Will wearing earplugs to sleep make T worse?

[SB7516]

Hi I’m still only three months in to suffering from T and as it started during lockdown it’s been difficult to speak to a doctor or other sufferers face to face which has made the situation all the more scarier.

After suffering from a constant loud roar 24/7 for two months where I wanted to check out of life it has changed to a ringing/hissing noise.

Before the T arrived I was a light sleeper and prone to noise sensitivity in general and wore wax earplugs to stand any chance of sleep. I’ve noticed that this just makes the T louder but what I more worried about is will wearing them make it worse?? I also was wearing noise cancelling AirPods to listen to music when the step kids come to block out their shouting whilst gaming - is this still safe?

These might sound like silly questions to some but as a new sufferer and not having the ability to speak to an expert about how to cope with this distressing change to my hearing/life I’m hoping someone here can help.

Thanks

[Chall11]

Hi there. I think it’s very important to do what you can to get sleep. If that means wearing earplugs then so be it.

I have to do the same and I also need sound therapy at night as well as it’s so severe.

It doesn’t bother me that I have to do hear things and have come to accept it.

Some audiologists say to not get into the habit of earplugs but because my hyperacusis is so bad I wouldn’t get a wink of sleep without earplugs.

Hope that helps..

[SB7516 in reply to Chall11]

Thank you for replying x

[Happyrosie]

Hello SB7516 and I'm sorry you're suffering. I can reassure you that most people fine the T does seem to get less intrusive as time goes on. I can't inform you about earplugs and so on, but if you live in the UK then you must talk to a health professional about this. You are entitled to a referral to an audiologist who can help you cope with the T.

All the best with this

[SB7516 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for replying, I just feel that I’ve been left to my own devices. I was fortunate to have private health care through work which got me an MRI. Then the pot of money ran out and the GP basically said live with it. I will try and speak to the GP again and see if I can get a referral to an audiologist. If not can somewhere like Specsavers help as I hear they deal with audiology?

[Happyrosie in reply to SB7516]

Two things, SB7516. Firstly, I said to try for a referral to audiologists. I had thought this was now possible after Covid, but maybe not yet.

Secondly, remember that, specsavers are a commercial organisation geared to selling you things. They have a Facebook Messenger presence so if you use FB Send them a message.

[SB7516 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks will do x

[jonathan_m]

Hi. I've had T for about 18 months now (high pitched ringing in Right ear mostly) 3 months in I was really struggling mentally and could not imagine being able to cope with it (thoughts of suicide did occur), but it does get easier. I wouldn't say I'm completely habituated to it but I am not as distracted by it now. So don't loose hope. it WILL get easier to cope with.

[SB7516 in reply to jonathan_m]

Thank you for giving me hope

[bantams]

Hi SB7516, my T started just before lockdown , did have ENT appointment in May which was cancelled, now got a ENT telephone appointment in September. As I was desperate to try anything to make my T more bearable I went to Specavers and bought some hearing aids which cost £1695, unfortunately they did not make my T more bearable, have now returned them and have been refunded my money

Now I am just trying to learn to live with my T.

[SB7516 in reply to bantams]

Thanks for replying. I hope you get some relief too soon and we can find a way to live with it.

[GERTRUDEANDDAISY]

I would definitely speak to the Tinnitus helpline. For me personally, I wouldn’t wear noise cancelling earphones all the time. I also think non-noise cancelling is recommended. I’m sure I read that on BTA xo