Tinnitus support/advice

[laurabmummyof3]

I developed tinnitus at the beginning of the year. It’s diving me loopy. I have 2 sounds that are only really distinguishable at night when the room
Is quiet and I’m trying to sleep. In my left ear it’s a high pitched whooshy close sound and
In my right it’s a lower more distant noise a bit like machinery. Together they make falling asleep really difficult. I’ve just been up with my youngest and now I’ll struggle to get back to sleep. I also have persistent migraine, for which I see a neurologist. She mentioned a link between the two, but wasn’t really able to offer much advice for dealing with it. I’ve tried things I’ve found online like flicking the ear in a certain way ( sounds nuts but I’d try anything) and ear plugs, diet, sleeping positions. Nothing helps. It’s thoroughly exhausting. I have even considered seeing a chiropractor in the vague hope that could offer relief. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks💕

[laurabmummyof3]

I’ve also tried white noise. Storm sounds help a little but keep hubby awake!😩😩😩

[Andro]

Hearing disorders are the absolute pits - and because they're often invisible a lot of people don't 'get it'. You may find the British Tinnitus Association helpful:

www.tinnitus.org.uk/

I hope you get some help/relief soon.

[laurabmummyof3]

Thank you Andro! 💕

[Snowdrop15]

The trick is to stop 'listening' to it, but that takes a while. Your brain will eventually become bored of it and you will tune in less and less, just like you don't notice a fridge making a noise. In the meantime I recommend a pillow speaker so you can have noise to distract you, but it won't keep anyone else awake. I used an app on my phone called relax and sleep with a mixture of sounds including heart beat and white noise.

I've had tinnitus for a few years and it's really hard to start with. If it doesn't go by itself, you will get less bothered by it over time. I've stopped using my pillow speaker now because I no longer care about my tinnitus, even thought I can still hear it. I also get migraines but I'm not sure if there's a connection.

You're welcome to pm me if you like

[CassianAndor]

Are you being seen by the audiologist?

[laurabmummyof3]

Thank you Snowdrop💙

[laurabmummyof3]

I’m not Cassian, should I request to be referred? How can they help?

[CassianAndor]

Well, I’m not entirely sure as when I went they diagnosed me not with tinnitus but hyperacusis! So I’m being treated for that (with sound therapy).

But I certainly think you should get your GP to refer you to check out what’s what.

[Andro]

@CassianAndor - I hope the sound therapy works for you, I was diagnosed with hyperacusis over 30 years ago but mine was (and remains) untreatable.

[Hoggytat]

I've had tinnitus for over 30 years. Too long to remember how I coped in the early days but you get to a point where you can tune it out during the day (unless you're poorly or run down).

I always hear it on a night, weirdly it's more of a comfort. It's like I can hear it but I'm detached from it. I know when I'm about to get poorly as the noise level ramps up; or if I'm really stressed different noises are added to the mix. So it's sort of a health barometer.

I do hope someone will be able to help you in the short-term. Long-term you'll be absolutely fine.

[CassianAndor]

Oh, gosh, Andro, that’s rubbish

[justasking111]

I am wondering if I have this. Had flu three weeks ago, now when it is quiet I hear a sound like the dishwasher when it is sloshing water around inside the machine. Only in my left ear though. Really weird.

[miagerbies]

Bless you I understand the desperation you feel all too well.

I'm a 5 year sufferer myself. For the first year it was terrible. I was actually suicidal. I didn't understand how I was meant to carry on with my life with this bloody eeeeeeeee noise in my head 24/7.

3 things have saved me. The first is white noise. I know you said it keeps your husband awake but you can get these special pillows with speakers so that only you can hear it. Pure white noise works for me, or rain sounds. I also run a fan in the room.

Second is distraction. I try to stay busy all the time. I also have a couple of sound enrichment things around the house - I have a fish bubble lamp that makes a noise when on, and I always have the telly on or music going. Silence is the enemy of tinnitus.

The last one is the main one and I honestly credit these with saving my life - I have in ear noise generators, got them on the NHS. I have them in 24/7. They look like hearing aids, and they play white noise into my ears constantly. I love them.

Life goes on after tinnitus. You just have to find what works for you. Good luck.

[Chocolatepeanuts]

See your GP and asked to be referred to either ENT or for hearing/tinnitus therapy if it's offered in your area. Therapy basically teaches you HOW to tune out your tinnitus as described above, recommend apps or sound generators that you wear temporarily (like a hearing aid). I'd also recommend the Action on hearing loss website. Check out their products section under tinnitus to get an idea of what's out there to help you and have a read of the product reviews as well. Good luck.

[AbGonk]

I found very interesting and reassuring.

[Starrr123]

@justasking111 did it ever go? Mine had been the same? Asking if anything helped yours? Xx

[Yants]

The only way I can tune out my tinnitus and get to sleep is by listening to a podcast or audiobook.