Darn tinnitus..

[Lizrox]

it's so annoying. It's this hissing sound that wont go away. Doctor gave me medication but it isn't working; of course. I think it has something to do with the benzo withdrawal; but I am on benzos now (not abusing them) so why doesn't it go away?

Listening to running water helps it go away but I can't do that all day.

Thanks for listening to my rant. Any suggestions?

Liz

[woops]

I think the tinnitus is indeed caused by the benzos - I think it can appear either as a side effect while using benzos (not abusing - just as prescribed) and is often quoted as a side effect or during withdrawal - its a real bummer - hopefully someone will answer who has suffered in this way.........
Have you checked with sites like benzo island and benzo buddies - lots of info on those sites?
woops

[Barto]

Once it starts, it sucks. Mine started when I quit Klonopin AMA about a year and a half ago. I have been back on benzos for about a year, and my tinnitus has never completely gone away for more than a day or so. It has gotten better though.

Google Kevin Hogan. He has some good info. You should also see an ENT doctor to rule out other causes. I have read that Xanax and other benzos may help, but they take a while to kick in. I have also read that SSRI’s may help. These meds probably help because tinnitus is related to stress and depression. It is also associated with hearing loss, TMJ, and other conditions. If you are like me, you will probably notice it more when it is completely silent, and you are unoccupied. So when it is bothering me, I avoid silence. I will fall asleep to music or sounds of water.

Some say caffeine helps, others say it exacerbates it. With me, it relieves it, but then it seems to come back with a vengeance. And I can’t drink caffeine all day and night to stave it off.

I wish I could tell you something that would make it go away. It might comfort you to know that there are about 50 million people in the US that have tinnitus. Most ignore it; a minority “suffer” from it. It is likely you can learn to ignore it, if it doesn't go away. I suspect mine will get better when I am more fully able to let go of more of my life stressors and depressors.

I hope something here helps it only a little. Again, see an ENT. They are the specialists in this area. Let me know.

[Jane63]

Liz,
I have some problems with Tinnitus too, although mine does not seem to be as bad as some stories I have read about others with this condition.

Mine is more a symptom of my TMJ and probably my anxiety/stress problems as well.
The Xanax I take helps but there are times when my ears feel so full and with a ringing sound that it is really uncomfortable to say the least!
I also take OTC meds such as Excedrene Tension and Tylenol for the pain {fullness} and usually have the radio turned up during the day when I am cleaning and stuff.
I sometimes use a sound diffuser such as "water flowing" or "waves" at night when I am trying to get to sleep...although it seems not to bother me as much in the evenings.

I know Tinnitus can be maddening for some so I really hope you get some relief soon!
Speak to your DR again and tell him the medication he gave you is not working and that you'd like to try something else...Got to be something out there that works!
Take care!
Jane

[lotustea]

In fact my ears are ringing right this minute but I didnt notice it till I read this post, I have had thos problem for a couple of years now. I went to an ear specialist and was tested. He said I had lost some low range hearing resulting in a high pitched buzz in a my ears and that it wouldnt go away. I went to an accupncturist and that would relieve it for a week or so at a time but meanwhile I have adjusted. Its not constant but happens for a bit almost every day. Someone I know had it for years and it just stopped one day. I dont know if mine is related to having been using crack for a long time there or not- if anyone knows anything about that connection I would love to know. Ive heard it can be related to drinkng diet drinks sometimes. Cigerettes and loud restaraunts always bring mine on.

[emmer]

mine is super loud ..and i mean loud ! stupid Benzos

[Barto]

How long have you been off the benzos Emmer? That's when mine started, too. DO you still drink caffeine?

[emmer]

I have been off benzos of 15 months, and yep i drink coffee... probably too much.
I have been finding that the older i get the harder it is to wake up in the morning..so i drink a lot of coffee.