New to Tinnitus

[Jimmy1993]

Hi there,

I have for the past 3-4 weeks experienced ringing in my ears. It first originated in my right ear due to ear wax blocking the canal.

When I had a removal procedure (irrigation on my right ear), it was found that my left ear had a blockage as well. This side was microsuctioned (due to no softening of the wax with olive oil).

My left ear has now developed a high pitched ringing that has kept me awake most nights, leaving me a shell of my former self.

(I must note that my right ear is not experiencing tinnitus since the removal)

Throughout my ear blockage phase I was blowing a considerable amount of air into my eustachian tube, to relieve the pressure and try force the wax out. I'm starting to think that this could be an exacerbating cause to my left ear tinnitus.

I am hoping someone can shed some light on if this is normal? My sinuses don't feel right, with them opening, filling an emptying each time I inhale/exhale. This has led to issues with pressure in my ears.

I have found relief in using white noise through a single headphone. And I am hoping to try this during a night time routine, rather than play the TV.

In the end, this has been a life changing experience, and I am looking for help. I have seen a GP and I am awaiting a referral to an ENT.

Please help me.

[Happyrosie]

tinnitus, ringing in the ears, is a very common problem. There’s no “cure” as such so do t believe any slick adverts unless endorsed on this site or by reputable organisations.

Your best bet to find more information about tinnitus, alongside the route you’re already on, is to have a look at the website of Tinnitus UK. This explains clearly what it is and different ways of coping.

Some people just habituate easily to it - it’s part of what life throws at us. For others it’s a more difficult journey, and I hope that you do I deed habituate quite quickly - but that can sometimes take time.

Other posters may give you their take on things, but do remember that those who’ve successfully habituated may no longer use this forum.

[Comeonyouspurs]

Sadly the ent and gp will not help apart from offering you cognitive or councilling therapy,ivw had it for years probably from binge drinking and anxiety,im on medication for anxiety to see if this helps but i guess its something we will have to live and cope with,stay strong.

[Windu]

Hi Jimmy, I had an ear microsuction about six months ago. Since then, I have had a ringing in my left ear that has turned my life into a nightmare. I'm trying to get used to it, but it's a very high pitch and it's not easy. I regret I agreed to microsuction. I've previously removed wax with a syringe without any problems. This is not the only case of tinnitus after Microsuction on this forum. I think doctors should take a closer look at this method. I use noise generators to mask tinnitus, which I got from an audiologist (NHS). Try to avoid noisy environments. I hope your tinnitus goes away soon. Everyone is different.

[Fridays_Child_62]

My tinnitus also started with a blocked ear over 25 years ago. I thought (hoped) it would disappear once the wax was removed, but it didn't. One thing I would say is that the initial aftermath of the onset of tinnitus (or a change in tinnitus) can be the worst. You will habituate to it after a while and it will seem more of a background sound and less intrusive. Or your ears will settle down after the initial trauma that caused the tinnitus and other ear problems.

Sleep can be a major issue with tinnitus, especially when it is new, and I understand your phrase "leaving me a shell of my former self". The masking/distraction noise for falling asleep is a good idea - I don't like white-noise but the chosen sound depends on the individual. Before you switch that on, you may want to do sleep therapy exercises to relax you and make you sleepy, as the anxiety of not being able to sleep with the tinnitus may be part of the problem. By exercises, I mean relaxing different parts of your body in turn - you can get guided sleep therapy downloads to help you do this. Also, occupying your mind on a trivial mental task can distract you from the tinnitus and make your brain sleepy - counting sheep is the famous one, but I count down from 100 (more than once, if necessary).

You will get through this and you will sleep well again. It's just a matter of time.

[Karenemmagrace]

Hi Jimmy.

Really sorry to hear what you are going through. I went through the same thing last year after micro-suctioning.

I also went through extreme insomnia and do understand the way in which you describe how it has effected you. I felt the same.

It was quite a journey recovering both from the insomnia and the tinitus too. It has now died down a lot to the point where it’s basically either silent or feint.

There are ways of working with your nervous system to turn things around for yourself. I recommend looking at Julian Cowan Hill’s YouTube channel and app. Here is an interview between himself and Joey Remenyi. youtube.com/watch?v=hzPvQOZ...(Not working as expected?)
Both have been through severe tinitus and now help others. Myriam Westcott is another fantastic audiologist I had a zoom consultation with. dwmaudiology.com.au I sent her hearing test results I’d had in London, including middle ear pressure tests. She takes a lot of time to explain to people the science of how tinitus works, and is also a qualified therapist and can help you work through the emotional aspects.

I also felt I was a shell of my former self when I was going through it all last year. But I’m sleeping well and thriving once more.

Sending you hope and do feel free to ask any questions you might have.

Gracie.

[rabbits65 in reply to Karenemmagrace]

Hello Jimmy, Brilliant to hear Julian Cowan Hill talking. I have read his book. Thanks for posting this video , I hope more people listen to it.

[Choralmusic]

Hello Jimmy

I too had microsuction on my left ear in November 2023 since that time I have had a hissing sound it my ear, it varies in volume, I notice if I am feeling stressed the tinnitus is louder. The best advice I can give and I am sure other members will have said this is distraction. I find if you can get absorbed in something you are not constantly thinking about and hearing the tinnitus. I know it’s hard, particularly if you are not sleeping well. My husband has had tinnitus for 15 years due to having chemotherapy and he too has said the only thing that helps him to cope with tinnitus is distraction.

I hope things settle down for you soon .

Best wishes.