Controlling Tinnitus: What works for you?

Bad day today with tinnitus. I was taking steroids (low dose) and wonder if that was having a good effect a few days ago. I cannot really tolerate them.

I started by taking 3 grams per day.

After a while I cut it back to 2g/day, but if it starts to get slightly noticeable, I up it back to 3g/day.

It doesn't appear to have any negative side effects on me, that I've noticed anyway. Of course that is just a conjecture, I haven't had a doc test it.

But as I mentioned in an earlier post. If I stop taking the Taurine, within a couple of days I notice the difference and remember how loud it used to be.

I'm in a quiet room now, not even an air conditioner fan noise, and I have to concentrate to hear the slightest hiss.

I don't know if it would work for anyone else. If you want to self-experiment on yourself, it's up to you. If you do, let us know if it works.

Bob

@windyshores It truly amazes me that ENTs behave this way. When I had my acoustic trauma and was suffering from a confirmed 5-10 db loss in my right ear with hyperacusis, my ENT said that I had better hearing in my left ear than he did, so I should consider myself lucky given that I was 12 years older than him. He then told me that my hyperacusis was likely a mental health issue, and I should go to therapy. Needless to say, I got a new ENT who, quite frankly, is only a lesser jerk, so I’m still shopping. Luckily, I’ve noticed an improvement in the hyperacusis over the months since, so I haven’t yet tried taurine. I live in NYC, so I wear earplugs or headphones outside and in loud stores, but not in my home, except when doing dishes or vacuuming. I only notice tinnitus in the wee hours when I can’t sleep. Then it’s pretty loud, but not during the day.

Thanks. I might get brave and try it. Not sure.

@cudabinacontenda the implication that there is a mental health component stunned me. Is this what docs do when they cannot solve a problem? Like you, I had a major noise trauma just a few weeks before I saw the ENT. Yet they focused on "stress" as a factor, suggested a mouthguard, and that I see a psychiatrist for clonazepam (I brought a study showing clonazepam helped tinnitus). We all feel a little desperate when tinnitus arrives or gets worse. I have never been told by anyone else that I have a stress issue.

Does anyone else have trouble using ear plugs? The change in pressure when I take them out causes pain, dizziness, and may worsen tinnitus. I told ENT that and no response. I do pull on earlobe and put my finger in to slowly break the seal. Suggestions?

I am dizzy again today and they just say it is "vestibular migraine." What about my inner ear?

@windyshores I’m sorry to learn that you are dealing with this provider nonsense when you have a real clinical issue. Yes, anxiety can worsen the problem, but it’s not the CAUSE of it. I was likewise stunned by the cavalier dismissiveness of my ENT and his narcissism in viewing my hearing loss only through a comparison with his own. What does his hearing have to do with mine?!

Regarding your ear plug issue, I’ve only had occasional problems with suction upon removal, even though I am also careful in breaking the seal. I prefer the smaller silicone pillows because I don’t have to insert them, but they’re more costly per use than foam. I’ve experimented a lot. My favorite brands are PQ for silicone (Mack’s are too big) and 3M Classic in foam. Of course, it all comes down to ear size and form.

Thanks for the tips!

I am a positive person and am trying to habituate. But I stated the problem: increased tinnitus after a very loud and too long music exposure (stupid me). It is very distressing at first and yes there is a cycle of tinnitus, stress over tinnitus, making it worse. But it is reasonable to be distressed at first.

Interesting that your ENT also brought up their own hearing issues.

Instead of saying" I have had tinnitus since I was 19. You just put it on the back burner" (hands in pocket while standing)...my ENT could have said "I know it's really tough in the beginning, but things get better for most people because the brain adjusts. I wish we could help more." No empathy, dismissive and basically blaming me.

I have been around docs for many years with an elderly mother, a kid with special health care needs, and my own. I have low expectations. But even those were not met.

I also got tinnitus and hyperacusis from a too loud music exposure lasting a couple of hours. I also kick myself for not knowing better and removing myself from the venue. No use crying over spilt milk, we have to move on with our lives and disabilities. I understand your disenchantment with doctors and I suspect most people that acquire tinnitus experience the same kind of a shrug from their doctors who know that there is not a lot of help out their for tinnitus or hyperacusis. I hope that your journey is easier than mine was and still is. Why are we so unlucky as to acquire a disease for which there is no cure not even any help!

I’m Carole. My tinnitus appeared about two years ago. Had an existing difficulty hearing for years. Finally gave into eeating hearing and they are masking it during conversations. I am hardly ever aware of tinnitus when meditating. Otherwise mostly a hissing noise but “banging noise can be heatd. Understand there has been some succrss in Europe. It has been passed thru the FDA here but don’t know spand now in yhe USEITH TONGUE STIMULUS tbut don’t know specifics. If anyone does please share. Carole

Agreed. Any possible help should be shared so that others can benefit. I would be so happy to hear the results from this tongue stimulation method.