Tinnitus Got Worse Two Months Ago: Are Steroids or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Still Worth Trying?

[LulaLula]

Hello,

I've written before about experiencing more tinnitus after loud noise exposure, but it eventually got better. I also have tinnitus, ear fullness, and ear pain from head trauma, which I've gotten used to.

Recently, about two months ago, I forgot to use earplugs because I drank a little too much. I'm very disappointed in myself now. Since then, my tinnitus has worsened, I have a dull feeling in my left ear, and it's sometimes harder to hear conversations in noisy environments. I have a meeting with an audiologist soon.

Unfortunately, I cannot get steroids in my country. I've tried masking, supplements, and red light therapy.

Is it still worthwhile to try steroids or hyperbaric oxygen therapy for hearing loss and tinnitus? I need to see the audiologist to check how my hearing is.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[LulaLula]

No suggestions? Just wait it out? Thanks!

 

[LulaLula]

Apparently, the beep test showed no hearing loss. However, I still feel like I have a harder time hearing voices. My plan is to possibly try an oxygen chamber, masking techniques, antidepressants, and custom-made earplugs.

 

[Nick47]

Hi @LulaLula,

I would advise against hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It's often promoted by grifters, and there's no solid evidence supporting its effectiveness. Many people have tried it and ended up feeling worse.

If you're considering medication, it generally involves a low-dose combination approach. You might want to check out Neuromod on the Treatments category or Dirk De Ridder's protocol for reference. Of course, these are personal decisions for you to make.

Also, avoid wasting money on supplements like many of us have; focus instead on a healthy diet. And consider accessing CBT for support.

Best of luck!

 

[LulaLula]

Okay, thanks for the response! I've found some studies showing benefits for certain people, but I haven't come across any systematic reviews. I'm also a bit concerned about the risks involved. I've tried several supplements after experiencing acoustic trauma, hoping they might help. It might be best to test one supplement at a time. I think my diet is already quite good. Has CBD or anything else, like masking, been helpful for you?

 

[mikeh]

I was surprised to learn that reputable insurance companies like Aetna cover TENS electrical stimulation for tinnitus. They have a long list of treatments they don't cover or consider experimental, including HBOT, Lenire, and even TRT and sound therapy.

However, I had never heard of using TENS around the ear for tinnitus. Does it actually work?

 

[ItCouldBeWorse]

Hi @LulaLula,

I would advise against hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It's often promoted by grifters, and there's no solid evidence supporting its effectiveness. Many people have tried it and ended up feeling worse.

If you're considering medication, it generally involves a low-dose combination approach. You might want to check out Neuromod on the Treatments category or Dirk De Ridder's protocol for reference. Of course, these are personal decisions for you to make.

Also, avoid wasting money on supplements like many of us have; focus instead on a healthy diet. And consider accessing CBT for support.

Best of luck!

I've seen those studies. 20% worsened, four percent cured, forty percent moderately better, and the rest showed no change. That seems like decent odds. I'm wondering how much worse is considered worse. I'd probably try 2.0 ATA for an hour first.

I'm also wondering if I should try HBOT. Last Sunday I shot loud guns, a .45 and a 9mm, with substandard silicone plugs rated at 22 NRR (not foam) for an hour at an indoor range. Ugh. I haven't fired guns since I was a kid, so I wasn't thinking. I hear the tinnitus ringing, a high EeeEee. No noticeable hearing loss thankfully, though maybe a tiny bit in the right ear.

I went on 60 mg of Prednisone for one week once I noticed the ringing two days later, on Tuesday. I finally got the steroids on day four, Thursday. I read they are supposed to be started within 48 to 72 hours, so I was hoping 96 hours wouldn't be too late. Anyway, it's not helping. I'm now thinking of trying HBOT starting as soon as Tuesday (10 days after the incident) for 60 to 90 minutes at 2.0 ATA. I figure, why not.

I'm also taking supplements in standard daily amounts. I know full well it's unlikely to do much, but it can't hurt. Magnesium in particular is just good anyway.

Has anyone else had success stories with HBOT, or with HBOT combined with Prednisone?