Tinnitus

I have had it for about 12 years now, a high pitched hissing (zinging) noise but I can cope with it as it is mainly noticeable in very quiet conditions. I don't know of anything that can really help.

 

Tinnitus is mostly the tiny hairs in the inner ear that vibrate to make sounds which we hear, these when damaged never regrow in most cases so it's permanent. There are other causes which are semi permanent, I have a high pitched whistle and a roaring sound and to get to sleep I wear earplugs cutting out night time sounds otherwise sleep evades me.

 

I am useless in crowds,parties etc, all sound comes in one ear, no stereo, and I cannot separate them, especially if music playing, I can only hear the bass beat, so I shut down and people think I am anti-social.

 

I have the ringing in the mornings, also the pulsating feeling, popping, and if I'm really lucky they block up and I can't hear. Blocked up is best.!!!

 

I didn`t realise how much I lip read, until I was introduced to someone who knew what I was doing, after her first sentence before I could answer she commented, "are you deaf, you just lip read me"

 

Something I forgot to include, your diet could affect your Tinnitus.
In my consultations with the Neurologist, she informed me of past cases she had treated, certain things that some people drink or eat that can increase/irritate Tinnitus.
Too much Cheese, Processed foods ,taken in excess can increase, (in some people),Tinnitus.

Coffee. She had a case were this person who was on constant night shift was consuming 6 cups
of black coffee a night,to keep awake, his Tinnitus was going through the roof.
He cut out the coffee and his Tinnitus came down to a level he could cope and live with.

My old favourite Brandy. A couple of Brandy's is fine to get some people off to sleep, but when taken in excess,you may sleep, but when you awake your Tinnitus will be like an old Railway Steam Engines Whistle In Your Ears. .

 

Do you ever get anxious about this?

 

Surely if this is a side effect of a medication, it couldn't have done any permanent damage to my ears? (desperate for some hope now)

 

Shouldnt think so val

In theory if you stop the meds everything should return to normal obviously not always the case. It would be worth asking your doctor tho just to make sure

I have tinnitus as its one of the many symptoms of ME altho for me one of the lesser ones