3 Weeks in

[Antz347]

Hello all,

I’ve recently developed what I consider chronic Tinnitus in primarily my left ear. Just been to the GP who has referred me to a specialist.

I have no idea why it started, just woke up with it.

I have two questions though: Whats the likelihood I will have this forever? 28 seems a young age to have permenant hearing damage.

Are there any questions I should be asking the specialist? (ENT doctor).

Any other advice is appreciated, as I’m really struggling psychologically with this and to come to terms that this could be with me forever.

Thanks

[KingsHea]

Hi. Well I am sure you will get lots of replies but here are my 2 cents. You have been referred to investigate if you have these benign growths called neuromas. If you have the ENT folks will sort you out, if you haven't the NHS will lose interest in you. The standard advice from there is that you have to get used to it. If you can then that is no doubt the best path. CBT, meditation, mindfullness , noise therapy etc, personally I find meditating with a kettle boiling in my ear hard. There are new intervention treatments from Neuromod etc. and also the use of an anaesthetic on the back of the neck but the jury is still out on these. Sorry.

[Antz347 in reply to KingsHea]

Thank you, if it’s not stopped for 3 weeks do you think it’s likely too? Or is it a case of ‘if it doesn’t stop after a couple of days then that’s it’

The GP mentioned those benign growths it has sped up my referral though as it could be something more serious.

Very frustrating as I’m sure you’ll know.

[Vibe19]

I still struggle with these questions. ENT made me realise that noise exposure rather than infection was culprit. 9 months in - coping with meds to sleep. It was suggested that it would take a year to adjust. Stinking headache today with it - but not everyday is that bad. I hope you get some answers...

[Antz347 in reply to Vibe19]

Thank you for getting in touch, that’s another thing I NEVER get head aches and have had one every other day for the past 3 weeks or so, it’s nuts.

Here’s hoping it will just go away, I’m waiting for a diagnosis, but have even considered Eastern medicine. I’ll be starting a list and working my way through all of the suggestions and advice on the Internet.

[Bellyboo]

Hi Antz, whoever finds a cure for T will be famous. Don’t want you to waste your time getting ripped off by unscrupulous folk. My T at aged 28 was worrying and I also went to ENT specialist. I now( 67) have it chronic but I just say “fu— it “ I’m not going to let it drive me into depression. I’m still working which helps enormously to stop me dwelling on the constant sound of a whistling kettle inside my head. My wife was diagnosed with cancer 3 yrs ago which really put my T to bed? Made me realise what a whimp I was , now 3yrs further on its as loud as ever but it doesn’t affect me mentally anymore. Looking back my T

has had a zero effect on me personally. It’s still fucking annoying ispecialy at 2 in the morning but I know it won’t kill me or drive me mad. Hang on in there mate! Forgive my honesty but it’s what I needed to hear at your age but never did. It’s only unwired neurones

In the brain due to various causes but mostly loud noise

[Antz347]

Thank you for your response, so sorry to hear about your wife, I bet that’s very tough. I’ve had the ‘it could be a lot worse’ chat with myself but as it’s so early, I can still remember a time it wasn’t there, making it difficult to accept.

I’ll be working through a list once I get diagnosed and am sure it’s permenant, but here’s hoping it will stop.

Genuinely cannot believe that a cure hasn’t been found for such a horrible illness. A breakthrough was made from research I did through a Liecester Uni and Dr Tagoe, essentially saying that Magnesium can help prevent. But it was never taken further forward for some reason, I’ve reached out to the Doctor via LinkedIn, to see if he knows what happened.

I’m thinking CBT will help, on another note I had a hearing test in March which gave my ears a clean bill of health. So just don’t know what’s happened!

Thanks again and appreciate the advice.

[rickx]

My T improved after 3 months - by improving diet and lowering stress plus on mild anti-d from GP (get the sedating ones). And head cranial message. Look up Julian Cowan Hills videos on you tube - it should get better through careful management.

[Antz347]

That’s great news. Anti d’s for me will likely be a no go as I’m a pilot. Need to look into it though.

I’ll look up the cranial massage, thanks for the tip.

When you say improve diet, is it just the usual stuff - no fast food, more veg etc? Mines not terrible, but being away for work a lot can be challenging.

What do you think caused yours?

Thanks

[bridgeit]

Hi Antz. I wonder if your being a pilot might be a factor, e.g. pressure changes affecting the inner ear/fluid? ENT should advise on that.

Could re-circulated air perhaps be causing sinus aggravation? You could try inhaling steam for ten mins daily for two weeks with ONE DROP of tea tree oil added to 1litre just-off-boiling water in a large bowl. Tea tree oil kills bacteria, fungus, spores, you name it. It’s safe in small quantities in steam to inhale. Sling a towel over your head and the bowl and steam away. Breathe deeply and evenly 5 mins in through nose and out through mouth then reverse. Keep eyes closed. No promises mind. If it does help, great. If not, it’s one superb facial!