Curious in the USA

[PABLR]

I know this is a British site, and I'm a Brit permanently living in the USA, so moderators please feel free not to post if this contravenes your rules. And it's mainly for US people to answer, as I know I'm not the only one.

I have moderate Tinnitus. Very annoying, but liveable, doesn't change too much and I have learned to live with it, if not to actually make it my friend. What I am curious about is that every time I mention it to either my audiologist or my specialist (for Meniere's) they are somewhat sympathetic but their attitude is basically, sorry but you have to deal with it. I have never been offered masking hearing aids (and remember we don't have social medicine here, all insurance/private) or any suggestions at all for how to actually deal with it. Yet in the UK, from what I read on this forum, it seems to be taken more seriously with some options, albeit limited, for dealing with it. Do other people in the US have this same experience regarding tinnitus. Thank you.

[frezbygolf]

I live in Atlanta, have Medicare Advantage being a “mature” adult. Have Widex hearing aids paid mostly by them for the tinnitus, my hearing is okay. Have had them 9 months, can not say that it has helped; but was told it could take up to 18-24 months.

My tinnitus is about 3 years old, more or less moderate and constant. Got it after my first Covid shot.

You’ll stay well!

[Kellythecat-74 in reply to frezbygolf]

thank you for the information . Hope the aid are beginning to help . I am getting mine soon . Glad you said it took that long , I’d have expected it quicker than that .

[Tanney]

you mention that you are seeing a specialist for Meniere's Disease. Do you have MD? If so, your tinnitus is probably permanent. I have bilateral MD and have lived with it for almost 40 years. I also got hearing aids through the VA about 5 years ago and they definitely have helped by masking some of the "noise". When my tinnitus is especially loud I take 0.5mg Ativan and that reduces the "noise" back to base level.

If you want to talk about MD I'd be glad to share my experiences.

good luck!!

[PABLR in reply to Tanney]

I have been diagnosed with Ménière’s. I know the tinnitus is permanent. My question was about the attitude anyone has encountered with regards to Tinnitus in the States.

[Tanney in reply to PABLR]

I do live in US. please refer back to my recommendations regarding benefit of hearing aids and ativan. I also have had benefit in controlling tinnitus by managing my allergies with nasal flush and antihistamine spray.

good luck.