Tinnitus since 1990

Found this site while searching for information for a new device to reduce tinnitus.

My ENT tells me my tinnitus is caused by otosclerosis. The T started as only a very faint hum and has gradually increased in loudness over the years. I have had two episodes where it had gotten so loud, it was as if it was my first day with tinnitus and I was ready to jump off a bridge. Normally, my T is about equal volume in both ears, which I think has allowed me to cope with it. On those bad days, the sound changed and the "direction". I perceived the sound as coming from my left and from the rear. It was as loud as a low flying jet (what I remember a low flying jet sounding like). So, I go to the ENT... it had been nearly ten years since my last visit... to tell them of my new situation and get some relief if possible. Mind you, I clearly explained that I'm an experienced T sufferer and I'm about to lose my marbles... The response I got? Try some ginkgo?!

I didn't try the ginkgo. I was so damned mad it took my mind off the new T sounds. My normal T resumed in a few weeks, thankfully.

The struggle that I have with T is that family and friends have no clue what it's like. My wife left the room shortly after hearing the audio clips of typical T sounds just before I started to write this. We discuss it maybe once every 6 months. She usually listens but just blinks her eyes till the subject changes. But to get a response from a professional audiologist that T was somehow banal and not of concern? I think they should have some experience with T by putting some earbuds in and listening to T sounds 24/7. Just one week. That's all.

Anyhow, I might have a slim chance at reducing or eliminating my T with surgery to fix the otosclerosis. (Replacing the stapes with a prosthetic) I haven't had the courage yet. There is a chance of complete deafness with the surgery and balance issues etc. Hearing with T is better than no hearing in my book.

If anyone reads this far... thanks for allowing me the rambling rant.

 

Hi there wd.

Good to meet you.

Sorry to hear you're suffering, though. I hope you can find the support here that you're lacking elsewhere! I'd like to think your audiologist was in the minority; my encounters so far have been compassionate (GPs, audiologists, specialist and therapist) and understanding. God knows I must have looked pathetic and tested the patience of a few of them. I hope you can find some alternative help. Even just talking about it helps, I find (and I'm *not* a talker!!)

I know nothing about otosclerosis, but it seems as if you have a physical reason for your T. I expect there is the "usual" perceptive part that makes it worse for you; I hope you are able to make progress in dealing with it and get back to enjoying life (perhaps you do already - in which case, good for you!)

All the best
DD

 

Welcome wdbirk!

Most of us here can certainly empathize with the going out of one' mind due to T!

You will find all sorts of treatments and remedies that most of us have discussed, tried and set aside. Then again, there are other treatments that some of us are being guinea pigs for. If a treatment can at least diminish the T low enough for daily tolerable limits. I think that is what many of us want. Just a measure of relief.


There is a member here named Karen who has your condition - otosclerosis. She will jump in here in a day or so I am sure.

Hope that you find this forum gives you hope and some comfort.

 

Thank you all for the very nice welcome. I apologize for the late response as well, I am new to forums of any kind and had been watching for an email update on the replies. I did get yours DD (thanks for the encouragement) but not Karen's or DezDog.

I had some regret after my writing my post after it dawned on me that there are many folks here who may be new to the T. experience. My post sounded rather hopeless and bitter. I apologize for that.

 

Karen,

I have not been to a neurotologist and have never been given the suggestion. I think I need to find a different ENT! I will look into that further.

I am getting to the point where hearing aids are a necessity, the otosclerosis it catching up to me. My age and occupation are certainly no help.

Thanks again for the kind words and warm welcome.

 

Hi Karen,

The sound I hear is a humming and hissing sound. I don't have any swooshing sounds.

I am about ready to try hearing aids. I was at a party this weekend and my hearing loss is getting to the point that I am stressed out by concentrating so much on what people are saying. Or I avoid conversations entirely. Any particular models/manufacturers of hearing aids you can recommend?