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Original poster

Tinnitus … I can’t cope

38 replies

Anlou19 · 22/01/2023 21:47

I had a terrible infection that left me bed bound, sore throat, aching body, fever etc a few days in I developed muffled hearing then a few days after that this high pitched ringing noise it’s awful! I Googled (I probs shouldn’t have) and terrified it will be permanent. Has anyone recovered from this?

OP posts:

HelloMrBond · 22/01/2023 21:58

I’ve had quite bad tinnitus for just over 10 years now (I’m 40). It’s not going away, I think in time you can train your brain to block it out, although if you ever think ‘I’ll listen to the ring’ then it’s overwhelming. Day to day I’ve noticed I need to lip read more (especially noticeable through Covid and everyone wore masks) as my overall hearing is weakened by having to try and hear over the top of the ringing.

stayathomegardener · 22/01/2023 21:59

Did you have Covid?
It's not unusual if so and there are support groups on line.

Overall I'd say it eases going on my friends experience.

BCxx · 22/01/2023 21:59

I had it for a long time caused by work related stress it turned out. I’ve gone off work (for multiple reasons) and it’s completely gone!

Original poster

Anlou19 · 22/01/2023 22:08

Covid test was negative, but I have never felt so ill whatever it was and I’m still trying to recover. I am in tears thinking I’ll have this forever I’m only 31. I can’t sleep or concentrate on anything because it’s so loud.

OP posts:

Dbank · 22/01/2023 22:11

I also have tinnitus and totally sympathise.

Initially the lack of sleep almost made me loose my mind! But I talked to some other sufferers and the main take aways were.

We don't know what cause it and we can't fix it.
It won't kill you

It may go away, especially as it was caused by an infection. (I'm no doctor!) but honestly it's not as big a problem as you may think at the moment if it doesn't go.

Your brain will start to ignore it and soon you'll get a few fleeting seconds when you don't notice it.

In time most people, as I have, just get used to it and it's really not a problem for me anymore. I probably notice it a couple of times a day. (less I think about it the better!)

It will be tough initially, and your GP may be able to help with the lack of sleep with drugs in the short term.

Wishing you all the very best, just ask if there's any thing else I can tell you.

Marasme · 22/01/2023 22:11

Have had tinnitus since my first covid vax.
it s not improved but my brain now blocks it out most days.
It sometimes spikes up a bit, but then settle back down to the standard level...

78Summer · 22/01/2023 22:17

Tinnitus is often because your system is on high alert after stress or illness. I suffered with it after my mother died traumatically.

I went to a BAC registered acupuncturist for mine and it settled it quite rapidly. Most people can hear noises if they ‘listen’. You have to get out the stress cycle in which ever way that works for you. You will be okay. I found sound apps helped me in the early days. Virtual hug for you.

TazTheFairy · 22/01/2023 22:20

Yes, I've had it post infection and I remember how utterly miserable it was, especially trying to sleep so you have my sympathy. I'm one of the lucky ones in it went away eventually. DS however has it permanently and has for years, what has helped him (apart from hearing aids for a time, which is obviously not a short term solution) is using other sounds to distract the brain, there are apps you can use at night to listen to to help get to sleep (white noise, rain fall etc), which will help if stress exacerbates it like it does for him. He also used some eardrops for a few weeks that helped clear a bit of blockage.

Sausagis · 22/01/2023 22:21

I have tinnitus with every bad cold, but (touch wood) it always goes away in a week or two. Play music or white noise at night - nothing worse than lying in bed listening to it!

Irisheyesareshining · 22/01/2023 22:21

Aww it’s awful when you first develop it, I have had mine ten years now but it honestly fades overtime . Only starting hearing today after reading this post . The brain is a remarkable thing and will learn to ignore it or at least not be bothered by it .

bijouxtt · 22/01/2023 22:24

Binaural beats played through earphones and take Sudafed. Mine was caused by mucus and it went after about a week

allthepeaches · 22/01/2023 22:25

Hopefully your tinnitus will be temporary. I have it in one ear permanently and can thoroughly recommend using white noise in the background/playing whilst you sleep to help you get through until it goes away. Mine is completely stopped by a specific frequency. I use the White Noise app and you can download a huge variety of different sounds so you should be able to find one you get on ok with. I know it's awful and you don't want to have to listen to white noise but it could really help you get some rest and also take your mind off it

Original poster

Anlou19 · 22/01/2023 22:27

I’ve been taking Sudafed and using a nasal spray. It sounds so loud because I can’t hear properly out that ear as well it sounds like my ear is under water. It’s miserable

OP posts:

inigomontoyahwillcox · 22/01/2023 22:27

I've had unilateral tinnitus for almost 10 years - just woke up with it one day. I honestly only remember it's there and "hear" it when I'm reminded I have it - such as reading this :)

Your brain is amazing at adapting - if it does end up being permanent or long term then please don't despair, you will learn to cope with it.

Your GP should be able to refer you to a tinnitus/hearing clinic where they can hep you with coping strategies.

potatoesofthenight · 22/01/2023 22:35

Anlou if you have muffled hearing you may just need to have microsuction to clear your ears it costs about £60.

potatoesofthenight · 22/01/2023 22:36

Sorry posted too soon you can get it done at supersavers or most audiologists.

Original poster

Anlou19 · 22/01/2023 22:38

@potatoesofthenight thank you! My heating in the ear is muffled and sounds think everything is under water. I will look into this.

OP posts:

Original poster

Anlou19 · 22/01/2023 22:40

Sorry hearing **

OP posts:

GoChasingWaterfalls · 22/01/2023 22:43

I'm 42 and have had it since I was 18.

Honestly the only time I hear it is when I read about it on forums like this and then remember that I have it! My hearing isn't brilliant though. I find I have to use subtitles when watching TV these days because all the actors sound like they're mumbling. I'm fine in conversation with people.

potatoesofthenight · 22/01/2023 22:50

It definitely sounds like a blocked ear and that does cause tinnitus.

whatadoodledo · 22/01/2023 23:34

I have it but no longer notice it and like some other posters only 'heard' it again after this post. Mine is a high pitched ring but over time I seem to no longer notice it even though it is always there.

stayathomegardener · 23/01/2023 07:46

The fact your ear is blocked is a positive, hopefully if you clear that it will resolve.

Buy a facial steamer on Amazon to clear your sinuses and look on YouTube for facial massage to clear Eustachian tubes.
Fingers crossed for you.

Original poster

Anlou19 · 23/01/2023 10:57

So I am just back from the drs he said the inside of my ear is scarlet. He’s gave me a spray to put in my ear because the sinus spray and the face steaming is working on my sinuses but not helping my ear. Ringing is still terrible praying this works I have been up all night it’s all I can focus on!

OP posts:

Dbank · 24/01/2023 12:10

How are you doing this morning ?

Original poster

Anlou19 · 24/01/2023 15:15

@Dbank I still can’t hear properly out my right ear and I still have the ringing unfortunately. I do have ear drops but no change so far it’s a horrible thing and hard to block out. If no change I’ve to go back in a week. Wish I could block out the noise but because my hearing is muffled it sounds louder.

OP posts:

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