Is my tinnitus unique?

[Jchibber]

I’ve had T for years but in the last 9 months it started getting worse. This was apparently because of listening to music and/or lectures on ear-phones even though not that loud. Since then, every little bit of slightly louder-than-normal noise exposure makes it louder, and it never ever settles back down. Once up it stays up. Believe it not, the new electric-toothbrush I bought aggravated it over the 2 weeks I used that (before realising) & now sleeping is such a challenge.

My biggest confusion is that none of the therapists or consultants I have seen, seem to accept that my T behaves this way. They tell me that because any corresponding hearing-loss is negligible it simply cannot be this pattern. They also do not believe that my T would just keep getting louder, and simply has to settle over time. I can’t seem to convince them otherwise, which leads me to fear I might be missing out on possible helpful treatment (not necessarily a cure).

More than this, I’m not yet 40, with a young family to support. I now worry about my ability to do that through the rest of my life if the last few months have been as difficult as described.

So, is my T really unique in how I experience it or does anyone else share the same? And if so, did anything or anyone help you?

[Knoll80]

Just a heads up, but get ready for a load of it’s your limbic system in flight/fight that’s making it louder blah blah blah. I feel for you man. Nearly a year for me and mine too feels like it just gets louder, more piercing and frankly unbearable. God only knows what our ears can or can’t cope with now. Everyone an armchair expert on what’s causing this and nobody really has a clue hence why we have no cure for it. It’s an impossible situation at our age when we’re supposed to be supporting others and securing some sort of future for ourselves and them. Good luck. I hope it gets better for us all.

[Hidden in reply to Knoll80]

At least others who have gone through this hell (some still going through it like you) have taken time to provide support. What exactly have you offered up? Have you even taken any advice you have been given?

It certainly won’t get better if everyone took your stance. TBH, I’m still not sure what your motive is for posting on here. What support are YOU offering to others? The false hope of a magic cure being the ONLY solution for everyone who is currently suffering maybe? Hmm...

[Ruud1boy in reply to Hidden]

Play nice boys.

[Hidden in reply to Ruud1boy]

Trust me, I am. Get ready for a load of...well negativity. at least everyone has a choice...

[Knoll80 in reply to Hidden]

Bit harsh Steve....given I was being empathetic but no worries. I know what tinnitus can do to a person.

[Hidden in reply to Knoll80]

So do I. Empathy is all well and good but in the end WE have to DO something about it.

As I said, everyone has a choice, but I’m afraid empathy is just one step. Some people thrive on empathy all of their lives at the expense of pushing everyone out of their lives.

Anyway, reading between the lines, I believe you were correct in saying you are wasting my time (and probably having a good laugh).

[Knoll80 in reply to Hidden]

One thing I’m not doing is having a good laugh. I can barely remember what that feels like. Sincerely I know you’re right and I do admire your attitude and how you’ve coped while helping others. I hope I can get to your point.

[Hidden]

Tinnitus can come and go for some, I know it would return with vengeance for me if I allowed my emotions to latch onto it whenever I notice it.

I think (like with other ailments including depression ) we sometimes forget how we dealt with it the first time. It could be that you’ve undergone a period of stress over the last year but the advice which you can read here still stands and works for many.

Hearing loss can also make the T become more noticeable as there is less external sound to mask it. That’s why hearing aids help some. So maybe get that checked out.

sites.google.com/site/tinni...

[Jchibber in reply to Hidden]

Thnx for the link, I will certainly read through that... prob this eve in bed

And yes, you're right - we do forget how we dealt with it the first time.

Also, I do appreciate the post from Knoll80 above. There is a lot of repetitive advice from some who sell themselves as experts (often very expensive ones at that), even in the face of varied experiences of the very intrusive symptom. Given the fact that there really isn’t a cure yet, their conviction is both surprising & frustrating.

And when you have dependents, that only adds to the burden & despair.

But onwards, with hope...

[Hidden in reply to Jchibber]

Actually the majority of those who have dealt with it and who rarely notice their T now as a result, rarely come on forums to provide support. I mean, why would they when the main objective is to try to avoid any thought of tinnitus so the brain can rewire itself?

That’s one reason why T forums often get left with a high percentage of those who are stuck and can’t (or don’t want to) move on. The problem with that is that they can take hope away from newbies by drawing them into their negativity.

There is nothing wrong with expressing feelings however but I think it’s important to be considerate to the others who may be reading public forums.

TBH, all public heath forums are potentially dangerous as most people on them have little or no professional knowledge. So everyone should take what they read with a pinch of salt.

The BTA do have such professional support and a weath of knowledge from years of research , so their resources have more meaning.

[starshine53]

My advice to : ditch the electric toothbrush.

My Tinnitus and Hyperacusis came on right after having my teeth fixed by a Dentist using a drill for too long. After around a few months of hellish Tinnitus it started to settle down, I have used ear muffs and listened to music with ear plugs on low volume with no problems, so I,d put my money on your visit to the dentist for your noise getting worse.

I cannot remember the stated time a dentist is permitted to use a drill but it does exist and it is possible to sue the dental practice if you can prove neglect. And there's the rub, proving it?

Furthermore, in order to prove dental negligence you may have to prove you have Tinnitus or Hyperacusis . Well , that's like trying to prove the existence of biological life on planet Mars !