Tinnitus-torture, need help badly [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

jerrym3

11-28-2007, 08:45 AM

If anyone has had any success in treating this condition, please PM me.

My tinnitus has now gotten to the point where I can no longer function normally. Constant screeching, ringing, hissing, buzzing. I find myself sometimes crying at home or at work, shaking, unable to concentrate, and the list just goes on and on. Cannot sleep without pills. No help from the MDs.

On a good day, it's bad, on a bad day, I can't hack it.

Starting to consider selling my 2003 TBird (14,000 mile), my 64 Galaxie convertible, and my inventory of used 64 Galaxie parts. No MM.

Definitely selling some MM sales and roadtest info (DVD, large poster, MM on a dragstrip). I think I even have an old car mag with a Merc 427 roadtest. I'll list an inventory soon. Also have a lot of old catalogs, mostly Ford TBird from 1983 and up and an old 1972 full size Ford catalog.

Please heed this advice.

When you blast your home theater, listen to your super loud car radio, or wear headphones at high DB levels, PLEASE, PLEASE remember this post. And, warn your kids.

I would give anything in the world to undo what I did to myself.

I'm located in Northern Jersey, Bergen County.

duhtroll

11-28-2007, 08:53 AM

Good luck to you and I hope you find the help you need. Have you been to Mayo yet?

I have been preaching this to my students for years now and am doing my part to help spread the word that eardrum damage, like skin damage, is for the most part irreversible -- at least right now.

I know several musicians who suffer from hearing loss, though not with the degree of symptoms you have described. I have seen brilliant careers ended because they could no longer hear what they were playing or the rest of the ensemble.

Folks, be careful with your ears. They ain't indestructible.

jerrym3

11-28-2007, 08:56 AM

I neglected to mention that my condition was initially caused by loud music at a rock concert in 2000, but the thing that pushed it over the limit this year was repeated use of my leaf blower.

magindat

11-28-2007, 09:10 AM

Have you tried Benzodiazapenes or SSRI's?

BruteForce

11-28-2007, 09:23 AM

usamusl

11-28-2007, 09:40 AM

I know the feeling, handguns with no ear protection, the ringing is constant. I sometimes have to leave the tv on at night just to drown out this aggravating noise so I can sleep. Sorry I don't have any advice, but thanks for the post. I'll keep watching hoping to find a few answers myself.

jonroe

11-28-2007, 10:04 AM

I'm very sorry to hear of your problem. I worry about it sometimes myself. I spent my youth listening to a lot of loud music. So far, I only detect minimal loss. I did see my Dad pretty much lose all of his hearing from working in an aircraft manufacturing plant - that was sad and I was unable to really communicate with him the last few years of his life. I was recently reminded to take better care of myself when I went to a Johnny Winter concert. That was damn near the loudest place I have ever been. I won't do that again without protection.

And, don't get me started on leaf blowers. They are a menace to society from the noise. It will drive you crazy.

jerrym3

11-28-2007, 11:42 AM

I went to a wedding last June. After an hour, I had to walk out.
I stopped the wedding MC in the hallway and told him that the noise was deafening. You could not talk to someone sitting next to you, it was that loud.

His comment?

The kids like it loud so that they can dance.

He had a kind of wise a** smirk on him, but my brother-in-law, who was paying for the wedding, told him to tone it down, so he did, but not by much.

From inside our house, we can hear my daughter's car radio as she pulls into the driveway. The driveway is on the other side of our house, one floor down, and it's now winter with all the windows in the house and her car closed.

The next generation is going to have a real problem as they age. Maybe they'll be lucky and the scientists will figure out a way to grow back the destroyed nerve endings. Clinical trials have given some indication of correcting hearing in animals, but we're decades away for human correction.

But, it's amazing, everyone that I explain my situation to says the same thing: "can't they just operate?" Most don't have any idea.

50 million Americans suffer from this. William Shatner and (I believe) Barbara Streisand are two of the more famous.

SMOKE

11-28-2007, 12:27 PM

I have it and have had to learn to live with it. Most cases I can "hear"
the quiet...which is really my ears ringing. WAY to much headphone
use when I was a teen.

I've gone to doctors and had hearing tests. I still have above-average
hearing. But the ringing! ohhhhhh.....

Only advice (or knowledge, anyway) that I carry with me to this day is things like
allergies, coffee (caffine) and smoking aggravate it. Also prolonged
exposure to db's from things like lawn equipment and listening to the
stereo too loud or my iPod don't help. Time to grow up I guess. I use
hearing protection when using things like leaf blowers and keep the
music to a dull roar.

Knowledge is power, and your doctor or some googling can help you get
more clinical knowledge of our symptoms.

I use a CD player with some ambient (nature sounds) music in it if my
head is spinning at bedtime. I pretty much use a fan in the bedroom all
year long for white noise. Moreover, I've learned to cope with it, which
probably isn't much consolation. But I can say your not crazy and there are
much worse, debilitating problems to have so take some small solace in
that.:o

Jonathan

Krytin

11-28-2007, 12:37 PM

I've had the problem since I was teenager - over 30 years. I don't know if it's as bad as your's or anyone else's. It used to be only noticable when backround noise was at a minimum - NO motors, machines, equipment running and no conversation from anyone in hearing distance. It sounds like holding a shell to your ear at the beach. Now I can hear it above the manufacturing plant running outside my office door at work!
I guess that some forms of this problem can be "learned to live with".

I hope you can find some relief!

Richy04

11-28-2007, 12:52 PM

My mom suffered from that until she passed. A span of 30 years.. It drove her into depression but the bright side is that there are better treatments now..Get away from the hack NJ hospitals and Dr's and make your way into the city.

In the mean time, learn to sleep with the TV or radio on. Thats what my mom did and it worked.

fastcar

11-28-2007, 03:19 PM

PM me.

fastcar:burnout:

fastcar

11-28-2007, 03:24 PM

...there are
much worse, debilitating problems to have so take some small solace in
that.:o

Jonathan

...depending on how severe the state is...

fastcar:depress:

DeepSea117

11-28-2007, 05:24 PM

Mine is the result of large bore handguns with no ear protection (repeatedly over a 4 year span) and front row seats at Humble Pie (among other heavy metal bands in the 70s - key was being in front of the mountain of Marshall amps). I've been partially deaf ever since. I don't have the screeching and howling, just a constant low level hum. Just learned to live with it I guess.

Don't have any advise. Sorry.

What calibers were the handguns? I work as a rangemaster in an INDOOR range, needless to say, I chew out ignorant customers almost 10 times a day for leaving both doors open. The big problem is, we allow centerfire rifle rounds now, so you get that really sharp .223 crack and it's horrible. I'm just scared there might be some damage and I'm in denial.

fastcar

11-28-2007, 05:35 PM

What calibers were the handguns? I work as a rangemaster in an INDOOR range, needless to say, I chew out ignorant customers almost 10 times a day for leaving both doors open. The big problem is, we allow centerfire rifle rounds now, so you get that really sharp .223 crack and it's horrible. I'm just scared there might be some damage and I'm in denial.

You are wearing ear protection, aren't you???

I wear them whenever I chainsaw, and try to remember to wear them when I use a circular saw, as well, which can really screech.

fastcar:burnout:

Blackened300a

11-28-2007, 05:58 PM

50 million Americans suffer from this. William Shatner and (I believe) Barbara Streisand are two of the more famous.

Peter Townsend of the who and James Hetfield from Metallica also suffer from this.

DeepSea117

11-28-2007, 06:04 PM

I wear hearing protection when I'm in the lanes, but when we're outside, we have two doors seperating us from the lanes. The problem is when some customer we've just told not to open both doors at the same time still does so. Can't really wear ear protection when outside of the range :)

I get it all in my right ear too. Sucks!

alarmguy

11-28-2007, 06:11 PM

I noticed mine coming on a year or so ago. A very high frequency in my left ear with a low frequency noise in both. My sister works at a pharmacy and told me to try a supplement called lipoflavanoids. It worked for the month or so I used them but now I've been in the woods this week deer hunting and noticed it more as it's so quiet. I need to go get some more and get back on the program. I don't know if they'll help you but do a little research on the 'net and maybe give it a try.

RF Overlord

11-28-2007, 06:23 PM

jerrym3, I feel your pain. Mine is not so bad as you describe, but sometimes it's very noticeable. I hope you get some relief soon.

I pretty much use a fan in the bedroom all year long for white noise.THANK YOU! I have had to do the same for years, and the Bunny Lady thought it was just me being weird...I CANNOT get to sleep without it.

My sister works at a pharmacy and told me to try a supplement called lipoflavanoids.Thanks for that advice, 'guy. I'll try it tomorrow!

alarmguy

11-28-2007, 06:41 PM

My wife uses a fan too and now it's almost winter and I'm freezing!

SamF

11-28-2007, 06:45 PM

As a long time member of the club (including hearing loss) I can tell you the only thing that has worked for me is complete dedication to ignoring it, to the point where it silences itself. I know it sounds hard to do but that is what has worked to mitigate it for me...

Too many years of loud music, loud weapons, loud women, bikes and construction :D

jerrym3

11-28-2007, 06:55 PM

Has anyone ever looked into accupuncture?

I've sent two emails to two local acc MDs.

Of course, one immediately responded with a "yes, we can help". I'm a realist and a skeptic, but I'm also desparate. So, what do I have to lose?

I'm trying Lipo-Flavonoid (OTC dietary supplement) and am starting to read up on Chinese medicenes designed to lower the noise. There's also a product called "Ring Block" on the tinnitus info web page. Haven't tried it yet.

Xanex gets me to sleep, but I don't want to get hooked. (Anyone on Ambien? Good? Bad?)

Seems that if I wake up in the morning on my own, I have a shot at a fairly normal (normal now has a new meaning) day. If the alarm wakes me (like today), I have the noise all day, and it gets worse after dinner, (Chewing probably makes it worse.)

Sometimes, when it's a decent weekend day, after two martinis, I'm almost normal. And, there's no noticeable increase in noise the next morning. If it's not a good day, nothing helps except sleep.

Wish I knew how to tell a quack MD from a good one. Bergen County is a fairly upper class area in the NY/NJ area, and Hackensack Hospital is supposed to be one of the best in the country. My ear specialist (office is in the hospital complex) had no suggestions other than those I already knew about (masking, hearing aid, etc).

There's also a discussion on the tinnitus web page about trials using tone emitting headphones for relief. (Too much info for me to enter here.)

Blackened300a

11-28-2007, 07:09 PM

My wife uses a fan too and now it's almost winter and I'm freezing!

My GF also likes having a fan on when she sleeps. I have a ceiling fan thats very quiet but thats not good enough for her, it has to be a air conditioner or a stand up fan that hums all night.

BruteForce

11-28-2007, 08:28 PM

What calibers were the handguns? I work as a rangemaster in an INDOOR range, needless to say, I chew out ignorant customers almost 10 times a day for leaving both doors open. The big problem is, we allow centerfire rifle rounds now, so you get that really sharp .223 crack and it's horrible. I'm just scared there might be some damage and I'm in denial.

Ruger Super Blackhawk, S&W Model 29 and the occasional Remington 870 with short slug barrel. Couple hundred rounds later and everything sounded like I had pillows stuffed in my ears. Well except for that ringing... hey is that the phone?

DeepSea117

11-28-2007, 08:34 PM

Oh man, brutal stuff, even outdoors. With even just a 9mm going off, I feel like someone just slapped my ear.

Merc-O-matic

11-28-2007, 08:59 PM

Might try a "sound machine" produces (white noise) sold at Sears/J.C.Penny, etc.
Have used one for 25 years....helps to mask the tinnitus or other
sounds that can drive you crazy (electrical humming in the walls)
from transformers,etc. Please know that you are not alone...millions
suffer or will suffer. Some drugs and drinking will aggrevate the condition.
Keep the faith.

SMOKE

11-28-2007, 09:18 PM

Very good thread all...so much useful info and discussion. Hadn't thought about this in a while (of course it is making me think more about the ringing as I type this...I too have learned to ignore it the best I can).Has to be a "noisy" fan for me too (that's the point 4 me). I'm more or less solo now so it doesn't disturb anyone else anymore and as long as it's not blowing on me I won't wake up with a sinus cold!G'night and I wish all a good rest...Jonathan

FordNut

11-28-2007, 09:24 PM

I guess I'm fortunate, it's only in the right ear and I can usually ignore it. Except now that this thread has reminded me of it I can't get it to stop!

BruteForce

11-28-2007, 10:17 PM

Eh? Say what?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/421391589_a7a8b77d88_o.jpg

Aren Jay

11-28-2007, 10:18 PM

ever try accupuncture or hypnosis?

Or Biofeedback

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2000/jul/07tinnitus.html

http://www.kevinhogan.com/tinred.htm

Worth a try if nothing else works.

magindat

11-29-2007, 06:09 AM

Interesting a couple Martini's quites it. Sounds stress related or at least stress aggravated. Is there other stress or are you stressing over the tinnitus? Relax, reduce caffeine and/or other stimulant intake. Wanna prove if it's stress? Take a vicodin or two. If it goes away with the relaxation, go down the stress route.

Ambien is good stuff. I use it, though less and less frequently. It works really good with alcohol (not recommended), but beware of reports of sleep walking, talking, driving, etc.

I've had acupuncture before for other reasons. It works if done right.

ckadiddle

11-29-2007, 07:41 AM

Notes on Ambien:
My late wife used it nightly for several years, she had horrible insomnia and other health issues that kept her from sleeping much. Ambien allowed her to get at least some sleep every night. It does not make you feel groggy during the day like some sleep meds do. Being able to sleep some every night dramatically improved her overall health. Downside is that doctors are afraid you will get "hooked" on it. To me, getting dependednt on a drug that allows you to sleep like a normal person is like getting addicted to water. Insurance companies may balk at paying if you use it every night. Our insurer eventually got pissy and we ended up paying out of pocket every other month.

After her death earlier this year, I was having a lot of trouble shutting down at night and my sleep was patchy. I was already run down from months with hospitals, funeral, etc so I asked my doc for Ambien. It works pretty well with me too. I don't feel groggy when I get up in the morning, but I can tell that I don't feel quite 100 percent normal either (or as "normal" as I ever am). I found that it caused issues with some other stuff I am on, and was causing me to go farterh into depression than I already am. I can juggle things around now and still take it occaisionally and do wake up feeling refreshed.

They aren't kidding about setting aside at least eight hours for sleeping. Definitely DO NOT violate this rule. If you must get up for an emergency during your sleep period, you MUST have someone else drive you. It will mess up your coordination and you will be zombie like if you try to be awake while the med is active in your system. Don't take your Ambien until you have completed ALL the little tasks you were thinking about. You can end up doing them while in zombie state. My wife learned to announce in a loud voice that she was taking her Ambien so that I would kind of keep half an eye on her. If she got out of bed after her pill was in, I got up and followed her to make sure she didn't play with anything sharp.

Ambien will hit you like a ton of bricks in 5-15 minutes after you take it. Complete everything else, check your doors, the A/C, squeeze the dog, then get into bed and take the pill. Ambien makes the charachters on the tv screen stand out about an inch from the screen, my arms get really heavy, and the veins on the back of my hand become really interesting, my speech gets slow and slurred a little. It's a real hoot for anyone else observing me. That's how I know I need to roll over and start snoring.

I say a little prayer every day to bless the makers of Ambien because it is truly a wonder drug. It is a tool, and you should make sure that someone knows you are starting on it and keeps an eye out for any odd behavior at night. Like any good tool, care should be taken when using it. You shouldn't operate anything other than the tv remote after you take your pill. I am very very serious about that. It'll flip you off like a light switch and you'll get some much needed rest. If you are desperate for some good sleep, try Ambien. There are also other newer meds out there if Ambien doesn't work in your case or gives you intolerable side effects.

PM me if you want my phone number to discuss Ambien further.

TCBO1

11-29-2007, 11:39 AM

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for posting this. I get roaring, ringing, and hissing sounds in my ears and never thought to ask about it. Turns out I may have this tinnitus. I knew I have some hearing loss.. can't hear high pitch. I'm pretty sure it's from loud music from concerts, and from work where I get to listen to impact guns all day in the shop.
I guess I need to do some research on this condition and maybe see a doctor about it. I'd hate to think what is going to happen to me and my hearing after I get older.

Thank you again.

ckadiddle

11-29-2007, 01:09 PM

I have a little tinnitus too. High frequency whine in both ears I assume cause it seems to be coming from inside of my head. Gets worse when I take certain medications, or when I am more tired than usual. I have noticed it for the last three years or so. It's minor, so I am able to ignore it most of the time. My dad also has problems with it, so I wonder if the tendency is inherited. Glad that mine is minor.

jerrym3

11-29-2007, 02:28 PM

Just finished doing a ton of reading on the subject via AOL health links. How I wish I knew if the advertisers were for real or used car salesman in disguise.

It's sad to say, but it's nice to know that you aren't alone. Maybe if enough of us sufferers pushed this with our political reps, more attention would be paid to the subject. I guess ear ringing/buzzing isn't a sexy enough topic.

But, for those of you that have the condition, but not badly, you may be THIS CLOSE to possibly becoming a basket case.

I keep earplugs in my toolchest in my garage. My toolchest is six feet away from my driveway. I was just in too much of a damned rush to get the driveway cleared and have dinner. What did I save, ten seconds? TEN SECONDS?

I'm no kid; turning 65 in January. Planned to retire and just relax, maybe a return trip to Hawaii with my wife; take the 03 Bird and Galaxie for short cruises; spend some extra time at the Jersey shore. Even considered driving cross country and back solo with the TBird. (Wife's not really into long rides.) Figured I had a good 10-13 years left before things started to slow down.

Now, I'm thinking about applying for disability with my company instead of retiring, and possibly selling the cars.

If this horror show convinces one of you guys to lower the radio, or dial back the home theater system, or complain at loud weddings, or force your kids to be careful..............at least that's something.

On a happier note, taking my daughter to the Ford dealer tonight. She wants a V6, pony package, 08 Mustang convert (Z plan). Tried to talk her into buying my Bird, but she wants a back seat. Tried to talk her into a Fusion with little success.

What the heck, enjoy while you can.

Aren Jay

12-02-2007, 11:54 AM

squeeze the dog,

???? -------????

Mad1

12-02-2007, 12:26 PM

I've got the constant ringing, use of a fan to sleep, etc.

I'm assuming most of mine came from band (I had a trumpet or snare drum blasting behind me for more than 8 years) and guns. The worst time I had though was firing a high-power rifle: 1st shot - really loud, 2nd shot - incredibly loud, 3rd shot - just heard bells.

Now, I'm incredibly protective of whatever I have left of my hearing. I use noise-canceling full headphones when using power tools and other loud machinery.

I have also found out a secret since I moved to Music City U.S.A. ... ear plugs are more than just "orange" sponges.

Specialty ear plugs are what the smart musicians use now to protect their ears. The best part is that you can still hear normal-sounds, such as a conversation. Might be worth looking at for the Gun-range issue, since they are pretty cheap ... not to mention cost-effective compared to buying a high-end hearing aid later in life. ($29 vs. $1500)

Alpine MusicSafe Natural Sound Professional Musician's Ear Plugs (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/alnasoearpl.html)

Or

Baby Blues Natural Sound Musician's Plugs (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/bablnasopl.html)

I just wish I had done it sooner, so I could still hear it when my grandson whispers in my ear.

Mad1
Jeremy

sailsmen

12-02-2007, 02:34 PM

Your last Maritime Employer is 100% responsible for job related hearing loss.

A guy worked for a client for 4 hours and my client had to pay 100% of hearing loss even though he previously worked on a pile driving crew for 28 years.

Sleep aids, your sleep goes thru several cycles and you have not slept until you have completed all the cycles. Every sleep aid I have heard of eliminates or significantly reduces a cycle.

Eventually use of the sleep aid will catch up to you. I do not think they should be used for more than a week at a time. If they are needed longer then that I believe there is something going on and the sleep aid is not the cure.

Most importantly the part of the sleep cycle that your brain sleeps is for 2 hours near the end of the cycle. Bottom line keep getting 4 hours of sleep and your IQ will start dropping.

I listen to everything loud and fire large caliber hand guns w/ ear protection. I have auditory processing disorder and having it loud helps. As a kid my ears were lanced/ruptured a lot do to earaches.

So far no symptoms.

ckadiddle

12-03-2007, 08:09 AM

???? -------????
Squeeze The Dog = Take The Dog Outside To Do It's Business:D

ckadiddle

12-03-2007, 08:11 AM

Sailsmen is right, sleep aids Rx or OTC are usually meant to only be used short term.

jerrym3

12-03-2007, 02:48 PM

There's 4-5 alternative treatment, but I just can't decide which is the best one.

My ear specialist was a waste. Someone else we know said he could not help her with her problem (not tinnitus), so she went elsewhere and got some help.

All this jerk wanted to do was give me a hearing test and advice: "search the web, and learn to live with it".

I know that correction is hit and miss with this illness, but you would think that some MD could at least point you in the right direction. Problem is to find that MD. I just can't spend the next few weeks visiting different doctors, unless I go out on some type of short term disability.

Reading the claims of some stuff on the web/market ("cure you overnight, etc") makes you sick, but when you reach the desperation point, you say to yourself, "it's only money".

I also get very, very concerned when I read that some have chosen to end it all ather than live with this illness. (I believe Shatner was one.)

Bluerauder

12-03-2007, 03:13 PM

You have probably already read all of this before >>>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinnitus

Apparently, there are two different types of tinnitus. One is called Objective and the other Subjective. They are explained in the article. Treatment of the subjective kind is not clear. Some of the treatment options are listed in the articles. Lots of notable people including Tony Randall suffered from tinnitus and used to do commercials regarding its effects.

Aren Jay

12-03-2007, 03:22 PM

Squeeze The Dog = Take The Dog Outside To Do It's Business:D

Never heard that one before.

Breadfan

12-03-2007, 03:34 PM

Just chiming in, this has been a very informative thread.

I don't have this condition at this point, but I was not very much aware of it. Sure I have been told plenty of times to protect my ears, loud noises can damage hearing, but typically what I have heard about was in regards to hearing loss, i.e. the ability to hear, not to much the presence of white noise or "ringing" in the place of your hearing ability.

Although the thought of a risk to hearing ability is enough to raise concern, the thought of reduced hearing ability with silence in it's place is not as scary a thought as replacing your hearing with a constant noise or ringing.

I know in a silent room I can hear tiny bits of such a thing, but always passed it on as normal. I can't recall ever not hearing it, and rarely do I actually notice it. But if I try, I can hear it, and imagine what that would be like.

I do many things that would put me at risk.

I work in IT and often work in loud server rooms. Though you don't always have to work in a server room, I've been on jobs where it's been 14-16hrs in a server room for weeks at a time. Luckily we were often provided basic hearing protection.

I enjoy range shooting as well, and pretty much always use hearing protection. Now I will ensure that is the case 100%.

I also love going to concerts, which I will admit I don't often wear hearing protection too. I will look into some musicians ear protection for that.

So many other things listed in this thread I do or have done, loud machinery, mowing the lawn, leaf blowers, I rarely think of ear protection there. I never thought it was that loud, but what this shows is that doing those things causes damage even if you don't feel it right away.

So although I cannot provide guidance to those who suffer from this condition, I can state that for those of us who may not have it or have it severly, this thread is a welcome eye opener and I think it goes far to help some realize the dangers of high decibels.

Aren Jay

12-03-2007, 07:07 PM

I'm glad I don't have this, I wouldn't be able to hear the voices.

Ever think about asking to have your auditory nerve cut on one side? Or is this all just in your head?

If you are deaf you can still enjoy your Marauder. Just firm up your shocks so that you can feel the engine rumble, and replace your speakers with subwoofers. Feel the Noise.

Bluerauder

12-03-2007, 07:18 PM

Ever think about asking to have your auditory nerve cut on one side? Or is this all just in your head?
That's the difference between Objective and Subjective tinnitus. One is clearly physical and can be corrected via surgical or other procedures. The other is less clear (i.e. more subjective) ... therefore the difficulty in treatment.

Aren Jay

12-03-2007, 10:45 PM

If it is subjective hypnosis would be my bet for relief.

Bluerauder

12-04-2007, 05:03 AM

Stress may increase the level of one's awareness of tinnitus ......

" Although there are no specific cures for tinnitus, anything that brings the person out of the "fight or flight" stress response helps symptoms recede over a period of time. Calming body-based therapies, counseling and psychotherapy help restore well-being, which in turn allows tinnitus to settle. Chronic tinnitus can be quite stressful psychologically, as it distracts the affected individual from mental tasks and interferes with sleep, particularly when there is no external sound. Additional steps in reducing the impact of tinnitus on adverse health consequences include: a review of medications that may have tinnitus as a side effect; a physical exam to reveal possible underlying health conditions that may aggravate tinnitus; receiving adequate rest each day; and seeking a physician's advice concerning a sleep aid to allow for a better sleep pattern "

jerrym3

12-04-2007, 10:45 AM

Insult to injury, my company is starting a series of cutbacks in IT. Credit crunch issues, I work for a large foreign bank.

Mixed emotions.

If I get cut, I'll get 20 weeks pay and unemployment. That would have been wonderful if I hadn't gotten this sickness.

Now, I'll be using the pay and unemployment to pay for whatever treatments I decide and medicare part B.

IF I can find a treatment quickly and IF the stock market doesn't fall like a rock, things should work out.

Reminder: snow blowers are also loud.

If any of you older guys out there have any suggestions for secondary health insurance, I'm open to your advice.

My daughter gets her new Mustang Saturday. Anybody in North Jersey looking for a transportation vehicle (99 Mustang V6 coupe auto, 111,000 miles, runs/looks fine/snows and regular tires), let me know.

Stranger in the Black Sedan

12-04-2007, 11:20 AM

I didn't read through all 4 pages of this post, but my 21 year old brother has tinnitus that was bad to the point of driving him crazy, hearing ringing all the time, unable to sleep, causing depression, etc. He had to sleep w/ a noise generating alarm clock cranked all the way up for a while.

He saw a specialist a few years ago and received special hearing "aids" that were programmed w/ specific frequency noise. From my very limited understanding, they helped "re-train" the brain to change what frequencies it would ignore as "noise" so he wouldn't hear ringing anymore. I do know it helped him immensely, he doesn't have to wear them any more, and the tinnitus is now a minor issue.

jerrym3

12-05-2007, 10:17 AM

That's good news Vic

Seeing another MD Mon.

Lost my job yesterday after ten years with UBS Financial Services.

Getting a bit much to take.

fastcar

12-05-2007, 02:30 PM

That's good news Vic

Seeing another MD Mon.

Lost my job yesterday after ten years with UBS Financial Services.

Getting a bit much to take.

Sorry to hear about the layoff, Jerry. Was it the sub-prime issue that hit UBS? They are HUGE.

fastcar:burnout:

jerrym3

12-07-2007, 07:56 PM

Probably related to the subprime fiasco, but I'm not sure. I worked for the IT department of the old "PaineWebber" side of the business.

Position was eliminated. I was not alone. Would have welcomed it if it weren't for this illness. At 64 years of age, I guess I'm unofficialy retired.

Not the greatest holiday season I've ever had.

sailsmen

12-09-2007, 05:22 AM

Best of luck.

Most things work out for the best, particularly when we make it that way.

jerrym3

12-11-2007, 09:58 AM

Saw another MD yesterday who actually has tinnitus.

He offered no help whatsoever, but, after hearing what I am going through, he recommended therapy-quickly.

I am officially in hell. Everything has just fallen apart.

jerrym3

01-23-2008, 01:32 PM

Figured that I'd update those of you that have a serious tinnitus condition. Here's the good and the bad.

Going into my third month of "bad" screeching/ringing, etc. Sleeping with the use of Xanax for about 6 hours nightly. Afraid to sleep during the day because short naps, for some reason, make the noise worse.

I'm going to try a new treatment called Neuromonics developed in Australia. (If you have tinnitus, you can google it easily.)

It is expensive (5K), and not covered under medical insurance (too experimental). I've talked to two doctors that support the treatment, and, of course, they have had "great results". I've also discussed it with an ENT, and he thinks that it will not help.

I've also read posts from two patients who tried it, and they were not as positive as I had hoped. Some VA hospitals are experimenting with the treatment because many of our soldiers are returning from the war with screeching ears.

Regardless, I have to give it a try.

I can only repeat what I've written earlier, please guard your hearing. Once it goes "bad", like mine has, you cannot go back to "good".

Dark_Knight7096

01-23-2008, 01:47 PM

I know the feeling, handguns with no ear protection

I can't imagine doing that for long periods of time. I did it once, ONCE. I'm like i wonder what it's like to shoot a .50AE w/no muffs. I found out painful.

Really sucks = not realizing your muff is off your ear when shouldering an M4gery with short barrel at an INDOOR range, i was really scared but 3 hours later i could hear correctly again.

I can't imagine what you're going through man, i love music and sounds and whatnot and i couldn't even fathom not being able to enjoy it. Best of luck to you and hope you find something to help

Mike Poore

01-23-2008, 02:21 PM

Figured that I'd update ...

I'm going to try a new treatment called Neuromonics developed in Australia.

Regardless, I have to give it a try.

I didn't chime in before, because as a long time sufferer, (more than 20 years) I've tried most of the "home" remedies, none with lasting results, although the Lipo-Flavonoid may have done something. Mostly I was interested in what everyone else had to say, hopefully to gain some new information, Alas, there seems to be nothing new, and only the guys at Baltimore seem to have any success. You live close enough to John's Hopkins in Baltimore to check them out, as the Neuromonics treatment seems to be the same thing they're doing .....sort of.

I can relate some personal experience, that being, when I'm in a very noisy environment, such as a Penn State football game, I'll notice it's gone away for the rest of the day, also, when wearing my Walker's Game Ears on a deer stand, there have been times when I turn them off the noise is gone. With this anecdotal evidence I believe that sound treatment may be beneficial. There was even a report that profusion of the ear canal(s) with Lidocane gave good results, but my doctor refused to try it.

Check out Hopkins and see if they can help you.

Mike Poore

01-24-2008, 11:23 AM

He saw a specialist a few years ago and received special hearing "aids" that were programmed w/ specific frequency noise. From my very limited understanding, they helped "re-train" the brain to change what frequencies it would ignore as "noise" so he wouldn't hear ringing anymore. .

I think this is something akin to what the guys at Hopkins are doing. Also it sort of re-enforces my observation about the Walker Game Ears.

ImpalaSlayer

01-24-2008, 11:36 AM

well im no doctor by far but if mike poore says his game ear works i wonder if those bose head phones that make everything quiet would work. figured id throw it out there. i really have no idea if it would have an effect.

SMOKE

01-24-2008, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the update...best of luck to you from a fellow sufferer...

On one hand I feel bad it still persists so agressively, on the other it is good to hear how proactive you are being.

Jonathan

jerrym3

12-20-2014, 05:36 PM

Mike D Mechanic

12-20-2014, 08:11 PM

mine sounds just like a turbo spinning 120k making 60" of mercury worth of boost! :mad2: only able to sleep using the god given medicine , cannabis :bows:

lji372

12-20-2014, 08:34 PM

I've been dealing with it for almost a year, can be subtle to very annoying.

May go with a counter measure at some point

https://us.hearing.siemens.com/hearing-loss-and-tinnitus/tinnitus-information/treatment/

Oh, no gunfire or loud music, just bam there it was.

J-MAN

12-20-2014, 08:51 PM

I guess I'm lucky what I hear sounds like summer night sounds, crickets, insects and croaking frogs. Sounds weird I know, but it's actually relaxing and helps me get to sleep.

jerrym3

12-21-2014, 06:56 AM

I guess I'm lucky what I hear sounds like summer night sounds, crickets, insects and croaking frogs. Sounds weird I know, but it's actually relaxing and helps me get to sleep.

Yeah, I get weird sounds too.

Along with the hissing and ringing, I hear what I can only describe as a bunch of birds chirping in a tree.

I woke up today, and it was loud but bearable. Went back to sleep for about 30 minutes, and then the volume went way up.

Marauderjack

12-21-2014, 07:13 AM

I've had it for at least 30 years and have learned to ignore it but I don't sleep well!!:(

Never really thought about it but Tinnitus may be the reason...especially now that it has been mentioned....ugh!!:shake:

Turn up the TV....I'm goin' to sleep!!;)

RF Overlord

12-21-2014, 07:54 AM

I wish I had better news for you, jerry...mine hasn't changed at all since the original post. Most times I can ignore it, but sometimes it gets depressing. Not sure if my diabetes makes any difference.

jerrym3

12-21-2014, 10:54 AM

Well, the good news is that this is/was a highly viewed forum, so maybe some folks who had never given loud noise and the potential of getting tinnitus a second thought now think otherwise.

rauder88

12-21-2014, 12:29 PM

I always warn people about loud noises too. I've had Tinnitus all my life. As a child i had nearly constant ear infections (otitis media) until I was around 7. Left me with permanent hearing loss and constant ringing, some days are worse. Also now some antibiotics have no effect because I was on them so much. I can function normally though. In places with lots of ambient noise like a restaurant or bar it is very hard for me to hear anyone trying to talk to me.

justbob

12-21-2014, 12:53 PM

whitey

12-21-2014, 01:09 PM

What?.........

jerrym3

12-21-2014, 05:38 PM

Mine started three years ago when I took a blunt hit to my glasses coming to rest on my eyebrow bone. Ever since I hear the buzzing!!!!!! Not helping is the fact I work construction.. So yeah I have my normal days when things quiet down after work and my horrible days when the work noise was elevated.

Sleep isn't too bad. I've learned to just hold off bedtime till I'm all but passed out.

Builder Of Badassery

I'm definitely not a doctor, but it sounds like (no pun intended) that your tinnitus is not caused by nerve damage and might be treatable.

Mine was caused by nerve damage and stupidity, with the emphasis on stupidity.

My wife gets it sometimes when she takes a headache pain pill. My best friend got it from years of commuting to NY via train listening to loud music on his ear buds and then attending his son's rock band shows.

When a police car or ambulance goes by me, I cover my left ear. When I drive down a freeway in my Galaxie convert with the roof up, or I use my drill, or I hammer a nail, I wear plugs.

And, to be honest, I just shake my head when I read any forum where the subject is potentially louder music within your car.

BeastmodeCowboy

12-21-2014, 05:47 PM

Try some marijuana........seriously.

:bandit:

lji372

12-21-2014, 05:51 PM

What?.........

I think you know what I'm thinking ;) LOUISVILLE is gonna be a RIOT:banana2:
:wave: bob

Back on topic
Mine was not caused by loud noises and dr said there was nothing they could do :dunno: anybody know of any treatment, I've tried the snake oil (the gingko crap and the ear drops).

justbob

12-21-2014, 07:25 PM

What?.........

Blunt hit (more like stabbed) with a fiberglass handle of a shovel missing the padded end. Not what your wishing sicko. Exactly why I stay away from room 419...

Builder Of Badassery

justbob

12-21-2014, 07:26 PM

I'm definitely not a doctor, but it sounds like (no pun intended) that your tinnitus is not caused by nerve damage and might be treatable.

Mine was caused by nerve damage and stupidity, with the emphasis on stupidity.

My wife gets it sometimes when she takes a headache pain pill. My best friend got it from years of commuting to NY via train listening to loud music on his ear buds and then attending his son's rock band shows.

When a police car or ambulance goes by me, I cover my left ear. When I drive down a freeway in my Galaxie convert with the roof up, or I use my drill, or I hammer a nail, I wear plugs.

And, to be honest, I just shake my head when I read any forum where the subject is potentially louder music within your car.

Dr. Brushed it off Jeremy. Said learn to live with it.

Builder Of Badassery

1stMerc

12-21-2014, 09:34 PM

I I can function normally though. In places with lots of ambient noise like a restaurant or bar it is very hard for me to hear anyone trying to talk to me.

Same here. Too many house parties and concerts sitting by the speakers, especially during cold months and going outside after working up a sweat dancing. Also, many years of wind noise while riding motorcycle with out ear plugs, cruz Sundays in the park with the stereo bumpin and the normal duties that go with home ownership. The ringing isn't constant and obnoxious, but it is there when the area is quiet or if I line up my teeth to compensate for the over bite. Fortunately, the years have been kind and I've been able to adjust to the ringing, but anywhere there is ambient noise is still difficult to hold conversation without a whole lot of "hun what" very frustrating.

pem

12-21-2014, 11:08 PM

got an e-mail today: my-tinnitus-solution.com and reverse.tinnitus.....have to listen to 8 minutes of BS before you get the sales pitch.....I'm also trying a product that's advertised on the radio called Ringaway.....they send you a free sample and set you up for automatic refills unless you decline their automatic refill deal....been on them for over 2 weeks and really don't notice anything different.....1-877-375-7104.....remember Jerry Seinfeld's crazy uncle with the ringing in his ears? WILL SOMEBODY ANSWER THAT DAMN PHONE!!!!! LOL :help:

whitey

12-22-2014, 02:00 AM

What?......

J-MAN

12-22-2014, 02:33 AM

Thanks for the save Mr. Moderator. :bigcry:

lji372

12-22-2014, 10:33 AM

Thanks for the save Mr. Moderator. :bigcry:

+1 i started getting all crazy and needed to be brought in line :bows:

hey anybody ever watch "loose coins"?

whitey

12-22-2014, 02:37 PM

What?....:D

lji372

12-22-2014, 06:16 PM

What?....:D

LOOSE COINS!!

sflrainmaker01

12-26-2014, 08:08 AM

Resurrecting an old forum, but I just wondered if anyone has any new information?

After a few years, I was able to adjust to my tinnitus to the extent that it became livable. But, last summer, things got worse.

Adding to the misery is that I've been getting a lot of overdue dental work done, which has made worse even "worser".

Now, I have 24/7 ear noise which sounds like the combination of a loud dentist's drill and a hissing steam radiator.

During the day, I can kind of write it off, but if it weren't for a low dose of Xanax, sleep would be almost impossible.

I've been on the ATA (American Tinnitus Association) website, but I don't see any major breakthroughs.

Interesting thread! I sleep with a fan on. That probably helps a lot. But, like Justbob, I wait until I am too tired to keep my eyes open and then go to bed. Going to bed before then, you are forced to listen to the ear symphony! :shake: BTW, did you ever try that "experimental" stuff?

I always warn people about loud noises too. I've had Tinnitus all my life. As a child i had nearly constant ear infections (otitis media) until I was around 7. Left me with permanent hearing loss and constant ringing, some days are worse. Also now some antibiotics have no effect because I was on them so much. I can function normally though. In places with lots of ambient noise like a restaurant or bar it is very hard for me to hear anyone trying to talk to me.

^^^+1^^^. Growing up, I had lots of ear infections too. They put drops in my ears etc. I have had ear ringing since. :depress: I took a plane trip to see my folks two years ago and afterwards I got some sort of mild sinus infection. Since then, not only do both ears still ring, but my right ear had this pressure in it, like I was still in the airplane.:mad2: So, I went to a half a dozen different doctors over that following year that prescribed either antibiotics or other sinus/ear infection treatments to no avail. The last doctor made me do a hearing test which to my surprise, came out better than I expected. He also tested my Eustachian tube function, which also came out good. BUT, I still have persistent ear ringing and the pressure in my right ear. Even though I have always had the ear ringing, it's just now, it is louder and by adding the pressure to it, just really aggravates the whole situation.

My wife talked me into trying the Ringaway stuff. But, by the time I got through the 15+ minute "trying to sell you more stuff" BS on the phone the order got screwed up and we never received it. I don't know if it would help or not.

ChiTownMaraud3r

12-26-2014, 08:50 AM

So I've suffered short term tinnitus for the last 10 years or so with loud car audio systems, headphone use, prolonged stays at club parties, shooting .45s with no ear protection outdoors, and lots and lots of motorcycle riding with no ear plugs.

Yesterday I woke up and the silence was deafening at my house. I remembered this thread and noticed how loud the nothingness was. I thought its a damn shame there's nothing to be done about it but try to ignore it. Well with some deep concentration, I somehow managed to will myself into turning down the volume to almost non-existent. The "shell up to your ear" type of sound was only faintly audible through my right ear after the concentration.

RF Overlord

12-26-2014, 09:57 AM

So you're saying you fixed your tinnitus by sheer willpower?

ChiTownMaraud3r

12-26-2014, 09:59 AM

So you're saying you fixed your tinnitus by sheer willpower?

I will try it next time I am experiencing some ringing. Might have just been built up pressure or something.

8UWITH6

12-26-2014, 10:45 AM

The mind is a powerful thing!

CHSurvivor

12-26-2014, 11:15 AM

The mind is a powerful thing!

Yes it is. I managed to not put a bullet in my head because of my disease.
I am glad you are getting relief ! Makes me happy

marauderthis

12-26-2014, 12:20 PM

My tin. was acquired 5 years ago after a serious throat and ear infection. I avoid loud noises. I take Lipo Flavonoid ( dam expensive) it seems to help. I lost weight which lowered my blood pressure and the ringing intensity I also diligently watch my salt intake. Salt for some reason triggers bad episodes. I also get vertigo. The bottom line... the medical industry cant cure or fix this problem.
Maybe if we are lucky this nightmare someday will be remedied with genetic engineering. I hope...

Windsor58

12-26-2014, 01:24 PM

My great uncle had pain from the slightest noises. Don't remember if they called it tinnitus, but a pair of Bose active noise canceling headphones helped him function.

rauder88

12-26-2014, 01:34 PM

^^^+1^^^. Growing up, I had lots of ear infections too. They put drops in my ears etc. I have had ear ringing since. :depress: I took a plane trip to see my folks two years ago and afterwards I got some sort of mild sinus infection. Since then, not only do both ears still ring, but my right ear had this pressure in it, like I was still in the airplane.:mad2: So, I went to a half a dozen different doctors over that following year that prescribed either antibiotics or other sinus/ear infection treatments to no avail. The last doctor made me do a hearing test which to my surprise, came out better than I expected. He also tested my Eustachian tube function, which also came out good. BUT, I still have persistent ear ringing and the pressure in my right ear. Even though I have always had the ear ringing, it's just now, it is louder and by adding the pressure to it, just really aggravates the whole situation.

My wife talked me into trying the Ringaway stuff. But, by the time I got through the 15+ minute "trying to sell you more stuff" BS on the phone the order got screwed up and we never received it. I don't know if it would help or not.

I had the same thing happen to me, I fly for work several times a year. Flew to denver and back, still had pressure in my ear.:mad2: A few weeks later on a flight back from chicago my ear finally popped and the pressure was gone. Took 3 flights after my first for it to go away.

My tin. was acquired 5 years ago after a serious throat and ear infection. I avoid loud noises. I take Lipo Flavonoid ( dam expensive) it seems to help. I lost weight which lowered my blood pressure and the ringing intensity I also diligently watch my salt intake. Salt for some reason triggers bad episodes. I also get vertigo. The bottom line... the medical industry cant cure or fix this problem.
Maybe if we are lucky this nightmare someday will be remedied with genetic engineering. I hope...

I have changed my diet recently and I guess it isn't as bad as it used to be. Could be coincidental...

jerrym3

12-26-2014, 02:35 PM

Interesting how you guys were able to use willpower to lower the sound. The mind does adapt, but it took two years for me the first time, and I'm at the roughly 16 month mark on this latest T increase.

Mine actually is less noticeable when I'm in a situation where there's a lot of other things going on. (We hosted 17 adults and 7 little kids Christmas Eve. Never even noticed my T until they all left.)

Being a very light sleeper, I sleep with earplugs, so the fan or "radio on low" solution would not work for me.

I just pop one X pill, and go back in time in my mind until the pill takes over. Yet, while watching TV in the afternoon, I have to fight not to fall asleep.

When I need to get up in the middle of the night, I don't have much trouble getting back to sleep. (Unfortunately, there's no such thing as eight hours of sleep anymore, but that's a whole different subject for discussion.)

But, if I get up too early in the morning, that's it. There's no getting back to sleep. (I'm retired, so getting up for work is not an issue.)

I can't find any relationship between the T and salt, liquor, etc, although I do seem to get a louder screech after I've done a little light weight lifting.

No, I never tried any experimental cures. My mind adapted before I made the decision to try something.

sflrainmaker01

12-26-2014, 02:38 PM

I had the same thing happen to me, I fly for work several times a year. Flew to denver and back, still had pressure in my ear.:mad2: A few weeks later on a flight back from chicago my ear finally popped and the pressure was gone. Took 3 flights after my first for it to go away.

I have changed my diet recently and I guess it isn't as bad as it used to be. Could be coincidental...

Sounds like fighting fire with fire, lol! :flamer: I have been hesitant to get back on an airplane since. I'd really like to go see my parents via air travel. But, I'm not worried about the ear ringing as much, but with the pressure, I'm afraid that my ear drum could explode! :rolleyes:

jerrym3

12-26-2014, 02:42 PM

My dentist (who also has T due to years of drilling) gave me a fact sheet on Gabapentin (Neurontin) from the American Tinnitus Association.

So/so test results.

ChiTownMaraud3r

12-26-2014, 04:52 PM

although I do seem to get a louder screech after I've done a little light weight lifting.

Yes, Right after a work out, my ears are ringing like crazy, loud nothing sound, hours after working out the intensity decreases.

When I mean concentrate to make the lower, it's a sort of meditation...I literally imagined an old receiver knob turning down slowly, and imagined the hissing going down. I will try this again when I get back from working out.

pem

01-14-2015, 05:22 PM

don't know if anyone is following all these threads about tinnitus anymore, but wanted to say the product Ringaway, that I've been taking for over a month and claims fast relief, has done absolutely nothing for me....I do agree with those of you that said you don't notice the ringing sound when involved with anything that distracts your attention away from it....it's crazy when I notice "silence" and think to myself I'm cured and the sound starts up again....is that mind over matter? or the 1st stage of insanity? :help:

lji372

01-14-2015, 06:51 PM

Insanity!!!!

Lol

RF Overlord

01-15-2015, 06:20 AM

It's crazy when I notice "silence" and think to myself I'm cured and the sound starts up again....is that mind over matter? or the 1st stage of insanity? It's not insanity...every once in a great while my T almost goes away, to the point that I, too, "notice the silence". Unfortunately, I can never remember what immediately preceded the silence so I don't know if it was something I changed or how to duplicate it.

jerrym3

01-15-2015, 07:46 AM

For some reason, which I cannot identify, the loudness level can change overnight. (During the day, I use my earplugs in any situation that might cause loud noise, lawn mowing, circular saw ,even hammering a nail etc. So, the level stays constant all during my waking hours. Car shows with music speakers designed for a football stadium scare the hell out of me.)

With me, it's not salt or alcohol or anything else I can firmly identify.

I had a horrible seven days, then two bad days, then two more horrible days. Today it's bad, but bearable.

As I mentioned earlier, except for one bad night of insomnia, the Xanax does put me to sleep. But, maybe it's a function of aging, a night's sleep isn't what it used to be.