Sudden Spike...

[GSH]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum. I don't normally sign up for forums but I feel I need a little help and support just now. I have had tinnitus since at least 2014. To be honest, I always had a buzzing in my head but it never bothered me - it was my 'silence'.

Anyway I noticed that my hearing was reduced. I couldn't make out conversations as well in busy environments. I went to my gp, who referred me on to ENT. A hearing test showed mild high frequency loss in one ear and moderate high frequency loss in the other . I was told this was the reason for the buzzing.

It has always been there but never bothered me. My hearing is something I've always just worked around. 2 weeks ago, I had some mild symptoms, indicative of a cold. Before I knew it, clog went the left ear. It reopened after a while and then clog went the right. I am clear of cold like symptoms but have this awful screeching hiss in my right ear which I'm very very aware of. It is so much louder than I have ever experienced.

I went to my gp and he said I had some dry wax. I tried ear wax treatment but it hasn't helped . I am taking beconass just now as well but no improvement.

I have made an appointment with a local tinnitus expert to explore this further. I'm really startled and distressed by this though. What can I do? Anyone experienced this before?

 

[GSH]

I should mention as well - I will become a father to twins next year. I am so excited and happy about this. I want to be strong for my partner just now and don't want this spike bringing me down.

 

[Samantha R]

@GSH congratulations on the impending arrival of your twins!
I am mum to twins too - b/g and they are 4.5 months old. It's busy (I have a 2 year old as well) - but a lot of fun as well.
Hopefully this spike will go down as your cold symptoms settle. That seems to be what happens for most people.
I have had tinnitus for 3.5 months, and the start was extremely hard going. I landed myself in a mental health facility because I was on the verge of a breakdown. My twins were only 9 weeks old.
I still get upset by the tinnitus but I handle things so much better now.
Masking really helps me if it is annoying me.
I have downloaded the Oticon tinnitus sound app and hang my earbuds over my ears (not in them), and that distracts me from the tinnitus.
Everyday I think I shouldn't have to deal with this, it's not fair and I can't believe this has happened to me. However, I remind myself of the good things in life - my three little people - and that lifts my mood quickly.
You will be fine. I am sure of that.

 

[GSH]

Thank you for your response Samantha and thank you for sharing your personal story with me too. I really do hope it settles down. My job is stressful so that is a factor. I'm generally quite an anxious person - I worry about things and have a tendency to be catastrophic!