Tinnitus is driving me nuts!!!! Any self help suggestions please.

[tiredmum]

I know there is not a lot you can do about tinnitus but this constant buzzing noise is starting to drive me loopy!!!

I used to have it on and off in both ears but now it is constant in my right ear so much so i can still hear it over the radio and tv!

I have also noticed my dizziness has got worse even though I take betahistine for it.

I can't be the only one who suffers from this, how do you ignore it?

[dizzy2]

You can get noise devices designed to mask the tinnitus noise so you can sleep etc. I think from amazon, also the British Tinnitus association has a forum where you can find more info and tips, especially a better description of what my lupie fogged brain is trying to describe!

Tinnitus, vertigo etc is annoying, and not much can be done. The ENT dept run tinnitus clinics to help you live with tinnitus, may be worth enquiring about. I have meniere's disease so know how awful it is.

[tiredmum in reply to dizzy2]

Thanks Dizzy, I get the feeling i'm not suffering anywhere near as much as you are. I haven't been to the docs as I thought nothing could be done, but if it doesn't improve in the next few weeks will certainly go. I will also contact the BTA.

Thanks again

[field]

I know how you feel, I have had ringing in my ears for a while now, it use to be intermittent, but now its there all the time. it is sooo annoying. I have been told by my rheumy that it can be a side effect of taking plaquenil, which I have been taking for many years. Its just one of those symptoms among many that we lupies have to live with unfortunately.

[tiredmum in reply to field]

never heard of that but will ask rheumy next time I go, thanks

[30andy]

Hi the marsona 600a is supposed to help with tinnitus we got ours from whitenoisemachine.co.uk it helps my wife sleep during the day as she works nights, it has several settings one being waves which not only work as noise cancelling but is very relaxing as well, they have info on the website.

hope this helps

Andy

[tiredmum in reply to 30andy]

thanks andy

[cynamonspice]

Is the tinitus drug induced? or did it come on, on it's own? Maybe see if the Dr will refer you to the ENT to check there is not a health reason to why you have this. You may have already done this, but I just thought i'd say anyway.

I too have had tinitus for 3 years, but thankfully have been able to tune myself out of it now (most of the time). Hopefully you'll get used to and it won't be so annoying lol. :o)

[LucyLocket]

I also use the noise machine approach at night-time, however, from what you wrote it sounds as though the tinnitus is extremely intrusive if the noise is louder than the TV or radio and I certainly think you should be referred for some help with dealing with it. My neighbour ( a non-loopie) has been going up to one of the London hospitals for treatment which has helped to 'tone down' his tinnitus. Mine is only intrusive at quiet times such as night etc.

Lucy

[pirate-yaker]

Been on plaquenil for 13 years and just been taken off - no change in the Tinnitus but equally no flare up with the Lupus. Had a scan about a year ago for a Swanoma (?) - that proved to be negative and was told to get on with the Tinnitus - hope yours settles down a bit - Malcolm

[Purpletop]

There seem to be many causes for tinnitus, the latest research shows that it can be caused by loud noises and apparently an epilepsy drug can help with that. Here is an article about it, if you're interested

sciencedaily.com/releases/2....

But the drug has been used in the lab, not yet on people so it may be a while yet before it becomes prescribed!

[tiredmum in reply to Purpletop]

Thanks purple top, you seem to be a font of knowledge

[nettie]

Into 3 months of taking Plaquenil I had awful tinnitus in my left ear......... 6 months later , lack of sleep and so much tension ,.I convinced my rheumy it was down to the meds. He referred me to ENT and Head Scan...all clear. He then reduced my Plaqenil by !/2 and within days it disappeared...

[tiredmum in reply to nettie]

i think i have been convinced that i need to get this looked into further, thank you