a nasal spray or decongestant.
I use 7.5mg of Mirtazapine at night to help with sleep also. This has been a lifesaver.
Wishing you the best,
Sam.

 

[jjflyman]

@Kantrijoe
I use a water fountain that sounds like rain by my bed. It's very relaxing and I don't hear my T at all with the fountain running. I also have a cheap sound machine in the living room, so it's not totally quiet. It sounds like your Tinnitus is from noise exposure. I had a bout with T about 12 years ago from an extremely loud exposure to machinery for about 1 hour. My T was so bad I though I would never get my life back. But, my T slowly faded, and although it took almost 18 months, it did fade completely away. I am in my second bout with T after going to a outdoor concert, and it's been about 7 months now, and my T is about 70% better. I would guess it will take about a total of a year for it to fully fade away.
Just because you got T from a loud noise does NOT mean you will need to live with it forever. If you look on the Internet you will get mostly doom and gloom stories. Most noise induced Tinnitus fades completely away in 6-18 months.

 

[Jenni8619]

Welcome to tt @Kantrijoe! Sorry you are dealing with this stupid annoying condition! I do believe with time, your t situation will get better! Your ears just need to heal.

I personally use a tower fan at night to mask my t, it works for me!

Take care,

Jenni

 

[Kantrijoe]

Thanks guys for your encouraging messages, we must be stong and fight this disturbing thing.