Petrified, Anxious and Despondent...

The title pretty much sums it up for me. I was diagnosed with tinnitus on 3/2/17. The onset was acute (which I though would lead to a better prognosis) as the day after it started, I went to my Primary Care Dr. and they found that I had cerumen impaction (significant). They thought this was the cause of my tinnitus, so they dis-impacted me and sent me on my way with Rx antibiotic ear drops due to inflammation from the disimpaction. Right after my ears were cleaned out, my hearing was sharp and there seemed to be a cessation in the tinnitus...all set, I said to myself. A number of hours later, I started to experience the tinnitus (either a buzz, air leak or ring). I freaked out and called the PCP to see if this was normal(this was a Friday). I never heard back and spent the weekend in high anxiety.

The following Monday, I saw a local ENT and had audiology tests that revealed "mild" high frequency hearing loss. The augdiologist didn't seem to think the results were too far off base for a 55 year old male, such as myself. When I saw the ENT he conveyed the bad news that my tinnitus is related to noise damage(which doesn't completely surprise me (cross country motorcycle rides with 1/2 helmet and never worn ear plugs, loud music via ear buds at gym, etc. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. He sent me home with a precription for Prednisone, very much a shot-in-the-dark attempt, in case inflammation was perpetuating the tinnitus.

I subsequently decided to get a second opinion at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary (Boston) and went yesterday...same results, same prognosis. Although I am trying to keep it together, I am devastated. I don't want to bring anyone else down with me(family/friends), but I feel like my life is over. I used to thrive on relaxation, quiet time, but I feel like these days are over. I also feel like my passion for motorcycling may be over, because wind exposure is evidently just as bad as regular noise exposure.
I saw a CBT therapist yesterday who has tinnitus and counsels people who have tinnitus and I'll see how this goes. I am also using a referral for accupuncture which will start next week. I got the referral from Mass Eye and Ear- they told me this accupucture doc has had good results treating tinnitus if it started less that 6 mos ago. The constant symptom plus the permanency of the condition have me very down. I feel like I have to be doing something at all times to keep the tinnitus at bay. I want my old life back so badly I would do ANYTHING to get it back.

I'm sure I'll have many questions in the future, but my initial question is about ear protection(vacuuming, leaf blowing, shop vac, etc), sporting events and sleep (tinnitus is much worse at night, wakes/keeps me up). Any good recommendations for noise cancelling ear muffs? (I've heard the expensive Bose do not block out high frequency noise and are not that good?). Also, a good ear plug for sporting events, restaurants, etc. Lastly, does anybody have experience with Hush Smart bluetooth ear plugs(for sleep)?

I'm sorry for the long-winded first post. Actually a little therapeutic "unloading".

 

Hey, hope you're feeling a bit better. Please ignore anyone telling you negative things. 'Petrified' would be how I would describe how I felt those first two weeks. Suicidal would be another. The reality is, T does get better over time in the vast majority of cases, read the research and information from the British Tinnitus Association (or AMA). Unfortunately, most people who get better simply don't talk about T let alone leave a success story on a forum, so don't let it discourage you that almost everyone here is still suffering. We're all simply trying to find what works for US, and hopefully most - when they do - will leave their success story.

T is so unique to the individual, and although there is no 'universal cure', there ARE treatment options which you need to explore through the guidance of a professional. There is no 'cure' for cancer, but there are treatment options depending on type and cause. It's the same for T. What works for one person may not work for the next person, so it's important to get professional help. I would always suggest seeing a psychiatrist and a hearing therapist/audiologist who specialises in T. They can link in with each other, evaluate your mental state (you can have depression without even knowing), and discuss the best medical and/or psychological options.

I'm new to T also, and I was absolutely distraught the first few weeks. Checked myself into the emergency room. I was given Valium which honestly saved me those first few weeks. Now I have it in the cupboard but just knowing it's there is re-assuring. If you need medication to take the edge off right now please speak to your GP. You won't need them long-term. I'm now on different, long-term medication and am seeing a hearing therapist who specialises in T. I still get periods where I panic, but it's not as long (touch wood) as it was nor as intense, and I can do simple things like a watch a TV show which I simply could not do at the beginning. I couldn't do anything, including eat. The key is, it does get better, but I know it's going to take time. You'll find the common theme with success stories is positivity. You need to accept the plasticity of your brain and the reality that it can and will change will proper guidance and help. You WILL be one of the success stories, just don't think about the future or tomorrow; live in the moment for now. If you have an iPhone, try the app 'Rain Rain', it has a nice range of sounds. If you really panic and haven't seen your GP, try having a shower, or going for a drive if you drive. You may also benefit from watching Julian Cowan Hill's videos on YouTube, they were and are very re-assuring for me (especially if you're going the acupuncture/alternative therapy route). And remember - hearing and T research came a long way in 2016, you are not going to live with this for the rest of your life because an actual 'cure' will be found soon enough. At the moment, surround yourself with positivity and believe that you will get better. Be positive. I also personally have found prayer helpful and am thankful to Jesus for the comfort and guidance I've been given. The best of luck and God bless your recovery. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk.

 

Wow! Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! It gives me a much needed lift. This has been a particularly bad day for me today...on the verge of panic most of the day. This is not my normal state. About 5 minutes ago, I took a Lorazepam to help manage the anxiety. This is the first time in my life that I have taken a BZD for anything other than an MRI. You really helped instill some positive energy in me. I feel like I am still in the initial stages of grief/loss and there's lots of emotion flowing through me at this time. I could cry at the drop of a hat. I do plan on NOT letting the T control my life, but it's baby steps for me. I, too am praying to Jesus regularly to help me cope positively with this disorder. Thank you again! I might be checking in with you further if that's ok.

 

You asked about hearing protection. I hear peltor x5a are the best. I have some Howard Leighs, they arent that good.

 

@NewTDx

Welcome to the strange world of T. It looks like you are doing well troubleshooting the root cause, getting appointments for CBT, etc. I would not recommend accupunture for T, I tried it and indeed it did not work because there is no technical reason for it, beyond that T is not well understood, and maybe accupunture that is not well understood either will work (very weak thought process). Sound therapy might help with habituation or to take the edge of the T. MyNoise.net has a great website and app (I like the rain and impulse noise). Given what is around, I will say that T gets better for a few people, worse for a few, and stays about the same for most people. The main change is that the reaction to T gets decreased over time (the amount of time is very person dependent). It is very important to avoid the downspiral of the first few months: sleeping is key and limit catastrophic thinking. T is a life changing event, but life is not over.

 

Right there with you, started five weeks ago and in full panic and depression right now. Reading these answers help a lot.. hope you get better

Norm

 

Thank you for this recommendation. I read some(many) negative reviews on the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones and they are around $350. The ones you mention(Peltor X5A) go for about $30 at HD or Lowes. If they're sufficient, I'll get them. I'm looking for ear protection for multiple domains- in -the-ear plugs: restaurants, sporting events, etc and over-the-ear for home related stuff like leaf blower, lawn mower, snow blower, loud kids, etc. Would love to hear what other people use as well. In a pinch, here's what I picked yesterday. I bought a couple of types at a local CVS. The foam plugs didn't want to stay in. I did follow the directions on how to insert. The spiral(silicone) ones went in easy, stayed in and were comfortable, but did not seem to block out sounds well. I am going to a couple of Celtics games in 2-3 weeks and want to make sure I am protected. Here they are:

 

Where did you read that? Amazon shows a very solid rating, with a pretty solid distribution.
I have the previous generation and am very happy about it.

 

@NewTDx

It depends on the level of reduction that you are looking for. One can find very discrete musician earplugs that will cut ~20dB. They usually come with small cases that can be added to the keychain. I have one with me all the time, but I rarely used them.

 

I am also new to this tinnitus thing. Mine really picked up about 5 weeks after an ear slap from a friend of mine.(unintentional) more importantly though try some Lipo Flavonoid vitamins, you end up taking 6 a day for 2 months. I'm only a 12 days in but they can't hurt. Also, just try and relax. It is tough, I freaked out too. Heart racing, crying, yeah I know I'm an older guy too. It can hit you hard, but then you realize, from this forum, that it does get better. Take care, calm down you will make it through.

 

Any foam plug will work but those need to be inserted deep which may be hard depending on the shape of your ear canals

And those can hurt after wearing for many hours

I'd say unless looks are essentials (on a date, or in a fashion show etc) just slap your x5a on and you get the best protection possible wihtout the hassle of inserting plugs and wax buildup etc..

 

I'm trying to replicate my finding, but I must have been looking at a different product. Pretty pricey though.

 

@NewTDx

I'm glad you're taking the right steps in improving your condition. I recently got mine. I thought I was seeing improvement in my T, but I made mine worse because of sheer stupidity. (exposed myself to more loud noises via headphones)

My T was dimming down to one ear. Now I have T with varying ringing to crickets in the middle of my head. I actually broke down a few times this week. My ENT also has T. He said the first month is the worst.

I was adjusting to my new T, but the new sound had me extremely depressed. I took a Ambien to actually get some sleep. There's a lot of depressing posts on here, I should know. Your attitude has my improved my mood. Thank you.

There's a lot of lost new people in here. I hope you don't mind giving them a uplifting post/reply to lift their spirits. Cheers!

 

You seem like a champ Paul - you still on here?

 

@NewTDx
Which ear drops were you given?

 

I'm not positive, but it may have been Neomycin.

 

It seems like you have a real handle on what caused your tinnitus. I think the stress of it can amplify it. Keep your ears protected and I think it will get a little better. My tinnitus has its ups and downs but I too was at that point where I thought I was living a horror movie. Keep your head up and do things to distract yourself! best of luck