Tinnitus from Escitalopram (Lexapro)

[Tryn2BHopeful]

I know you said you wouldn't update unless a miracle happens, but I'm curious if things improved at all since this post? Even just a little improvement?

So honestly, things DID improve—whether it was in perception or actual volume. Around the 18-month mark, I was feeling better. The sound was still there, but it was softer. The sensitivity and reactivity had improved significantly. I thought to myself, If this is how I have to live, I can live this way. I was ready to write that success story.

But this is where being complacent can lead you. I had improved, so I stopped protecting my ears as often because it no longer felt necessary. Previously, when I was more sensitive, I could easily tell when something was too loud. Then, in December 2024, I went to my daughter's orchestra concert. I sat in the back, and it seemed fine, but the crowd noise in the lobby was very loud. My mother was with me, and when she spoke, I couldn't hear her with the earplugs in—so I didn't wear them. Big mistake. About four days later, I developed a reactive tone from loud, high-pitched voices and sounds. My tinnitus volume increased, and the sensitivity and reactivity came back.

Now, almost six months later, I'm nowhere near where I was. It's much harder. Some things have slowly improved—I no longer have reactive tones to some voices and sounds. I have some OK days here and there. But I also have changes in my tones. A low-pitched hum is now much more present; it was almost gone before. I have some pure tones in the background, and my static tone is now higher pitched. Basically, I'm back to square one and trying to "habituate" again.

In conclusion: yes, things improved. However, complacency is your enemy. In a split second, all the progress can be lost—potentially forever.

Best of luck on your journey.