Ringing Since 2006

Hi my name is Pat and I am new to this forum but not new to tinnitus. The first time I remember hearing the ringing (mine more like outdoor crickets, lots of crickets) was in 2006. I was working night shift and would sleep during day with a box fan to drowned out day time noises. I swore the fan was the cause but now I think it was more coincidence.

I am prior military and primarily worked as aircraft mechanic but also spent time in ARNG in an Artillary unit. Yes I have hearing loss and do have hearing aids that I do not wear as much as I should.

I HATE going to doctors but have been to hearing specialists and VA hospital regarding the tinnitus. The doctors just said there is no cure and kind of ask if it’s at a point where I am losing sleep or feeling suicidal. It is not.

Recently the Ringing has gotten much louder- harder to ignore. It is in both my ears. I used to be able to ignore it when watching tv, listening to radio, etc. The ringing never stops it’s there all the time. Always louder in quiet rooms, when I am tired, and after exercising.

It has gotten loud enough for me to seek out this forum for advice. I have read many posts and picked up several things I will be trying. I drink Aspartame regularly. In coffee several cups a day and diet soda. I will be stopping as of today to see if it has any effect. Also I eat lots of sodium. Salt on everything and foods like pizza is my favorite. I will lower the sodium.

About a year ago I switched to a desk job and have put on some desk guy weight. I will include some exercise. So no fake sugar, lower sodium and exercise.

I will update the forum if any of the 3 things I will try is helping.

 

Try to protect your ears from even moderate noises like that of a vacuum cleaner.