Tinnitus sapping my joy
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Tinnitus sapping my joy
Hi guys,
5 months without a drink, trying to be positive but my tinnitus (ringing ears) is making me really unhappy since i got it 2 years ago through loud noise, i got sober to maybe help me cope, make my more positive but is doesn't make a difference, this is why i'm not seeing the benefits of me being 5 months sober.
It was only mild at first but gradually got worse and is ruining my life, a recent loud noise has made it worse again, at nightime its screaming at me, never any peace, it sounds like a cross between a screaming tea kettle and a jet engine.
I'm unemployed because the only work i can get is in noisy environments, wearing earplugs makes the noise unbearable.
I've been to doctors, ENT specialists and have all said "there is no cure learn to live with it!" I don't know how much longer i can stay sober with this ever increasing scream in my head!
5 months without a drink, trying to be positive but my tinnitus (ringing ears) is making me really unhappy since i got it 2 years ago through loud noise, i got sober to maybe help me cope, make my more positive but is doesn't make a difference, this is why i'm not seeing the benefits of me being 5 months sober.
It was only mild at first but gradually got worse and is ruining my life, a recent loud noise has made it worse again, at nightime its screaming at me, never any peace, it sounds like a cross between a screaming tea kettle and a jet engine.
I'm unemployed because the only work i can get is in noisy environments, wearing earplugs makes the noise unbearable.
I've been to doctors, ENT specialists and have all said "there is no cure learn to live with it!" I don't know how much longer i can stay sober with this ever increasing scream in my head!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 314
I am sorry you are experiencing this!! I'm not a doctor, but I have read (somewhere) that ringing in the ears can be part of PAWS/getting sober. Something to do with over activity in the brain after removing alcohol. Maybe talk to your ear doctor about this?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Thanks for your reply, my tinnitus started after going to a nightclub 2 years ago, stupidly i was right next to the speakers for a good couple of hours, lost higher frequencies in hearing, so its permanent damage from loud noise.
It wasn't to bad at first, but its gradually getting louder after every loud noise exposure, its terrifying!
All the doctors can offer are pills(anti anxiety, depression meds), i tried them but made me feel like a zombie, so i choose to drink beer instead, quit since new year but its getting louder again and i'm having difficulties not giving in and drinking again.
It wasn't to bad at first, but its gradually getting louder after every loud noise exposure, its terrifying!
All the doctors can offer are pills(anti anxiety, depression meds), i tried them but made me feel like a zombie, so i choose to drink beer instead, quit since new year but its getting louder again and i'm having difficulties not giving in and drinking again.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Terre Haute IN
Posts: 40
Originally Posted by SonomaGal 
I am sorry you are experiencing this!! I'm not a doctor, but I have read (somewhere) that ringing in the ears can be part of PAWS/getting sober. Something to do with over activity in the brain after removing alcohol. Maybe talk to your ear doctor about this?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic USA
Posts: 2,441
Always, I just sent you a PM. The anti-depressant Paxil reduced my sporadic tinnitus significantly. However, my tinnitus usually occurred when I was experiencing stress and fatigue, while your issue appears to stem from physical damage.
Perhaps you want to revisit the anti-depressant angle with your doctor? I know how tortuous the ringing can be.
Perhaps you want to revisit the anti-depressant angle with your doctor? I know how tortuous the ringing can be.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 314
Hi again! Don't give in - in the long term drinking will only give you a different big problem, while not solving the issue you're dealing with. There has got to be alternate solutions, keep looking for them.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: KC MO
Posts: 980
I can relate. I have worked in extremely noisy environments all my life.
I took a job a while back that I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning. I wore earplugs every day. I was getting to the point I could not sleep the ringing in my ears was so bad. I couldn't understand simple conversation either.
About 3 months ago,I went back to what i was doing before. The main difference was normal hours. Within a week my ear tinnitus was back to the level it was before.
There are a whole slew of reasons as to the causes of Tinnitus. I can't prove getting up at 3:30 was causing mine. But I have a feeling it had something to do with it. Earplugs don't help. They jam the wax into your ears although they are a necessity as they help keep out the noise.
I myself have never been to an ear doctor over it,but I was very close to it 3 months ago. I don't have a lot of faith in them,but that's just me. I was looking on Amazon for books on it before mine got better,but I never ordered any.
Also sometimes running water in a sink with water in it, in a closed bathroom sometimes helps. But sometimes it does not.
I am talking without saying much, EXCEPT that drinking is NOT going to help.
It will only make things worse.
Fred
I took a job a while back that I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning. I wore earplugs every day. I was getting to the point I could not sleep the ringing in my ears was so bad. I couldn't understand simple conversation either.
About 3 months ago,I went back to what i was doing before. The main difference was normal hours. Within a week my ear tinnitus was back to the level it was before.
There are a whole slew of reasons as to the causes of Tinnitus. I can't prove getting up at 3:30 was causing mine. But I have a feeling it had something to do with it. Earplugs don't help. They jam the wax into your ears although they are a necessity as they help keep out the noise.
I myself have never been to an ear doctor over it,but I was very close to it 3 months ago. I don't have a lot of faith in them,but that's just me. I was looking on Amazon for books on it before mine got better,but I never ordered any.
Also sometimes running water in a sink with water in it, in a closed bathroom sometimes helps. But sometimes it does not.
I am talking without saying much, EXCEPT that drinking is NOT going to help.
It will only make things worse.
Fred
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Originally Posted by SonomaGal
Hi again! Don't give in - in the long term drinking will only give you a different big problem, while not solving the issue you're dealing with. There has got to be alternate solutions, keep looking for them.
I know drinking doesn't solve anything, but I think it's very hard to be sober long term while being so unhappy, a mean most find happiness in sobriety overtime, but I've had this noise in my head for the past 2 years (feels like 10!) and everyday I find it hard to move past it, to enjoy life, I'm trying to stay sober, but I don't think I'll ever be happy with this constant screech, I just want life to be bearable.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Originally Posted by Nevertheless
I can relate. I have worked in extremely noisy environments all my life.
I took a job a while back that I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning. I wore earplugs every day. I was getting to the point I could not sleep the ringing in my ears was so bad. I couldn't understand simple conversation either.
About 3 months ago,I went back to what i was doing before. The main difference was normal hours. Within a week my ear tinnitus was back to the level it was before.
There are a whole slew of reasons as to the causes of Tinnitus. I can't prove getting up at 3:30 was causing mine. But I have a feeling it had something to do with it. Earplugs don't help. They jam the wax into your ears although they are a necessity as they help keep out the noise.
I myself have never been to an ear doctor over it,but I was very close to it 3 months ago. I don't have a lot of faith in them,but that's just me. I was looking on Amazon for books on it before mine got better,but I never ordered any.
Also sometimes running water in a sink with water in it, in a closed bathroom sometimes helps. But sometimes it does not.
I am talking without saying much, EXCEPT that drinking is NOT going to help.
It will only make things worse.
Fred
I took a job a while back that I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning. I wore earplugs every day. I was getting to the point I could not sleep the ringing in my ears was so bad. I couldn't understand simple conversation either.
About 3 months ago,I went back to what i was doing before. The main difference was normal hours. Within a week my ear tinnitus was back to the level it was before.
There are a whole slew of reasons as to the causes of Tinnitus. I can't prove getting up at 3:30 was causing mine. But I have a feeling it had something to do with it. Earplugs don't help. They jam the wax into your ears although they are a necessity as they help keep out the noise.
I myself have never been to an ear doctor over it,but I was very close to it 3 months ago. I don't have a lot of faith in them,but that's just me. I was looking on Amazon for books on it before mine got better,but I never ordered any.
Also sometimes running water in a sink with water in it, in a closed bathroom sometimes helps. But sometimes it does not.
I am talking without saying much, EXCEPT that drinking is NOT going to help.
It will only make things worse.
Fred
Yeah your tinnitus getting louder was most likely lack of sleep, with that stress levels rise, I get the same, I get to sleep 3 in the morning everyday because I have to wait until I'm exhausted to sleep.
I hope my tinnitus will settle down soon, very hard not to drink when the noise is driving you mad.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Eastern Canada
Posts: 58
I have had tinnitus for so long .. about 20 years .. ever since my ex-husband yelled as loud as he could into my ear.
It's really loud. I'm so used to it now that I can't imagine what "quiet" is like ... might actually be too quiet if I were to experience it somehow.
I have heard that there is a hearing aid-like thing you can get that muffles/silences it a bit, but don't know much about it ... might be worth looking into.
It's really loud. I'm so used to it now that I can't imagine what "quiet" is like ... might actually be too quiet if I were to experience it somehow.
I have heard that there is a hearing aid-like thing you can get that muffles/silences it a bit, but don't know much about it ... might be worth looking into.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 341
I have Tinnitus also and it is MADDENING! Actually I thought my binge drinking caused it to get worse, it's usually worse when I'm hung over.
Nights can be really bad also, trying to get to sleep, mine sounds like millions of crickets, like being outside at night but a million times louder. I have no idea what it's like to have peace & quiet, so I can sympathize!
Nights can be really bad also, trying to get to sleep, mine sounds like millions of crickets, like being outside at night but a million times louder. I have no idea what it's like to have peace & quiet, so I can sympathize!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,313
Sorry to hear this is still a problem for you.
There are more good tips on possible treatments here AS1
Tinnitus - What is it?
If you haven't seen an audiologist yet, I think that's good thing to do.
D
What Can Make Tinnitus Worse?
1. Loud noise! - Exposure to sudden or long-term noise can damage your hearing with resultant deafness and tinnitus. High-risk groups include industrial workers, farmers, transport workers - and don't forget that noisy lawn mower! Reduce the noise source or protect your ears with earplugs, or ear muffs. Leisure noise can also be a hazard, e.g. rock concerts, boom boxes in cars and misuse of a Walkman - never play it loudly.
2. Stress and Fatigue - They make tinnitus worse! Keeping busy - trying to focus your energies OUTWARD AND AWAY from the tinnitus - is an excellent idea, but stress and fatigue only undermine you. Minimise them by rethinking your lifestyle. Relaxation therapy can help greatly if learnt and practised daily.
Hypnotherapy from a qualified practitioner may help. Also good - sports, hobbies, yoga, t'ai chi, reflexology or massage.
3. Medications - It is essential to tell your family doctor about your tinnitus; some common medications cause tinnitus as a side effect or make your existing tinnitus worse. Take special care with medications for arthritis, rheumatic diseases, some antibiotics, and anti-depressants. Also aspirin - ask your doctor about alternatives.
4. Try easing off caffeine (tea, coffee, coca-cola, chocolate), and alcohol as they can temporarily worsen tinnitus for some people. Avoid quinine - as in tonic water. Nicotine and marijuana too. Smoking narrows your blood vessels which supply vital oxygen to your ears and their sensory cells. PLEASE - quit smoking!
1. Loud noise! - Exposure to sudden or long-term noise can damage your hearing with resultant deafness and tinnitus. High-risk groups include industrial workers, farmers, transport workers - and don't forget that noisy lawn mower! Reduce the noise source or protect your ears with earplugs, or ear muffs. Leisure noise can also be a hazard, e.g. rock concerts, boom boxes in cars and misuse of a Walkman - never play it loudly.
2. Stress and Fatigue - They make tinnitus worse! Keeping busy - trying to focus your energies OUTWARD AND AWAY from the tinnitus - is an excellent idea, but stress and fatigue only undermine you. Minimise them by rethinking your lifestyle. Relaxation therapy can help greatly if learnt and practised daily.
Hypnotherapy from a qualified practitioner may help. Also good - sports, hobbies, yoga, t'ai chi, reflexology or massage.
3. Medications - It is essential to tell your family doctor about your tinnitus; some common medications cause tinnitus as a side effect or make your existing tinnitus worse. Take special care with medications for arthritis, rheumatic diseases, some antibiotics, and anti-depressants. Also aspirin - ask your doctor about alternatives.
4. Try easing off caffeine (tea, coffee, coca-cola, chocolate), and alcohol as they can temporarily worsen tinnitus for some people. Avoid quinine - as in tonic water. Nicotine and marijuana too. Smoking narrows your blood vessels which supply vital oxygen to your ears and their sensory cells. PLEASE - quit smoking!
Tinnitus - What is it?
If you haven't seen an audiologist yet, I think that's good thing to do.
D
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,474
Old Rocker Tinnitus Tips
I've got moderate Tinnitus. It stems from Sound Engineering p/t at high volumes; playing Bass Guitar; and listening to Music at high Sound Pressure Levels [SPLs] over Decades. One other thing I couldn't do while hammered is accurately judge when Sounds are 'too loud'. Other causes are Machinery like Shop Tools; Air Nailers; or Riveting; or using Tools like Chain Saws.
Percussive, periodic Sounds cause damage, as does more constant loud Sounds like Music. Bass frequencies are problematic because those long Wavelengths move Inner Ear Fluid more. This damages very fine Inner Ear 'Cilia' [tiny Hairs]. Imagine them as fine Dandelion-type structures that, once bent over and broken, do not regenerate. An imprecise Analogy, but close enough.
One strategy is to mask the constant 'whistling' or 'roaring' with other Sounds at only soft or moderate volume. So-called 'Pink Noise' has been used for years. Noise Generators that output the sound of Waves at the Beach also work. One Rock & Roller falls asleep with the TV on, just listening to Human Voices. What these techniques do is take your Mind off of the 'roaring', even though they don't cure or physiologically alter the problem. Tinnitus seems worse when your Mind is free to notice it. This is sort of like when you are thinking about something while staring at the Ceiling. Many minutes can go by before you realize you haven't 'seen' anything because your Mind is processing other information besides Visual. Masking Tinnitus into irrelevance works sort of like that.
Pink Noise can be generated by a stand-alone 'Box'. I have a very old one I got cheap at a Thrift Store. I used it at Corporate Offices when I could hear distracting 'bassy' Voices coming through Office Walls. Or, one can create a Computer Audio File that plays continuously, etc.. There's any number of free Music 'Channels' on the Internet you could listen to all night. I haven't used one, but I've read about 'Boxes' that connect to the Internet and access Music Channels without a Computer.
Sometimes, I listen to my Shortwave Radio at night via tiny 'Earbuds'. I find that taking my Mind off of the modest ringing by doing other things makes the problem disappear temporarily because my Mind is 'elsewhere'. Sitting outside and 'listening to the quiet' is likely a thing of the past just as moderated Drinking is a thing of the past. So, we adapt to our new Realities and carry on with alternate solutions.
A Pal has some ~$80- Earplugs that squelch loud Gunshot noise, but allow you to carry on a conversation while you wear them. Much different in operating principle than Foam Earplugs or Earmuffs that limit all sound.
The info Dee posted is all good and accurate material re: physical variables. Seeing an Audiologist is excellent advice because 'they've seen it all'.
Tinnitus Explanation
Pink Noise & Sleep Improvement
Percussive, periodic Sounds cause damage, as does more constant loud Sounds like Music. Bass frequencies are problematic because those long Wavelengths move Inner Ear Fluid more. This damages very fine Inner Ear 'Cilia' [tiny Hairs]. Imagine them as fine Dandelion-type structures that, once bent over and broken, do not regenerate. An imprecise Analogy, but close enough.
One strategy is to mask the constant 'whistling' or 'roaring' with other Sounds at only soft or moderate volume. So-called 'Pink Noise' has been used for years. Noise Generators that output the sound of Waves at the Beach also work. One Rock & Roller falls asleep with the TV on, just listening to Human Voices. What these techniques do is take your Mind off of the 'roaring', even though they don't cure or physiologically alter the problem. Tinnitus seems worse when your Mind is free to notice it. This is sort of like when you are thinking about something while staring at the Ceiling. Many minutes can go by before you realize you haven't 'seen' anything because your Mind is processing other information besides Visual. Masking Tinnitus into irrelevance works sort of like that.
Pink Noise can be generated by a stand-alone 'Box'. I have a very old one I got cheap at a Thrift Store. I used it at Corporate Offices when I could hear distracting 'bassy' Voices coming through Office Walls. Or, one can create a Computer Audio File that plays continuously, etc.. There's any number of free Music 'Channels' on the Internet you could listen to all night. I haven't used one, but I've read about 'Boxes' that connect to the Internet and access Music Channels without a Computer.
Sometimes, I listen to my Shortwave Radio at night via tiny 'Earbuds'. I find that taking my Mind off of the modest ringing by doing other things makes the problem disappear temporarily because my Mind is 'elsewhere'. Sitting outside and 'listening to the quiet' is likely a thing of the past just as moderated Drinking is a thing of the past. So, we adapt to our new Realities and carry on with alternate solutions.
A Pal has some ~$80- Earplugs that squelch loud Gunshot noise, but allow you to carry on a conversation while you wear them. Much different in operating principle than Foam Earplugs or Earmuffs that limit all sound.
The info Dee posted is all good and accurate material re: physical variables. Seeing an Audiologist is excellent advice because 'they've seen it all'.
Tinnitus Explanation
Pink Noise & Sleep Improvement
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by AlwaysSober1
I've been to doctors, ENT specialists and have all said "there is no cure learn to live with it!" I don't know how much longer i can stay sober with this ever increasing scream in my head!
I know exactly what you mean -- I hate having this
used to have it in both ears -- but now only one -- but loud
there are support groups
one just a while back started in my City -- been meaning to make it there
MM
William Shatner speaks about his tinnitus - YouTube
William Shatner speaks about his tinnitus - YouTube
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 202
Have you tried Acamprosate? It's supposed to help many people with tinnitus and (of course) it's primarily a treatment for alcoholism, so if it doesn't help one problem it might help the other...
Best wishes to you, sounds like a tough condition to learn to manage.
Best wishes to you, sounds like a tough condition to learn to manage.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by Kitkat331
Have you tried Acamprosate? It's supposed to help many people with tinnitus
went and read about it on goggle
thanks for sharing
MM
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,313
Please remember when sharing your experience that what happened to you and how you overcame it may not work or even be suitable for others.
Always check with your Dr. before starting any treatment.
D
Always check with your Dr. before starting any treatment.
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Originally Posted by Dee74
Sorry to hear this is still a problem for you.
There are more good tips on possible treatments here AS1
Tinnitus - What is it?
If you haven't seen an audiologist yet, I think that's good thing to do.
D
There are more good tips on possible treatments here AS1
Tinnitus - What is it?
If you haven't seen an audiologist yet, I think that's good thing to do.
D
I did see an audiologist just before seeing the ENT doctor, tested my hearing, found slight hearing loss at the higher frequencies, offered advice on masking the noise when in bed etc, but i find my tinnitus overrides the pink/white noise and aggravates my tinnitus even more, so i don't bother with that.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Originally Posted by Kitkat331
Have you tried Acamprosate? It's supposed to help many people with tinnitus and (of course) it's primarily a treatment for alcoholism, so if it doesn't help one problem it might help the other...
Best wishes to you, sounds like a tough condition to learn to manage.
Best wishes to you, sounds like a tough condition to learn to manage.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
