Tinnitus spike driving me mad

[jackohobbs]

Hi I've had tinnitus for almost 5 years now it's a high pitched hissing/ ringing. I've managed to live with it Quite well to the point I managed to block it out and cud only hear it at bed time or if I thought of it. That was until 3 weeks ago when it spiked for some reason and now it's all I can think of, it's ruining my life. I dont understand how I can go 5 years and hardly notice it to now I can't stop thinking of it. It's taking over my life, I'm not the same person I used to be

[jbradford42]

Hi Buddy first of all I know what you are going through believe me lad you are far from being alone. The same thing happened to me after years of having Mild T about a month ago I woke up one morning and my T had tripled in volume. I felt dizzy and panic set in I thought is this the end how the hell am I going to live with this. I know it’s hard but remember it takes the brain up to a few weeks to figure out how to cope with what’s happening. It’s been about five weeks now for me I’ve sort of come to terms with it. So give your doctor a visit tell him or her what’s happened please don’t hold anything back and take it from there. Like I said buddy I really know how you are feeling as I’m just a few weeks in front of you going up the same path. It’s never easy mate but stay strong and never ever give up and even I don’t know what the future holds. But what I do know is we can get though this and remember we are certainly not alone. John

[Ruud1boy]

It can get worse unfortunately. I had it for 10yrs+ at a level where it didn't cause any problems, but then it got massively worse. I'd assumed previously that I had permanent tinnitus and that was all there was to it - never once occurred to me that it could get worse, but boy, do I know different now.

Go to your GP's to get your hearing & your ears checked over and keep your fingers crossed that it's a temporary spike.

[Jimmuck]

Hi Jacko,

I also have the same high pitched hissing whine like a dentists drill and when it spikes, it is truly horrendous, so I know what you're going through. At first I used to panic as it felt totally overwhelming but now, I am a bit more relaxed about it as I know that it will eventually back off. I would advise you to see your doctor as there might be an underlying cause for it to have suddenly increased in volume and it could be something as simple as build up of wax. I would also ask about getting something to calm your system down and help you sleep. I am on 10mg Amitriptyline and I manage to get a full eight hours almost every night. The important thing is not to panic as it will stress you even more and make the T worse! In the meantime, try and distract your mind by doing something you enjoy and avoid quiet rooms. Have some background music playing and hard as it is, don't dwell on the tinnitus. I hope you manage to find some peace soon and I look forward to hearing some good news from you soon. Best wishes.

[6spidermonkeys in reply to Jimmuck]

I'm going to ask my doctors for some amitrip today, my sleep pattern is all over the place at the moment , stress and cigs make it worse for me . do you recommend amitrip, is it quite available and are there any side effects to it jim

Cheers Alan

[Jimmuck in reply to 6spidermonkeys]

Hi Alan,

I was never a great sleeper at the best of times but since I have been on Amitrip, I am sleeping better than ever. I haven't noticed any side effects as such but I have to admit that it takes me a little longer to come to in the mornings. As far as I know, it calms down the central nervous system and I know I certainly feel a lot more relaxed about my tinnitus than I did before. It's readily available by prescription but you might find that your GP might start you off on a low dosage to see how you get on with it. Maybe you could also consider giving up the ciggies and try vaping. I used to smoke cigars and switched to a vape pen about three years ago and I feel a lot better for it. They're not expensive and there's a huge range of flavours, including tobacco flavour!! Good luck at the doctors and I look forward to hearing more from you. All the best.

[6spidermonkeys in reply to Jimmuck]

Your right about the stress, that seems to heighten it. My started with whooshing in my right ear and now I've developed a low ring in my left ear . I'm wondering if things are gonna get worse . Mine is probably down to loud music which I'm forever beating myself up over, and I'm paranoid about any noise making it worse. I was in the pub the other day and it was really loud with people and that started the ring in my left ear. Gotta stop beating myself up cheers mate

[6spidermonkeys in reply to Jimmuck]

Doctors was reluctant to give me them antidepressants and said they were no longer used . and said I should go on the one that people say makes there tinnitus worse . I declined

[Jimmuck in reply to 6spidermonkeys]

Hi Alan,

That's a bit of a blow but I suppose every medical practice will have their own rules. I asked my doctor about getting clomazepan recently and I was refused them but she was fine about prescribing amitriptyline. I hope you get something sorted out soon.

[hazyfan]

Hi Jacko, I’m going through the same thing mine got worse 3 months ago with a ear infection , I’ve been a mess since, I went docs am in antidepressants which has calmed my anxiety etc , I’m still trying to come to terms with it , I’m sure in time things will get better

[Hidden]

sorry to say but , snap mine was fine for 3year s and now driving me mad .had it for 5 year s I never come to terms with it , the more I hear people say relax put it behind you I'm ready kill them , try make out your weak , 24x7 it get to any one , wish people think before they say thing s like that , I'm 60 and every day you have two or three noises blasting a way , I know the different between mild and sever , so try get doctor s get some tablet s it worth a shot don't be ashamed to say how you feel I'm not negative just honest