Cochlear implants a cure ?

[Blonde600]

Just wondering why cochlear implants arent being used to help cure tinnitus. Any thoughts ?

[tipsy10]

Cochlear implant operation is expensive and a complicated procedure, that usually has a limited success. Tinnitus is not considered serious enough to justify the operation, deafness however is. At this time you would have to look at private treatment for implants unfortunately.

[Blonde600 in reply to tipsy10]

Mmm ok thanks. I understand you can have this on the NHS for deafness though yes ?

[tipsy10 in reply to Blonde600]

As far as I'm aware. Complete or near deafness. The problem is even audiologist don't always understand how terrible loud T can be !!

[1Dar]

I have a cochlear implant after 3 years of deterioration in my hearing. I tried every hearing aid possible . It doesn’t eliminate the ringing but does mask it. It’s been a big journey getting there though!

[Blonde600 in reply to 1Dar]

Glad to her its given you some kind of relief. I understand a cure may be a long way off due to the complexities of this condition however, with todays technology, theres not even something to eliminate the noise ? really ?

[1Dar in reply to Blonde600]

I agree .. but who ever invents something will be very wealthy! How long have you had T for? Do you wear a hearing aid? Mine started after a grommet was inserted into my ear . I have had 8 operations on my ear and tried many hearing aids. Going through a tough period at the moment ... it’s not much fun!

[Blonde600 in reply to 1Dar]

Its all new to me, Ive actually got a CT scan in 3 hours time. Havent a clue what ive got. They hurt, they leak, I get headaches. I pray for all of you. Its an awful condition to have. Not to mention the constant noise. What were your operations for flower ?

[1Dar in reply to Blonde600]

Ha ... nice to be called Flower! I will try and make my story as short as possible ! I had a blocked ear 3 years ago and my surgeon at the time put in a grommet to drain my ear. That’s when I developed tinnitus . I then went to another surgeon , had the grommet removed and put back in twice. I then had a stapadectomy ,. ( a bone removed from my ear ) .. a year later I had a cochlear implant .. but I had it removed 9 months later as the area around my ear was so painful. Last year I had it put in again and although I had pain, it has masked the tinnitus. So I’ve had tinnitus, pain and anxiety ... not much fun, but have to keep smiling! I’ve retired from teaching which was hard, but I couldn’t work with this awful ringing. I take each day as it comes and it’s getting warmer now which is great. I live in Australia, very close to the beach.. so that’s great. It’s nice to be on this chatline as I don’t know anyone who has tinnitus where I live.

How did yours all start? Hope everything ok comes back from your MRI ... it’s good to eliminate things. Take care, Jenny 😊😊😊😊

[Blonde600 in reply to 1Dar]

Blimey. Youve had a lot of work done then. To cut along story short I have many an ailment . Tinnitus being the latest . Ive had problems with my right ear for yrs, just pain in the cold or wind and when I do get to fly. They keep perforating for some reason. Like a fool I went out with perforated ears and the ringing hasnt stopped. But they hurt, leaked to the extent where a lump formed behind my ear.

Yeah with my leg I had aplate all up my thigh which was removed to ease the pain but has just left me with ugly scars. I have many other ailments too could really have done without getting T BUT HEY HO.

Australia sounds beautiful. I I would far better if I were there.

I had CT scan I didnt want an MRI didnt fancy having all that banging round my head.

I also used to teach but after my accident, tried to go back but proved to be too much.

Thankyou for your kind words.

[1Dar in reply to Blonde600]

Ooooh sounds like you have been through a lot too! Just wondering how is your hearing ..

Do you wear a hearing aid. .? I wish in a way I didn’t have a cochlear implant ... I sort of pushed it, but I don’t think I am any better off!

Yes I am lucky living here in Western Australia,,, !

[Blonde600 in reply to 1Dar]

The ENT said I have some hearing loss which I am assuming has caused deafness leading on toTinnitus however, I would like to know what is causing perforations, pains and fluid build up. I thought it was just a sinus problem. I am thinking they might say say I dont warrant a hearing aid, however, if it helps with T then maybe but having said that. My T isnt too bad when im in bed well its bearable most nights and ,am guessing a hearing aid might worsen T at night when I take it out ?

[1Dar in reply to Blonde600]

It’s good that you are getting a hearing aid for the tinnitus ... that will help . It does become worse when you take the hearing aid off .. but put the sound machine on and it should help. I’m going through a pretty tough time with anxiety at the moment ... constantly thinking about the ringing.. .. just wish I could switch off! Hope you get some help with the pain ...have you seen a neurologist. Nice to chat with you!