Tinnitus for 31 Years Today — Caused by a Car Accident / Concussion

I'm happy I've made it through 31 years after a car accident and nasty concussion (are any concussions NOT nasty?). Still, after so many years, I have my good days and my bad days. I use a noise machine to sleep, waking hours are still a challenge but there is no better drug than a specialist expressing doubts on my ability to cope. I decided long ago that I would not let this take over my life.

I do get mad though! Especially when I'm hiking with my hubby and he says - wow, it's so quiet. HAHA - that's when I want to smack him upside the head with my trekking poles!

For those having a hard time with this - believe me, your brain will eventually push this incessant noise to the side a bit so you can carry on. It's not the easiest thing to cope with, but yes, you can do it.

Hugs to all, especially those that are struggling to get on top of this.

 

@Rosie-ORose

Thank you for sharing your story. Your attitude is inspiring and gives us hope to cope.

 

Love your spirit!

I laughed at your story about hiking. I went once with my wife and she said to me "wow listen to those loud cicadas!"

 

Thanks for sharing your story.

Do you hear the ringing only in quiet surroundings, or can you even hear it on a bus? I hear it everywhere. Can I get used to it like you? 57 days ago I had an acoustic trauma.

 

Sooooo funny! Sometimes I remind my other half that I have noise in my head 24/7 but mostly I just let it go, being glad he doesn't have to live with this. Living your life with humor is the best thing you can do for yourself, don't you agree?

 

Hi SadMan - yes... I hear the noise all the time. A few years back, someone asked if you can hear the noise in the shower with water pouring over your head - I though that was an interesting question so I made sure I paid attention to it while showering, and yes - I could still hear it. You will get used to it. Give it time, it may go away or it may always be there but our brains are amazing - it eventually won't be the first thing your brain focuses on. We are all different machines so no one can tell you how long that might be. I do feel that a lot of adapting is up to the individual. Tinnitus is kind of like a stray cat - if you pay attention to it and feed it, it will annoy you forever. I hope that makes sense.

 

Great posts here @Rosie_Rose.

Likewise, I've been on the tinny-trip for practically 3 decades now. I can identify with everything you say, especially the bit about humour. This is very important.

My tinnitus became much more pronounced these past few years. I now hear it most places, except in the shower I have to say. I think accepting tinnitus is the turning point, albeit a slow one. It was for me. Transitioning from a life spent in the hope of trying to escape it to a life spent trying to accommodate it instead.

 

So much win here.

 

Thank you for your nice sharing. You gave me hope.

Have you used Betahistine? When I take it, my sensitivity to sound increases. Hyperacusis gets severe. It decreases when I quit the Betahistine. It could be a coincidence. When taking it, I feel as if the blood flow in my ear increases. Ringing tone changes, makes my tinnitus sound like "ginning beetle".

I am more comfortable when not taking it. The doctor said to take it for 4 months. Do you think I should take it for 2 more months?

I don't think drugs will be very useful in acoustic trauma.

 

Everything you just said covers so many problems I have with some physicians today. I have been labeled as non-compliant when I mention a particular drug makes me sick or exacerbates my condition. As a female, I have also been labeled as hysterical. But then there are those doctors with whom I trust my life. They understand my drug sensitivities and work with me, even if it is just PT to do at home to help with my vertigo problems.

That being said - you are the only person who can make medical decisions for yourself. If you don't trust your doctor, find a new one. It's difficult to explain the noises in your head and how painful they can be (banjo music makes me VERY cranky) to someone else, especially to a doctor who doesn't him/herself have tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about possibly taking a medication vacation and keep a daily diary of how you feel each day with and without the medication. That's a lot of helpful information that will aid both you and your physician.

 

Oh yes! So, do you spend all day showering to escape the 'noise"?

 

Thanks, I'm going to do a few more tests and get an idea from another doctor.

 

Yes, I'm the cleanest member of Tinnitus Talk!

 

Hi @SadMan,

Unless you have vertigo, it's probably not worth staying on the Betahistine. I was in your situation a few years ago. I was grateful that the doctor let me try the Betahistine a try, but it really did nothing for the tinnitus. Maybe it's time to just let that one go and move on to something else. That's just my opinion, but I'm throwing it out there because I remember being torn as to whether to continue or just stop. Just stopping had no ill effect.

@Rosie_Rose Thank you so much for your tinnitus wisdom. I agree with everything you've said and appreciate the perspective of someone who is female and who has dealt with this for many years. Acceptance is difficult, but it's better than being angry and depressed all the time.