How to cope with tinnitus

[Eyehdh]

I am currently struggling to deal with the tinnitus as I was told not to use headphones and not allowed to listen to it out loud especially at night when I need it most

Help appreciated

[Hidden]

HI Eyehdh,

Please follow the advice that I have given to you in my earlier post: New to tinnitus what to do: healthunlocked.com/bta/post...

My advice is not to use headphones even at low volume as there's a risk of making your tinnitus worse, especially if your tinnitus was originally caused by "loud noise" It is true some people with tinnitus are not affected by headphone use. Tipically, are those that have tinnitus which wasn't caused by loud noise but not in every instance.

It is your choice if you want to use headphones but in my opinion, there is a risk of making the tinnitus worse. The advice that I have given you is based on my 22 years experience with tinnitus. Hopefully other members will be able to help you too. It might be a good idea to have a word with your GP about how you feel, as I've mentioned in my first post. Try not to sleep in a quiet room by using "sound enrichment"

All the best

Michael

[berry76]

I wonder if Michael Lee mentioned the Aftershokz Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones sold by the BTA or if these are just as "bad". In any event I have the Sound Oasis sound machine which tunes out my T at night and really does change the focus of the mind.

[Hidden in reply to berry76]

Hi Berry,

My opinion on the use of wireless or corded Bone Conduction headphones is the same as ordinary headphones. I do not recommend anyone that has "noise induced" tinnitus to use them even at low volume.

I visit other tinnitus forums and correspond with people that have used both types of these headphones and sleephones which have in-built speakers. In most cases but not all, people with "noise induced tinnitus" have noticed an increase in its perception after using them even at low volume. It is a personal choice whether one wants to use them or not.

All the best

Michael

[berry76 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Michael. I don't have noise induced tinnitus - mine all moved in at a time of intense grief - which I guess was stress - and I quake particularly when I go to Musicals now as everything is just so over-amplified. I used to take part myself and wonder whether singing is contributory...eg Barbra Streisand (wish I could sing like her!!!).

Anyway with my masking hearing aids and keeping very busy tying up my late husband's affairs ... time flies by.

All best wishes.

[Freddy17]

Buy yourself a sound generator to listen to at night. I'll go see your doctor to give you medication to at least you can sleep at night.

[NicTinnitus]

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.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk

- you might particularly want to check out tinnitus.org.uk/sound-therapy and tinnitus.org.uk/tinnitus-an...

takeontinnitus.co.uk

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Hidden]

I think the main danger here is letting fear rule.

Obviously if you find listening to music through headphones (at sensible levels) makes the T worse and upsets you, then don’t do it. On the other hand if you get a lot of pleasure from listening to music through headphones, it’s a useful distraction from the T.

As a musician, I never gave up using headphones. I do find I get a bit of a spike after removing them but as my brain has rewired itself, it quickly disappears from my attention again.

The key thing is to start enjoying life again. When your mood is better you i’ll notice the T less. Even if it is still loud, a good mood helps you not to worry about it so much.

On the subject of noise induced tinnitus. It’s normal for temporary T to be induced from being subjected to loud sound. How many times do we remember our ears ringing after a loud concert as a teenager?

I believe that T usually becomes more permanent if we allow ourselves to become obsessed about it. If we try to stop obsessing about it and get on with the things we enjoy doing, the brain pushes the T back into the background of our attention, eventually to the point we rarely notice it.

[6spidermonkeys]

I’ve been told by my ent that the veins near my auditory system is closer than most and as I’ve got older and my hearing has dipped I now hear my blood flow . I really beat myself up over it when it first came on .i still think mine was caused by loud music . But none of us can choose what we get . Life can be cruel but we just all need to support each other . My girlfriend is my rock xx

[drumcraw]

hi eyehdh, i got the opposite advice. dont use headphones!!!!!!!