 sj |
||
|
||
BS: Tinnitus
|
|
|
Subject: BS: Tinnitus From: Stu Date: 25 Feb 08 - 07:43 AM I have developed quite bad tinnitus in recent months, seemingly because of a difficult-too-shift infection in my nasal passages along with an ear infection in both ears. I've been suffering from a cacophony of very high-pitched whistles with the occasional pure tone thrown in for good measure. I've always had slight tinnitus but this is something far louder. After going to a pop concert last night (and not wearing earplugs - it was far louder than I imagined it would be, although not excessive I have to say) I have developed a new more intrusive whistle and a new tone too. The doctor seemed to think it is temporary, and the fact the concert changed the tones is interesting. One more thing - I noticed certain notes actually made me feel dizzy when they were played - a bit like someone thumping me around the head and getting a brief moment of vertigo. It didn't happen much, but was bizarre when it did. Anyone else experienced this? Have you had tinnitus that was intrusive but went away? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: kendall Date: 25 Feb 08 - 08:17 AM I've had constant but not too bad tinnitus, and periodically another much louder ringing comes in for a few seconds. Some years ago I fired a .357 Magnum revolver and the report was off the decibel chart. Stupid. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: theleveller Date: 25 Feb 08 - 08:36 AM I have tinnitus that developed for no apparant reason - some say it's stress-related. It appears to be permanent now. It can sometimes intrude when I'm singing but, like floaters in the eye (which I also have) once you're concentrating on something else, it becomes less noticeable. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 25 Feb 08 - 09:14 AM I have it, due to a grenade simulator being thrown at 2 a.m. and landing about a meter to my left. It usually does not go away -- it probably means that the ear's hearing mechanism has been damaged beyond self-repair. Hearing aids can help, especially if you also have a hearing loss, by picking up other noises which mask the tinnitus. And they do...I know, I have hearing aids in both ears for this reason. Your normal doctor usually don't know squat about hearing problems. Go to a specialist, perhaps a Doctor of Audiology, and have it tested. Do this NOW, because it can get worse. DO NOT rely upon a hearing aid store; get it done right. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Deckman Date: 25 Feb 08 - 09:57 AM Does that ringing in my ears bother you? That's a line I've been using for years since developing. Years and years as a carpenter caused mine. For the first couple of years, it almost caused me to give up trying to tune my guitar. Another guitarist friend HAS given up playing guitar because of it. I've been the complete gambit with doctoring, incling all the specialists. To a person they all said that there really isn't much they can do about it ... and they didn't lie. Today, while I still have it, I've either "gotten used to it" or I'm able to "tune it out" when I playing and singing. I suggest that you try to find a way to smile about it .perhaps realize that it's just another damned reward for living so long. Best wishes, Bob(deckman)Nelson |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 25 Feb 08 - 10:20 AM I can echo Rapaire's experience, mine was in one ear which was the one with declining hearing (too many loud jazz bands in small clubs in my youth?). Now I wear a digital hearing aid (NHS) in that ear I only hear the swooshing sound when I turn the aid off- they've adjusted the frequency range to cut it out. RtS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: GUEST,Chicken Charlie Date: 25 Feb 08 - 10:39 AM Kendall--Too bad, but if you hit the person who was trying to introduce thread creep, it may after all have been worth it. Chicken Charlie |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: SussexCarole Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:09 AM Came on suddenly in my left ear in October - really loud most of the time. It's horrid! Have got to go for a MRI to rule out any lurking 'nasties'. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: The PA Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:17 AM Husband has it. Has had for about 12 years. Not sure if he's just got used to it, or its actually decreasing in volumn. Byethebye he's also in the middle of a court action to sue his previous employers for not providing him and his colleagues with ear protection. They all have a variety of ear/hearing problems. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: sapper82 Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:21 AM Had it for over 11y now. Combination of too many 7.62NATO, loud machinery and, as a final straw, a friend's 50 birthday with a female personality vocalist accompanied by one man and his backing tape. Once hearing has been damaged to the extent of permanent tinitus, I think it becomes more sensitive to further damage by loud noises. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:49 AM Kendall, that's why I wear hearing protection when I fire my .357...or anything else for that matter. Sure wish the Army had provided it, at least on the ranges. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Bernard Quenby Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:57 AM My tinnitus has been constant now for eight years. Had the MRI scan etc etc. and nothing came to light. I'm not convinced it's brought on by loud noises - I can remember the moment it started and there was no apparent reason. Sometimes it's louder than others and I can never find any particular reason. I've learned to live with it. I think it could almost drive you mad if you let it get to you. Despite it being so loud it doesn't appear to affect my hearing of other things - I can still hear really quiet sounds & noises. However, I'd love even just a few moments of absolute silence! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 25 Feb 08 - 12:09 PM Here's a link to the American Tinnitus Association. And I'm sorry. I didn't know HE was there. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Little Robyn Date: 25 Feb 08 - 01:59 PM If your problem is caused by "a difficult-to-shift infection in my nasal passages along with an ear infection in both ears" it could be similar to mine. I was told it often happens to 'middle-aged' women and they just have to learn to live with it. I also had balance problems with it. Then I caught a tummy bug and couldn't face milk for a couple of weeks and guess what? It eased off! So now I try to be dairy free (but sometimes I slip) and most of the time I'm OK again. But you have to cut out ice cream, cream, dairy based dips, Camembert cheese, any sort of cheese and of course milk. I use Soy milk in my tea and just watch the ice cream eaters. But I had some Camembert last weekend and there's a faint whistle in the background. Maybe it's just the computer? Anyway, it's worth a try and you should know within a fortnight if it's going to work for you. Robyn |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Leadbelly Date: 25 Feb 08 - 02:28 PM Believe it or not but this kind of "disease" becomes slightly better after stopping drinking and smoking. Moreover, try to avoid any stress. Although this symptom does not disappear completely one can get used to it. Don't think of it. Sometimes, hypertension might by a trigger, Manfred |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: GUEST,rock chick Date: 25 Feb 08 - 04:58 PM I have worked with the D/deaf and hearing impaired for some considerable years, and also people who suffer with Tinnitus so don't think that there is nothing you can do about your tinnitus. There are plenty of ways to help you manage it. Tinnitus is a medical term to describe noise(s) that people can hear in one ear, both ears or in the head – such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. The sounds heard can vary from person to person, but the common link is that they do not have an external source. Visiting your GP is crucial because your tinnitus may be caused by a condition that is easily treatable, such as an infection or excess earwax. Stress can make this a lot worse. Once your GP has checked your ears, they may refer you to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department at your hospital. Can counselling help me if you have tinnitus? Yes. Being able to talk to somebody who will listen and show understanding can be comforting and reassuring. Your counsellor may also help you see how other things in your life can affect your tinnitus. Medical counselling: Most medical counselling for tinnitus is delivered in specialist tinnitus clinics in hospitals. Your GP may refer you to your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) department initially. If the ENT staff feel it is appropriate, you may then be referred to a tinnitus clinic or specialist. Help at the hospital: First, you'll see a specialist at the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. The specialist will give you a check-up to see if there are any obvious causes of your tinnitus. They then may suggest a referral to a specialist tinnitus centre or clinic, but this will depend on where you live. Some areas may offer limited tinnitus services and some may have none at all. As part of tinnitus management you may be offered: Equipment, such as noise generators therapies, 'White noise' which help you become less aware of the tinnitus. Sound therapy involves listening to a range of sounds that you find pleasant, to distract you from the sounds of tinnitus. Sound and noise generators – whether given to you by the hospital or products you buy yourself - can help you manage and live with tinnitus and hyperacusis (sensitivity to noise). They are forms of sound enrichment. Sound enrichment is a vital part of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). Hearing aids: If you have a hearing loss, using a hearing aid may help tinnitus by: Helping to compensate for your hearing loss Stopping your ears straining to hear Increasing the information available to the brain by picking up background sounds around you. All these will help distract you from paying attention to your tinnitus. Sometimes hearing aids can take some time to get used to, particularly if it is your first one. This is only a few things that could help of course it depends on where you live, which country etc etc. rc |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: selby Date: 26 Feb 08 - 02:52 AM I hace had it a number of years and it is bloody annoying, working with loud machinery and no ear protection. But I look on the positive when I hear mine above the gental noise levels it means peace and quiet has returned and my ears letting me know. Also you are never alone with tinitus there always something twittering in your ear :-) Keith |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Stu Date: 26 Feb 08 - 03:10 AM Lots of good advice here - thanks for your input everyone. I have tones starting and stopping (not constant it seems) and this morning I woke with what sounded like a car turning over in the distance but turned out to be in my head. The fact the sounds change gives me hope it's connected to bunged tubes and not permanent. Off to the docs this morning, so let's see what happens there . . . |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Llanfair Date: 26 Feb 08 - 04:25 AM I've had it since a motorbike hit the car head on and set off the airbags. I find it's very sensitive to air pressure, and whistles away merrily when it's high. It's much quieter when the pressure is down. I'm not suffering hearing loss, but I find that Jim has taken to mumbling a lot just lately, and I can't hear through background noise!! Yea, I know, go and see the doctor!! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Naemanson Date: 26 Feb 08 - 06:24 AM I've had it longer than I can remember. It seems to have always been with me. I think it was caused by too much shooting with too little, i.e., no, hearing protection until I wised up. I have never heard silence. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Stu Date: 26 Feb 08 - 07:01 AM Back from the doctors, and she seems to think there's not much she can do. She has no idea if it's connected to the infection in my nasal passages and her advice is to 'hope it goes away' when the nasal spray to reduce the inflammation kicks in. Great. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: theleveller Date: 26 Feb 08 - 08:15 AM Personally, Naemanson and Rapaire, I've no sympathy with people who go around shooting off guns. What's the point of that? I hate guns (especially because my eldest son is a police firearms officer and has to confront nutters who've got their hands on weapons). |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: MaineDog Date: 26 Feb 08 - 08:51 AM I have suffered from tinnitus for many years now. It is mainly in my left ear. One of its unfortunate effects is that I actually hear musical pitches differently in my two ears. If I want to sing with a group, I have to place myself so that most of the others are on my right side. The reason for this seems to have been menieur's disease in my left ear. You can look up details on the web. The disease produces vertigo and nausea and hearing loss, as well as tinnitus. It may be heredetary. My father had similar problems. His answer to the pitch problem was to forbid most music in his house. The disease can cause major problems if you get an attack while driving! Medication is avaliable for some of the nausea and vertigo, but the ultimate problem stems from degeneration of parts of the inner ear, and is not "curable". A sudden increaseof tinnitus should be checked out by a doctor, but many primary care physiciand are unaware of menieurs disease, you should seek out a specialist. MD |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 26 Feb 08 - 09:26 AM Well, leveller, it's very hard to serve in the military and NOT shoot guns. And I have never kept grenade simulators, much less grenades, around the house. I don't like fireworks that explode or otherwise make noise, either. In fact, I don't like much of anything that's loud, including riding in helicopters, cars and generators without mufflers, motorcycles, working around tanks and armored vehicles, and artillery fire. Where and when I grew up the meat we had was oftentimes squirrel, wild duck, or rabbit, especially in the Fall and Winter. These were hunted and more often than not if you didn't take small game you didn't have any meat. I have not fired a gun without hearing protection, run a lawn mower or other power equipment without hearing protection, or run power tool without hearing protection for well over thirty years now. I insist that my wife wear such as well. I wish that my hearing loss and tinnitus was due to being too close to the stage at Woodstock instead. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: theleveller Date: 26 Feb 08 - 09:52 AM "the meat we had was oftentimes squirrel, wild duck, or rabbit" ...or pheasants. Personally, I find a lamp and a dog much quieter (especially at night on someone else's land! LOL) |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Deckman Date: 26 Feb 08 - 10:02 AM Rap ... "in fact I don't like much of anything that's loud!" I think that's why I divorced my first wife! CHEERS, Bob |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 26 Feb 08 - 01:16 PM Back then we didn't have pheasants, wild turkeys, or deer. They'd been hunted to extinction the previous century and were just being re-introduced to the area. Kill one, even with a car, and you were in big big trouble. Now they're more of a nuisance, especially the white-tailed deer. Just one of those would have fed my family all winter! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: GUEST,David Date: 26 Feb 08 - 11:26 PM Wow, I've recently experienced the same dizzy effect at a live concert. Last night I went to see Interpol, a band from the states. The first two tracks were spot on for volume but soon it seemed all the knobs were turned over 11 and ...wham. I felt like I was being 'thumped' by the music. And certain feedback frequencies made be feel dizzy and uncomfortable. I've never had that experience before. I didn't like the sensation which spoiled my night coz I really like the band and their music. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Naemanson Date: 27 Feb 08 - 05:32 AM Guns, like any other tool, need to be used to if you are going to be any good with them. Guns, like any other dangerous item, have to be treated with respect and caution. Shooters come in many different flavors from arrogant and foolish to cautious and wise. I like to think of myself as the latter. Your son, theleveller, has obviously come up against the other kind. Here in Guam I have no firearms with me. I needed something to dissuade the dogs from coming into the yard to harass my cats. I bought a slingshot. Using a gun is like any other skill. It has nothing to do with speed or caliber. It is merely a way of reaching out and putting the bullet where you want it. I felt like I was on top of the world when I cut a playing card with a flintlock. I felt the same way when Anne Dodson complimented my performance at a concert. Both are skills and both have their uses. I do not consider using a firearm a legitimate response to anyone or anything. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Stu Date: 05 Mar 08 - 09:23 AM Well, I went to the ENT consultant who stuck things up my nose, looked in my ears to see my (blocked) eustachian tubes and the audiologist tested my hearing. Apart from some slight loss at high frequencies (expected at 41) hearing is fine and there is no evidence of inner ear problems and the inflammation in the nasal passages seems to be slight. Outer ear is fine and there is not much evidence of any infection in the middle ear. Been referred for an MRI scan but this is precautionary and there are no anomalies to be seen. Tinnitus is now pretty loud, with a field mad crickets over everything and a pure tone in my right ear. When questioned about this and how it might have came about he didn't know and when pressed for advice said "For God's site don't listen to it". |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 05 Mar 08 - 04:36 PM Not an easy problem to solve. This write-up at the Mayo Clinic website has some suggestions. Tinnitus Some cases can't be helped, and learning how to cope is all that can be done. The next section of the article discusses that. I am getting a hearing aid currently (loss at high end due to age) and the Doctor of Audiology is helping to fit one that will be good for music (my sound system delivers good repro). We discussed tinnitus, etc., because of my age. She said be thankful that I don't have the problem. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Rapparee Date: 05 Mar 08 - 04:50 PM Yes, be thankful you don't have that problem. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: GUEST Date: 05 Mar 08 - 05:41 PM It's worse alone at night. Doesn't affect my hearing or singing etc but when in bed with no other sound it can be a bit iffy. Luckily I am never alone in bed at night. Hey is this because I have had tinnitus for 40 years or more? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Richard Bridge Date: 05 Mar 08 - 06:13 PM I have a faint whistle in my right ear. It started after an ear infection recently. I have had ear infections on and off since I was 5. Usually Otitus Media. Years and years of loud music did me no harm, and my actual hearing is still pretty good. The trick is to learn to listen to something else. Take a clock with a quiet tick. Put it onto a room. Go in while talking to someone else and you will not hear it. You will forget all about it. Let teh room go quiet. If you ahve not thought about the clock, you will not hear it. As soon as you listen for it, you eill hear it. Then you will not be able to stop hearing it until something distracts you, and then you will forget it again. Same with all constant mild tinnitus. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Mr Red Date: 05 Mar 08 - 06:33 PM If you have an ear infection be very careful about exposure to noise. Even musical instruments. Paul Burgess played through an infection (unspecified) and has had hearing aids and now an operation that he seems content with. But he was not aware of the danger at the time. Even something like a cold - it creates softer soft tissue and all those little hairs that you hear with are not seated so securely. a shock wave ( loud noises) can break the hairs or unseat them. When they break clean you lose (usually) higher frequencies. If they break and fall on each other they rub, and that is sensed as noise. Usually high pitched constant white noise but not always. Some people hear a low frequency hum or burble. It can be episodic, comes and goes. Yer average concert these days is not the place to be at this time. I am told that asprin and coffee make things worse and strawberries improve it, found empirically. Sometimes listening to a low level noise on headphones gives hours of respite - sounds are tailored to the individual. Best of luck. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 05 Mar 08 - 09:28 PM This website gives a brief description of what Mr. Red is talking about, and provides good diagrams. Hair Cells Do not confuse these complex cells in the Organ of Corti (see diagram) with the normal hairs outside the eardrum. I can understand that the loud noise called music by teenagers and others (rock, metal(?), rap, etc.) played at high volume can damage these cells, but I doubt that they would be adversely affected by chamber or symphony concerts or recitals. My audiologist explained to me that the adjustment for volume on my new aid was important in this regard. I knew that exposure to loud noise could lead to deafness, but I knew nothing about the mechanism. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: GUEST,Mr Red Date: 06 Mar 08 - 08:10 AM The fluid in the ear changes viscosity with volume - but takes about 500mS to usefully protect and more than 1 sec to protect fully. The average guitar strike or drumbeat is at its worst and dying down long before either. The ear/brain responds to the average intensity. You do the maths. The UK gov is concerned with hearing loss at an earlier age. The two are not un-connected. There is legislation to protect workers from loud music - it came in, in Nov. The New Scientist reported on a new Apple Ipod due this year with software to reduce volume if it has been set too loud too long. I doubt there is any altruism in this but the spectre of class actions in the US must be weighing heavily on their corporate conscience. It is the high Tech equivalent of wing mirrors that say "Objects in the mirror may be nearer than they look" (never seen that in the UK - - yet). What is all the more galling is the insistence of festival/concert organisers that excessive volume is necessary. Excess is nebulous but when two venues intrude on each other - it is too loud. When my earplugs can't cope with the volume - it is way TOO LOUD - I carry 50 pairs in the car - and they dwindle quite quickly as I take pity on poor souls holding their ears. I spotted (and was not looking for) 4 people at the Gloucester Cajun Festival sporting earplugs, those with short hair that is. If it wasn't a dance I doubt they would have been there. Oh and add two more with earplugs, me and Joy. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Tinnitus From: Richard Bridge Date: 06 Mar 08 - 05:26 PM Loud music gets your rocks off. |
