New to Severe, Deafening Tinnitus: Don't Know the Cause, Considering Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Hello my name is Karen. I have a terrible case of tinnitus that is constant and high pitched. It seems mostly to be in my right ear. In the past not too audible but now it is deafening especially in quiet rooms. I have some hearing loss. Haven't been able to sleep the last 3 nights and I'm at wits' end. I am very anxious and uncomfortable.

The audiology clinic says I should try Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, which I will do. I got a baby monitor for tonight to try some white noises and I downloaded a tinnitus app.

I hope something helps as I can see myself going on with this much longer.

 

Need to start with focusing on the cause of your tinnitus. Noise exposure is most common. Recent concerts? Occupation? Headphone use? Other loud noises?

Medication is 2nd most common cause. So any new medications?

In the interim, use earplugs to protect from any loud noises, and you can try the masking at night.

 

Warm welcome to the forum, Karen. Here you are not alone as we understand the challenge of handling a new or higher level of tinnitus ringing. The initial period is the toughest. Saying that, it is helpful if you can find out the reason for the increase or spike. Above poster mentioned some common ones. Below I will list a broader list of causes.

There are many causes, single or combined, which can trigger or aggravate tinnitus including by not limited to drug reaction or side-effects from ototoxic drugs, ear wax build-up, ear or Eustachian tube infection or ETD, ear drum injury, fluid build-up in ears feeling pressured or fullness, sinus infection & congestion, TMJ, TTTS, high blood pressure or blood circulation problem, loud noise exposure or acoustic trauma/shock, head trauma & injury, neck injury or muscle problems, hearing loss, Meniere's Decease, barotrauma from sudden change of air pressure such as during landing & taking off on flights especially with blocked nose causing failure to balance the pressure changes, slapping of the ears, deep grief for the loss of loved ones, untreated sleep apnea, extreme, extended stress, anxiety & panic disorder, etc., etc. T can also be caused or made worse by unhealthy diet such as too much salt, sugar, caffeine, MSG, alcohol etc. or by lacking some mineral or vitamin supplements, such as Magnesium, Zinc, B12, D3 etc.

That of course is not all that there is that can cause tinnitus but enough list to include common ones. If you have any of these prior to the spike, then see if you can get a specialist to check it out if it is a fixable problem by medical people.

TRT is only one of the many treatment alternatives offered out there. It can be expensive. If you can solve the problem if it has a medical cause, you may be able to save some money in the process. Good luck. Take care. God bless.

 

Avoid tinnitus retraining therapy like the plague. It is very harmful and the clinical world basically "shills" it.

Here is negative feedback regarding TRT
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/posts/520793/

 

Many people find CBT to be a better treatment than TRT. From what I've seen on the forum. Haven't tried myself.

 

One sound? One ear? Constant?

Even if it is very very loud, that's not that bad. The chances are good that you'll get used to it.

Define loud? I could stand in front of a train passing by and still all my sounds are louder than that. Sucks.

 

If it's one ear you need to check for tumors.