Aristo

Hi,

I have had tinitus (constant ringing in my ears) for about 3 years. There was no loud bang/crash/music that brought it on.

I saw an ENT and he said there was nothing physically wrong.

However, since I have stopped drinking (day 14 for me) - my tinitus has gotten worse. (louder).

Has anybody experienced anything like this ?

I don't know it is because I have stopped drinking .... I have increased my coffee (cafiene) consumtion. So I will stop this and see what happens.

My tinitus started at about the same time that I was diagnosed with Severe OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I started using a CPAP machine whilst sleeping. I'm wondering if it might be related to this - But I saw my sleep specialist Dr, and he said no....

It's bloody annoying, especially when trying to get to sleep and it is dead quiet -

Any ideas / shares ?

Givving up coffee is a good thing anyways I think !

Peace

Aristo

janeeyre

Hi, Aristo--

My husband has constant tinnitus which started after he was hit in the head with a basketball a few years ago. He has noticed it's a lot worse when he eats salty foods. Have you had more salt in your diet?

Take care,
Jane

here somewhere

I have tinitus too. I've had it for as long as I can remember. It's funny how people can't believe that someone can have this really annoying ringing in thier ears and not go crazy. It's there all the time. It never stops. It's about as loud as a persons voice. From what I've read, there is no cure, and it is not an ear or hearing problem, but a nerve problem. Ive read stories of people packing peanut butter in thier ears to try and stop the ringing!
Good luck, and I hope yours is only temporary.
S

Aristo

Thanks folks -

Since I have had it non stop 24/7 for 3 years - I can't see it going away - But I hope.

I have been finding myself staying up till I just get soooo tired I fall to sleep straight away - Because if I go to bed only a little tired, the tinnitus keeps me awake.

I have heard of programs that help with Tinnitus - but they cost like $10K.

My next challenge (after giving up the grog) is to try and reduce the ringing.

So this means:

* No coffee
* Giving up the blasted smokes (tobaco)
* Try to get off my anxiety meds - (now I am not drinking)
* More meditation
* Healthy eating
* Excersise.

It's funny how it has gotten worse after giving up drinking.

I have read that Tinnitus can be caused by stress - I used to drown stress with the bottle and now that I am not - perhaps the stress is showing up more in my Tinnitus. So I better add reduce stress to my list too.

I am trying to form a link here with Tinnitus and other behaviours / signals. I guess the Drs all over the world have tried doing the same thing. But I wonder if anyone has done a world wide internet survey (not that the results would be that accurate cause people have the tendancy to fib in writing - over face to face)

Peace,

Aristo

BigSis

I have a friend with severe tinnitus who got hearing aids that broadcast a tone that masks the ringing tone... you might check with a hearing aid specialist.



PS - Did you know that others can hear the ringing if they get close enough? Amazing!

fraankie

see an eye, ear, and throat specialist

tinnititus has many causes
including alcohol, drugs, viruses, medications, etc
don't play with this one
you will probably need a hearing aid, too

leviathon

I know that I have had bouts of short term tinnitus when I have sobered after heavy drinking bouts. These were always accompanied by periods of dizziness and lightheadedness.

The tinnitus has never persisted beyond a week. I think this is more than alcohol related in your case.

Peace, Levi

tommy79

This is interesting - I too have had periodic tinnitus which I think is related to my drinking. It normally (although not exclusively) comes on when I'm hungover...but I haven't been sober enough recently to be able to test whether it would come on anyway I'm afraid. Hence visiting SR for inspiration!

Thanks for the post.

Aristo

My Tinitus is getting louder and louder - I am 4 weeks sober today and the rining is so bad I can't sleep - It's 4:30 am here and can't sleep so thought I would check my posts since I haven't been on for a while.

janeeyre

Wow, Aristo--I'm sorry it's so loud for you. I just can't imagine how awful that is!

Have you been to a doc recently? There's got to be something that can be done.

Well, here's wishing you a reprieve from the ringing and a chance to rest. (BTW, good job on all the sober time!)

Take care

Kellye C

I may be WAY off base here but I was reading about the problems sleeping because of the ringing. I absolutely cannot sleep in total silence, I must have noise going in the background. It has to be white noise as a tv or radio will keep me awake. My suggestion is to run a box fan on high. It generates a lot of noise which masks other noises, it is a steady noise and helps me fall asleep.

I am wondering if having a box fan on high would at least help mask the ringing somewhat to where you might be able to sleep. Worth a shot?

Best of luck to you, and I hope they figure out something to help you.

Hugs,
Kellye

Aristo

Thanks Kellye & janeeyre,

Yes, I have tried white noise in the background - I de-tune an FM radio until I hear white noise and adjust the volume accordingly. I have also tried CDs of running water, rain, birds, etc - All they do is keep me awake even more.

I think I do need to go back to the Dr. When I was last there to get something done about this, they said there is nothing medically they can do - They suggested Neuromonics - last time I looked it cost $5,000 for the program.

Funny thing is that when I was drinking, the ringing was a lot softer. Must have been numbing my senses - Alcohol helped me get to sleep too -

I will overcome this too - one day, somehow - I am on a mission !

Cheerio,

Aristo

MNGirlyGirl

For real? Or are you joshing us?!!

i've notice ringing in my ears since I've quit drinking. I notice it mostly at night ... not sure if I've always had it because I was probably too loaded to know before.

MNGirlyGirl

Okay, now I feel really stupid.... LOL!!!

here somewhere

Actually it is true. But only if the listener is wearing a tin-foil hat and facing perfectly north.
S.

MNGirlyGirl

Lol!!

2dayzmuse

I too suffer from Tinitus. I have had it since I was 12 after suffering from a head injury. I've dealt with it for so long I've become used to it. I used to think the sound of silence was loud when really it was the ringing in my ears. Sounds funny I know, but that sound was all I really knew for as long as I can remember. I go through bouts where it sounds like there is a bee stuck in my ear drum and I can feel vibrations in my ear. Sometimes my ears set off a high pitch tone. All sorts of weird things can happen and the ringing is definitely affected by high sodium products. Be sure to keep the sodium in check. I hope it settles down soon so you can get some rest.

minnie

There's quite a lot of info on the British Tinnitus Assoc website. I found it when I had problems with my ears when I was travelling and reading this thread reminded me of it.

Sorry to hear so many of you are suffering and hope you find some relief soon.