On My Way to Recovery from Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

[LindaS]

@Vassili

Are you still experiencing head pain?

I am still experiencing pain (still sometimes burning) on the top and back of my head. And for some reason, some days my ears feel fine and other days they feel almost raw even though they haven't had loud sounds.

Like you, my tinnitus ramps up at night.

One day at a time.

 

[Tara Lyons]

I would have been happy to experience any positive change if I were you.

@Vassili I have dark thoughts orbiting around me constantly. I can't control it. I can't believe this is my life.

 

[DaveFromChicago]

To Tara Lyons:

After 6 years and 10 months of this, I feel like the American troops on Corregidor in April of 1942.

I often quote W.H. Auden:
"The situation of our time
Surrounds us like a baffling crime."

Instead of "our", I would insert "my", and instead of "us" I would insert "me".

In one sense I actually dread the COVID-19 restrictions eventually being lifted, because that will result in all sorts of venues reopening that my wife will want to visit. For me this will be running a gauntlet of daily increasing tinnitus aggravation.

We had our annual boiler check for the oncoming cold months, and the serviceman held up his carbon monoxide reader and showed us that quite lethal amounts were being emitted when it was turned on (and the unit is, let's face it, 23 years old). I found myself fantasizing about my wife being away overnight, and not being aware of the boiler's condition when it was running and I was asleep. This would have been a painless, convenient "Final Solution" to this tinnitus condition.

This condition reminds me of that hideous creature in the first ALIEN movie; no matter what the crew did, they could not eject it from the spaceship.

 

[Vassili]

Are you still experiencing head pain?

Hi!

I still experience lots of different sensations in my head, neck, shoulders and even back but I can't call it pain. What I feel in my head is somewhat similar to the symptoms that I had 12 years ago while suffering from trigeminal nerve inflammation. Symptoms are similar but they are really mild so I don't even think about them much anymore. I remember that my trigeminal nerve problems were effectively cured with Carbamazepine. This is why I am waiting my neurologist appointment in November. Maybe he will advise something to speed up the process of healing. By the way I also have some sensations of warmth on the top of my head and at the back of my head. Once these sensations were painful and now it is just warmth.

Have a great day, Linda.

 

[Vassili]

I have dark thoughts orbiting around me constantly

You are the BOSS. Not your dark thoughts. Remember, those people are healthy and more likely to recover who think that they are already healthy and who are 100% optimistic about their recovery.

 

[Tara Lyons]

To Tara Lyons:

After 6 years and 10 months of this, I feel like the American troops on Corregidor in April of 1942.

I often quote W.H. Auden:
"The situation of our time
Surrounds us like a baffling crime."

Instead of "our", I would insert "my", and instead of "us" I would insert "me".

In one sense I actually dread the COVID-19 restrictions eventually being lifted, because that will result in all sorts of venues reopening that my wife will want to visit. For me this will be running a gauntlet of daily increasing tinnitus aggravation.

We had our annual boiler check for the oncoming cold months, and the serviceman held up his carbon monoxide reader and showed us that quite lethal amounts were being emitted when it was turned on (and the unit is, let's face it, 23 years old). I found myself fantasizing about my wife being away overnight, and not being aware of the boiler's condition when it was running and I was asleep. This would have been a painless, convenient "Final Solution" to this tinnitus condition.

This condition reminds me of that hideous creature in the first ALIEN movie; no matter what the crew did, they could not eject it from the spaceship.

@DaveFromChicago I've had a lot of fading so I'm hoping for the best. Get me out of this disgusting hell.

 

[Tara Lyons]

You are the BOSS. Not your dark thoughts. Remember, those people are healthy and more likely to recover who think that they are already healthy and who are 100% optimistic about their recovery.

You are the BOSS. Not your dark thoughts. Remember, those people are healthy and more likely to recover who think that they are already healthy and who are 100% optimistic about their recovery.

@Vassili so true. And I have to remind myself I am not alone on this journey. For some reason I always like to reach out to you. You're always positive.

 

[Vassili]

 

[Tom 2020]

Thanks Vasilli. I had a similar experience to you. You can check out my posts. As Michael Leigh tells us, stay positive. Like the Beatles song "Getting Better." Life is beautiful - it's true.

 

[dan]

@DaveFromChicago I've had a lot of fading so I'm hoping for the best. Get me out of this disgusting hell.

You're on your way out...

 

[Tom 2020]

I am nearing my three month mark since the shotgun blast sound I suffered on June 28, 2020. As many here have urged, I was patient. Last night, I definitely could tell that the ringing was lower overall than two months ago. I still don't feel perfect, but during the first month, I was freaking out, and even depressed. So, I think that ear traumas really involve a new fear for new victims, and strong people here who survived -- they are so important to listen to.

 

[Vassili]

Today I woke up and realized that something changed. My hearing improved. Now I hear my TV from the other room almost perfectly and without any other weird sound effects. Also I can say that I finally can't hear my tinnitus while being outside. Maybe for couple of seconds every day but it's so quiet that I don't even notice it sometimes. Constant mild headache is still present. Hyperacusis is mostly gone but I'm not sure. In a week it will be my one year anniversary.

 

[all to gain]

Today I woke up and realized that something changed. My hearing improved. Now I hear my TV from the other room almost perfectly and without any other weird sound effects. Also I can say that I finally can't hear my tinnitus while being outside. Maybe for couple of seconds every day but it's so quiet that I don't even notice it sometimes. Constant mild headache is still present. Hyperacusis is mostly gone but I'm not sure. In a week it will be my one year anniversary.

Well done Vassili! Great news!!

Why do you think you have constant headaches?

 

[Vassili]

Why do you think you have constant headaches?

I think it's a symptom of my concussion that will also, hopefully, vanish. My headache is very mild and I would say that it's not an issue anymore. I am seeing a good neurologist in November so maybe he will advise me something. I hope that another year would pass and I will be OK. What I am really thankful for is that my tinnitus is so quiet that the sound of radiators in my flat easily overlap it. So now I hear it only in a quiet bathroom.

 

[LindaS]

Today I woke up and realized that something changed. My hearing improved. Now I hear my TV from the other room almost perfectly and without any other weird sound effects. Also I can say that I finally can't hear my tinnitus while being outside. Maybe for couple of seconds every day but it's so quiet that I don't even notice it sometimes. Constant mild headache is still present. Hyperacusis is mostly gone but I'm not sure. In a week it will be my one year anniversary.

Awesome! I am so happy for you!

 

[Tara Lyons]

I think it's a symptom of my concussion that will also, hopefully, vanish. My headache is very mild and I would say that it's not an issue anymore. I am seeing a good neurologist in November so maybe he will advise me something. I hope that another year would pass and I will be OK. What I am really thankful for is that my tinnitus is so quiet that the sound of radiators in my flat easily overlap it. So now I hear it only in a quiet bathroom.

That's great! I'm such a nervous wreck dealing with this. It just never stops.

 

[Tara Lyons]

Today I woke up and realized that something changed. My hearing improved. Now I hear my TV from the other room almost perfectly and without any other weird sound effects. Also I can say that I finally can't hear my tinnitus while being outside. Maybe for couple of seconds every day but it's so quiet that I don't even notice it sometimes. Constant mild headache is still present. Hyperacusis is mostly gone but I'm not sure. In a week it will be my one year anniversary.

You survived one year! I'm almost at 9 months, don't know how I've survived this long but I have!

 

[n_li808]

Hey @Tara Lyons has it improved in those 9 months??

 

[Tara Lyons]

@n_li808 yes but it is still here unfortunately. Seriously can't believe this happened to me. I'm a complete disaster.

 

[Vassili]

I'm almost at 9 months, don't know how I've survived this long but I have!

Don't worry, you will make it.

You survived one year!

I think I have to survive another one.

 

[n_li808]

@Tara Lyons I know exactly how you feel I used to be so social and now I'm afraid to go anywhere. At least it has improved though... Hopefully till the point where it's gone, I'm praying for that day to come.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Tara Lyons I know exactly how you feel I used to be so social and now I'm afraid to go anywhere. At least it has improved though... Hopefully till the point where it's gone, I'm praying for that day to come.

Adjusting to tinnitus and hyperacusis can be problematic in the early stages but this usually improves with time. You need to work at it by going out each day and use noise reduction earplugs but try not to become too dependant on them. Staying inside is not the answer as your auditory system will take longer to desensitise, and it can create other problems such as fear and phonophobia if you're not careful. Even if you go out for a brief walk and return home that is better than not going out at all.

Michael

 

[Bill Bauer]

@n_li808 yes but

If it has been improving, then there is a good chance that in less than two years you will be over it.

Also I can say that I finally can't hear my tinnitus while being outside. Maybe for couple of seconds every day but it's so quiet that I don't even notice it sometimes.

Awesome!

 

[n_li808]

Hi @Michael Leigh,

I always get spikes after I come home :/ even from walking or hiking. I don't want to overprotect so I only wear earplugs at work which is a little loud. But going to the stores or running errands I don't wear ear plugs. I think it would be so much more tolerable if I didn't have spikes. Do spikes go away?

 

[Tara Lyons]

@n_li808 read the success stories on here. Nothing else!

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi @Michael Leigh,

I always get spikes after I come home :/ even from walking or hiking. I don't want to overprotect so I only wear earplugs at work which is a little loud. But going to the stores or running errands I don't wear ear plugs. I think it would be so much more tolerable if I didn't have spikes. Do spikes go away?

@n_li808

Please don't put a coma , at the end of my name when contacting me as I will not receive an alert message.
@Michael Leigh

Spikes are an indication of an oversensitive auditory system often a result of Noise trauma and hyperacusis is usually present. It takes time to recover and desensitise the ear and auditory system. This can be achieved naturally, with self help or professional help may need to be sought. The process can take 6 to 18 months and in some cases longer.

Use sound enrichment during the day and particularly at night as I've mentioned in many of my posts. It is best to use nature sounds at night and not music as music draws attention to itself. Remember, to keep the volume low below the level of the tinnitus. The idea is not to induce sleep but to supply the brain and auditory system with sound enrichment throughout the night until morning.

Since you get spikes when out walking or hiking I suggest using noise reducing earplugs. You may have to experiment by first using 30 decibel noise reducing plugs or higher, then slowly reduce the level of attenuation by trying 20db plugs then 15db and so on until you are able to not use them at all. As I've said you have to work at this because staying away from normal everyday sounds due to fear of spikes is not the answer. It is trial and error and see what works for you. Start off slowly going out for short periods and gradually increasing time outside.

The spikes and oversensitivity to sound will reduce with time.
All the best

Michael

PS: Keep away from negative thinking people and try not to read their posts....

 

[n_li808]

@n_li808

Please don't put a coma , at the end of my name when contacting me as I will not receive an alert message.
@Michael Leigh

Thank you for all your input! I will definitely try to get out a little more... it's just the more I stay home, the quieter it gets and then it starts all over again when I step out. But I will train my ears to over come it, because I really want to heal.

Yes I try to read only the success stories but there's always someone in the success thread saying something negative.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Thank you for all your input! I will definitely try to get out a little more... it's just the more I stay home, the quieter it gets and then it starts all over again when I step out

Quiet rooms and surroundings are not good for anyone with oversensitivity to sound or has hyperacusis. Try to have low level music in the background during the day and use sound enrichment at night. Try to go out more too as that's the way to heal yourself.

 

[weab00]

I can't even hike at this point. I tried to do it for some fresh air and "sound desensitization" and after an hour my ears were in excruciating stabbing pain every time the crickets chirped and I had to put my earplugs in. I think it was the high frequency that got me.

 

[Vassili]

I can't even hike at this point. I tried to do it for some fresh air and "sound desensitization" and after an hour my ears were in excruciating stabbing pain every time the crickets chirped and I had to put my earplugs in. I think it was the high frequency that got me.

I hope you will get better in a year or two. My first 7-8 months were absolute hell. Now after a year I feel much better. Not cured completely but I've got my life back.

I wish you patience and full recovery. Stay strong and believe in the better.