sleep

[chezy007]

Hi,

I have had tinnitus for about 10yrs the last couple of years it has become intolerable a constant high pitched whistle 24/7 no give whatsoever I was giving a masking aid but my tinnitus overpowers it, I haven't had a decent night sleep in years, I begged the Dr please just 1 or 2 sleeping pills just so maybe I can sleep through it just for 1 nights sleep 🙏but no. Any way moving on to make matters worse I've started to have pain in my ear so just say for instance if I am hoovering I will get this terrible vibrating pain in the tinnitus ear this happens with certain noises like the water running from the tap, the microwave going, a car driving past. I have no hearing loss and a mri showed clear, I can't go into a restaurant no more with anyone because I cant hold a conversation down because of all the background noise , I really don't think I can carry on I am totally exhausted from it all😔anyone have any tips to carry on please🥰

[Happyrosie]

Chezy, this does seem horrid for you; although I’ve got a certain degree of hyperacusis, as I think this is what you have, I can cope with it in normal life.

There’s a good article about this problem on the Tinnitus UK website. Put “hyperacusis” into their search box (top left) and see if this is helpful. Or you can phone the charity directly, they are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5.

[Karlos99]

Mitrazapine is the only thing that allows me to sleep. It’s an antidepressant but used in low doses of 15mg aids sleep. It can cause a lot of weight gain though. I decided to come off all my meds a few weeks back and I’m really struggling with sleep myself. Lucky if I get 2 hours a night. All the best.

[Threeminuteboy]

Sounds like you’re trapped in the catch 22 circle of stress caused by sleep deprivation = tinnitus gets louder which in turn makes sleep harder and increases stress . Try as much physical exercise as you can during the day even a long walk or anything regular , it creates a distraction and makes you more tired and more likely to sleep .

[DR650SE]

I am in the same boat as you I take 7.5 mg of mirtazapine to help me sleep

Reading Claire Weekes books are helpful when dealing with anxiety

[ModelMetalworker]

Hello, information on this site suggests masking will make the volume increase, I had a similar very high volume issue, not even two hours a night sleep, I begged my doctor for sleeping tablets and was refused but was given Amitriplytine 10mg, think is an antidepressant, two knocked me out and am managing now on one, saved.

[camino9]

hello chezy

i relate with much of what you shared.

Hard. Some days I feel such despair and to sleep well becomes the holy grail...

May I suggest a really hot steam or sauna. Helps to relax and the heat, for me, seems to induce a greater likelihood of sleep.

You could also try hot yoga.

Best to you

[Philip6]

Hello, you could try Kirkland sleep aid pills, they are antihistamine based and not addictive. I think they are basically Benadryl. Half a pill works very well for me, one makes me too sleepy the next day. Only issue is in the side effects it lists tinnitus, but it’s not affected mine. You can usually buy the pills on eBay or from Costco.

[Winpoeh in reply to Philip6]

Hi Philip,

I am thinking about buying this product. Where does it say that one of the side effects of using this product is tinnitus? Thank you very much!

[Philip6 in reply to Winpoeh]

Hello,

The active ingredient is Doxylamine succinate. I think an internet search would say one of the side effects can be tinnitus. But the pills are only tiny and half a pill works well for me. There’s no mention of it on the packaging, and most things have a list of side effects as long as your arm.

[Winpoeh in reply to Philip6]

Thank you!

[Purplemin]

Hi there chezy

Absolutely horrid for you. I too have problems sleeping with tinnitus. My GP has prescribed 30mg of temazepan which is a hefty dose. But without it I wouldn’t sleep. I live near Newcastle and what we say up her is “shy bairns get nowt”. I.e you have to shout nicely for what you want. Have you tried a different GP at your practice for sleeping medication as they will all have different ways of practising.

Or the Kirkland sleep aid pills mentioned by Philip in the previous post might be worth a go.

Good luck

Min

[Hidden]

Yep know how your feeling. Totally horrible. Im sorry too your having to face this, but like everybody on here we just got to keep on going, we've no choice. I wonder to how to cope, and manage life. Count our blessings.and hope you find a solution to getting a good night's rest.

[Kellythecat-74]

have you tried the wax ear plugs not the foam ones.. for Computer, vacuum cleaner, car etc. I used them a lot years ago , They did help .

[chezy007]

Hi, yes they are pretty good 👍 thanks