Tinnitus

[Steubum]

Hi I'm Dana and I have had tinnitus for about three weeks now. It started two weeks into getting Bells Palsy. The Bells I treated with acupuncture and two weeks in my face was back to normal. I was so happy until this damn siren stated in my ear. The ent said it could be due to Bells but he wasn't 100% on that. I had a cat scan and blood work all which were ok nothing serious. I am trying acupuncture again for the Tinnitus so fingers crossed. I am a high anxiety person on anti anxiety meds so staying relaxed helps but living with this sucks. I am willing to try anything. Any one out there try chiropractic treatment? I'd love to know if it helps. My tinnitus has three different tones all annoying as hell😫

[Ingrid-p]

Hi, I've never tried tried that. I'm sure someone on here will be able to help you with ways to cope. I just try and keep busy as much as I can. Just had 2 really good days but today it's bad. I'm carrying on as normal, sitting in the sun with hubby having a small vino.

Take care xx

[Steubum in reply to Ingrid-p]

Thanks. It wouldn't be so bad except for the thumping noise when I'm moving. When I'm quiet I can deal with it. I just don't get where all these different sounds are coming from. I think I will go back to ENT and I think mabey go for the MRI. I hate to say I'm glad there are others out there with this but I'm happy im not alone in this.

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum. Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

Tinnitus can often be caused by a change in your physical or mental wellbeing - and Bells palsy could well be a trigger, and your anxiety over that could also be playing a part.

The time tinnitus takes to disappear or reduce in intensity varies from person to person, but there are some tips and techniques you can do to help. These are the things we at the BTA generally recommend:

Information - you will probably feel better when you find out more about the condition, that it is very common and that you are not alone.

Counselling - techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be helpful, either as a standalone therapy or combined with sound therapy.

Correcting any hearing loss - if your tinnitus is accompanied by any hearing loss, then trying to correct this loss with hearing aids is often very helpful. Do make sure that these are adjusted correctly, and that they are worn – they do not work if they are kept in a drawer!

Sound therapy - if the noises seem louder at quiet times, particularly during the night, it may help to have some environmental or natural sound from a CD, a sound generator, or even a fan or ticking clock in the background. Some people use in-ear sound generators.

Relaxation - learning to relax is probably one of the most useful things you can do to help yourself. Those who practice relaxation techniques say they reduce the loudness of their tinnitus and helps them become indifferent to it. Yoga and tai chi can also help.

Mindfulness is showing some very promising results after recent clinical trials, so that is something else you might like to try.

I would say that none of these solutions is an "instant" fix - they take time and perseverance. Some people do expect tinnitus to subside after one session of breathing exercises, for example, and that just isn't the case.

There is no drug or medication which directly helps tinnitus, so we do not recommend any.

There’s a lot of good information on our website tinnitus.org.uk - try to avoid sites which promise “tinnitus miracles” or “tinnitus cures” as there’s no such panacea - but with time, you will learn to manage your tinnitus well.

We have a free tinnitus management e-programme as well takeontinnitus.co.uk which you may like to try.

Our Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone]) can also answer your questions and give you support.

I hope this is helpful, and we are here to answer any questions you might have, or offer support.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Steubum in reply to NicBTA]

Thank you so much for making me feel that I'm not alone in this. I'm so happy to be apart of this group.

[Michael8272]

Hi, i'm 8 weeks in to having tinnitus.i don't know what caused mine either.i had impacted wax removed so think that's what might have brought mine on.i have been seeing a chiropractor for 6 weeks now and hav'nt seen any change in the tone or volume of my tinnitus.i also got 3 acupuncture appointments and never noticed any difference at all.i have high anxiety aswel and went to my first counselling appointment this morning. So time will tell if it helps.everybodys different

[Steubum]

Stick with the acupuncture especially for the anxiety it will help. It takes more then 3 visits to feel better. If u can manage the anxiety u will feel better.

[jbradford42 in reply to Steubum]

Hi I had 8 sessions at about £35 a go it did help but you have to go regularly. But for me it’s not the answer probably the answer for some but not others and you have to be able to afford it.