Hello all - I am struggling like never before. Is there any help out there?
My T started after PTSD form some bereavements was diagnosed three years ago. It is definitely getting worse now. The T is loud and in both ears, the screech changes to a whistle and back again form low pitch to unbearable high pitch. My doctors and specialists keep offering nothing more than sympathy now. I have dizzy spells with the Hypoacusis and eventually the disruption causes me long term headaches also, which will go away after a week or two, it settles down and then I get normalised then then any stress with work and it all kicks of again the same cycle. I feel unable to cope properly, and in a pretty high powered role I get to the end of my week exhausted and fragile. I know the cycle will be with me for life... I wish it was considered as a disability at least I could take time out to reflect and get myself together.. I am 63 now.. I cannot retire till 67, I soldier through getting weaker each week. I "Live" for the quiet days but know the cycle will return. My sleep is acceptable as I wear a sleep mask with piped white noise, but the the sounds and images of daily life all bring it on again. the only support I can find is on this site - by people like you and us on here? As I type this I do feel a little better (for now).
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Footballer58
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We are of similar age and my tinnitus started the same way. I've found some relief with Ginkgo. But not from 3 tablets a day, 7, 365. Click on my username to see how I did it. I must add that mine is on the milder side, and for yours would be a long shot.
I’ve been on this site for a few years now and can see that you are among so many who suffer with this. And things DO M improve.
Most people, I think, don’t visit this site any longer because it reminds them of dark times. And they are in the sunny uplands.
Can I direct you to some written help? Firstly, Tinnitus UK, the charity. Please do - if you haven’t already - brows through their site.
And by your description of your circumstances I highly recommend the book “tinnitus, From Tyrant to Friend: How to Let Go of Ringing in your Ears by Julian Cowan Hill”. He’s a doctor.
I quote from his preface: “I had tinnitus moderately for 16 years, severely for 4 years and today I am not aware of it at all. When I get a cold, or overdo things, it sometimes creeps back as a feint fizzle, but that only takes up a few seconds of my attention. I feel very much that I have become cured of tinnitus and that I have learnt a lot about it through this process. Like many of you, I was told there was nothing I could do about it and that I “had to learn to live with it,” which came as a blow, to say the least. This is NOT true. Anything that focuses your mind, distracts your attention away from tinnitus, and relaxes you will help this condition.”
You might be able to borrow from the library and it’s certainly available as a kindle download. If you follow the author’s reasoning, there will be hard work for you but it’s rewarding.
Thank you so much, I will indeed do that. I have read another book by a Professor David Baguley, which was great at giving me the required understanding of T. I need to move on from just understanding though if that makes sense? Thank you - appreciated
hi there. I’m sorry you’re suffering. I am 59 and I have had it since I was 11. It’s a terrible condition and it’s such a part of my life at this point that I’ve just had the soldier on. I avoid noise. I eat well. I spend as much time as I can in nature. That’s the only way I’ve gotten through it. I wish you peace.
I am on this supportive site as a carer to my husband who has severe tinnitus/hyperacusis...has not been out of house for 6 mths apart from medical appt. He has been down MRI/CT scan route is currently under ENT as scan showed possible bone problem. However something positive I can say, it is starting to habitualise, and is taking 2mg Diazapan twice daily made big difference but has recently purchased some loop earplugs experience type ones and we went out for our first meal (quiet lunchtime) in 6 mths. Maybe worth a try ?
Hi I suffer from same as your husband. Goin out in my car affecting my T now. Was thinking of getting ear buds to cancel out the noise which ones did your husband get ? Complete noise cancelling or just cancelling out loud noises ? Thanks M
There called loop ..and he's had the experience ones, don't block out all sound as it's not beneficial to do that, but they block loud high pitched noises but still allow him to hear me talking. He uses Bose headphones too when he can drive.
My car engine running now seems so loud might need complete noise cancelling just for driving does he find his bose headphones block out all the noise?
I am a similar age and my T also started in 2021. At the time I thought that was the end of enjoying watching sports and music concerts. I had a mild panic attack and found the most supportive GP.
The usual tests ruled out anything sinister so I was prescribed a low dose of Sertraline and a very low dosage of Amitriptyline (which I now only use 3 times a week) to help with sleep as I was getting very little and like you then had headaches.
I would try and find. GP that understands, in my case she worked with soldiers who suffered from PTSD so was fully aware of the trauma.
Also, if you in the UK, there are support groups that hold monthly meetings that have people with experience in T and offer comfort and suggestions.
Getting yourself involved in physical activity, swimming, as well as getting in contact with nature and away from phones, devices etc.... getting a good posture, relaxed jaw bite, jaw stretching exercises and trying to clear your mind from problems into the future, can really help. Try setting you mind not to give attention to it.
I have a pretty bad T in both years, and I only notice it once I start reading messages on this forum....not even kidding.
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