Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

Original poster

tinnitus

17 replies

OvertheRainbow2U · 14/02/2021 21:45

Looking back I think I've had this for years - but quiet and bearable...lots of stress within recent years - ongoing - but now, good grief it's like a siren in my head. Stress triggers are definitely worse currently... so I am asking you fabulous mumsnetters 1. Do you think stress has made it worse.....2. any tips on how to quieten it...

OP posts:

NannyGythaOgg · 14/02/2021 22:28

Stress is certainly implicated for many people.

I only get it when my iron is low. Get my iron levels back up and it goes away. I know a lot of people have it much much worse.

Sorry I can't be more helpful but hoping that bumping the thread helps someone more informed notice it.

princessTiasmum · 15/02/2021 01:39

Stress does make it worse I think had a bad bout of stress recently.felt like I was going mad .it was awful .not as bad usually.but noticed it more as I have got older

Aquamarine1029 · 15/02/2021 01:42

For sleeping, I listen to thunderstorm sounds on my Alexa and it works a treat.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health

Backtoschool101 · 15/02/2021 03:12

Can it also be other noises. When it's quiet I have like a whirring sound.. I guess like the hum of a machine working in the background. Been driving me mad for years. I can't cope with too much noise as well. Like I'd the TV is on and someone else is watching a video on a different device and people are talking it's almost like my brain can't function. It's awful

MinnieMountain · 15/02/2021 05:47

I use a white noise app to help me sleep. It has lots of different sounds, so I use the one which matches the tone of my tinnitus.

Not drinking alcohol can supposedly help. Also meditation to reduce the stress.

I just assume mine’s a permanent thing now (3 years).

Billandben444 · 15/02/2021 08:22

The best way to deal with it is to accept it as part of you and try not to feel angry or stressed about the unwelcome lodger. I've had mine for about 15 years and have habituated totally - I can sit in a quiet room and listen to the noises in my head without it freaking me out. Try and keep busy, play music/sounds at a quieter level than your T (so your brain concentrates on the distraction rather than trying to drown T out), eat sensibly and take a multivitamin if necessary and stay hydrated. If you're on FB, try Tinnitus Support Group UK - a really supportive bunch with loads of tips and advice. Good luck.

Original poster

OvertheRainbow2U · 15/02/2021 08:26

Thank you all for your wise advice - I will try these tips - and will remain calm - Billandben444 - hydration - that's something will work on...thanks again all

OP posts:

Floreatfloruit · 15/02/2021 08:31

You don't have any dodgy teeth do you?
I had a cracked tooth for 20 years and the dentist always said it was fine. Eventually had a root canal and crown fitted and the tinnitus I suffered in the ear on that side, and the feeling of fullness, and the frequent sinus problems, all went away. I would have done it ten years ago had I known. I think a constant mild tooth infection (it was increasingly sensitive and the dentist said the roots were partly calcified) was affecting the nerve in my ear on that side.

candycane222 · 15/02/2021 08:39

Mine weirdly gets worse if I take ibuprofen - actually a known side effect, but hitherto not known to me! But since I worked it out I've stuck to paracetamol. Still there (I think most of us have a bit by the time we're older) but less noticeable for me. My sympathies, and hopefully you'll find a way to reduce your stress, as that's important to do anyway .

Original poster

OvertheRainbow2U · 15/02/2021 10:07

Floreatfloruit - I have two lose teeth at the back - molars...terrified of dentist so there is no way I can get them sorted - I have been told they need to come out - I am pathetic!

OP posts:

Proudnana3 · 18/02/2021 17:32

I agree we all have it to some degree as we get older, I think I’ve always had it slightly but always brushed it off as external sounds such as heating or fridge. It wasn’t until I got bppv and I kept getting asked if I had ringing in my ears by medical professionals when I was being diagnosed that I started plugging my ears and listening for it, now I’m so focused on it I hear it when it’s quiet so have started sleeping with the fan on and rain sounds through my pillow. I do need a root canal on my canine as I have an abscess( not painful, just a swelling) thank goodness but don’t think it’s anything to do with that. I’m terrified to take the amoxicillin and having the root canal done as I’m worrying it will worsen the tinnitus that’s how anxious I’ve become. Mine could also be jaw related as I’ve started clenching my jaw when the bppv started. Had a mouth guard made but hasn’t really helped much. Also just to add mine became more noticeable after I became very ill with COVID, it was like a constant static sound in my I head whilst I was ill and I became so anxious it wouldn’t go I was having panic attacks. It has got better, I just need to stop listening for it and relax.

Original poster

OvertheRainbow2U · 18/02/2021 18:35

Proudana3 gosh that sounds awful, all of it, glad you're feeling better and I am also trying hard to relax - good advice to not listen for it - I had begun to do that!

OP posts:

princessTiasmum · 18/02/2021 23:27

You can download apps on your phone, for relaxation, , anxiety etc,and there are a lot to choose from,
I have one that is for anxiety, with a hypnotic voice ,it does help,

ladygindiva · 21/02/2021 04:57

Nanny I'm interested in what you've said about low iron as I think this is the cause of mine. I suffer Very heavy periods and had low iron, Dr gave me a supplement and its helped however still get the tinnitus during my period. Have also read it could be hormonal. I can't sleep when I get mine. For 4 or 5 nights in a row. I spend my days looking after 4 year old twins with no help mist if the time. Wouldn't be an exaggeration to say mine makes me feel pretty suicidal. There's no way I can live with it, I'm determined to conquer it.

ladygindiva · 21/02/2021 05:10

most of Typing this during a bout that has kept me awake since 3am

DiscontentedWoman · 21/02/2021 05:31

It can come on in perimenopause and menopause as there are oestrogen receptors in your ears. Mine is one-sided so I had an MRI to rule out anything sinister. Staying hydrated helps. Magnesium helps. I have a hearing aid that plays ocean sounds and that helps. I also bought the Flare Calm earplugs and they are useful as well. I have an ear speaker which is good at night

Oblomov21 · 21/02/2021 05:38

I have this. Mildly.
I have very sensitive hearing and can hear a phone text message on someone's phone ping a long way away. This is in no way helpful, at all in life. The noises outside my house, including the road bother me. I am incapable of shutting them off. I've tried nearly everything listed here and absolutely nothing helps. My only saving grace is that I don't have it worse!

Flip