topic Re: Tinnitus in Wellness

Tinnitus

matty liz — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:12:13 GMT

am having such a problem with tinnitus at night. Drs. have so little to say. Any helpful ideas. Would so appreciate. I feel like the only one bothered.

Re: Tinnitus

DrKelli — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:26:35 GMT

I have it when I take out my hearing aid, so obviously at night--thankfully I only have it in one ear (the hearing aid ear). If I put that side down on the pillow, it seems to help.

I don't really have any suggestions, just wanted to let you know what I do that helps. You might try those soft ear plugs?

Re: Tinnitus

catter70 — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:45:58 GMT

My sister has this issue and she sleeps with her TV on all night, or how about a white noise machine. Glad I don't have this because I can't sleep with any noise. Hope you find something that helps.

Re: Tinnitus

Caffeina — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 17:09:56 GMT

@catter70 wrote:
My sister has this issue and she sleeps with her TV on all night, or how about a white noise machine. Glad I don't have this because I can't sleep with any noise. Hope you find something that helps.

I bought a white noise machine to try to mask my tinnitus. All it did was make more noise that I didn't want to hear.

Re: Tinnitus

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:12:29 GMT

I've had it for many years. There is no cure. I put my hearing aids in the minute I wake up and take them out when I'm ready to sleep.

@matty liz there have been other threads on the topic. Try using the search box, you may find helpful information from last conversations.

Re: Tinnitus

granddi — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 23:10:11 GMT

@DrKelli wrote:
I have it when I take out my hearing aid, so obviously at night--thankfully I only have it in one ear (the hearing aid ear). If I put that side down on the pillow, it seems to help.

I don't really have any suggestions, just wanted to let you know what I do that helps. You might try those soft ear plugs?

That is so interesting. I too, only wear one hearing aid but I cannot fall asleep if my normal ear is blocked.

My right ear is impaired so if I try to fall asleep on the left side I feel like I am in a sound proof booth.

I think the soft ear plugs is worth a try.

Re: Tinnitus

matty liz — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:37:15 GMT

Thanks to each of you for support and trys. I so appreciate you. If you find a miracle, I know you'll post. Have a lovely Christmas

Re: Tinnitus

Mindy D — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 17:31:00 GMT

@matty liz There are some causes of tinnitus that you might have under your control. One cause can be use of medications such as the use of aspirin and other NDAIDs. Other medications include certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, water pills (diuretics), antimalarial drugs and antidepressants. Ear blockage with wax can be another controllable cause. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can also contribute to tinnitus. Chronic diseases can cause tinnitus and for some of the diseases, with proper control the tinnius wanes. Visits to specialists might be warranted to determine the underlying cause and devise a treatment plan if warranted by the causal condition.

Some treatments:
Earwax removal

Treating underlying vascular conditions, including high blood pressure, with medication or surgery

Hearing aids if the tinnitus is age related or induced by noise

Switching medications if the tinnitus stems from a medication

Use of a white noise machine such as fans while you sleep

Use of an in ear masking device that priduces a low level white noise

Use of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. This is a program administered by an audiologist

you wear a sound masking device in ear are receuve directive counseling to notice
The tinnitus less over time and to feell less stress over the tinnitus.

Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you learn techniques to cope.

Prescriptions for anti anxiety and depression medications, if deemed necessary.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Still investigational.

Re: Tinnitus

ALRATIBA — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 20:37:20 GMT

Best advice: get use to it.

Mine started in 2006. I'm convinced that a medication that I was prescribed was the cause. I also have moderate hearing loss which is a contributing factor. Got a lot worse (louder) after some recent "jabs."

One strange thing that seemed to help occasionally - Gatorade. Probably just coincidental.

My "sound effects" change frequently.

Re: Tinnitus

Lucky Charm — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:33:51 GMT

@DrKelli wrote:
I have it when I take out my hearing aid, so obviously at night--thankfully I only have it in one ear (the hearing aid ear). If I put that side down on the pillow, it seems to help.

I don't really have any suggestions, just wanted to let you know what I do that helps. You might try those soft ear plugs?

@DrKelli

I hope you don't mind my asking, but is it common to take the hearing aid out at night? Is it more comfortable without it in?

Reason I ask, I'm going back to my ENT to try out hearing aids in a few weeks. I guess I'm hoping they won't *bug* me/be uncomfortable. I only need one for one ear. Thanks in advance.

Re: Tinnitus

Duckncover — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 01:24:17 GMT

Have you been diagnosed with tinnitus? Not all ear noise is tinnitus. If it is a "whooshing" sound, it could be intercranial hypertension, or IH. Very important to rule that out...many drs don't even know what it is.

Re: Tinnitus

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:00:52 GMT

@Lucky Charm wrote:
@DrKelli wrote:
I have it when I take out my hearing aid, so obviously at night--thankfully I only have it in one ear (the hearing aid ear). If I put that side down on the pillow, it seems to help.

I don't really have any suggestions, just wanted to let you know what I do that helps. You might try those soft ear plugs?
@DrKelli

I hope you don't mind my asking, but is it common to take the hearing aid out at night? Is it more comfortable without it in?

Reason I ask, I'm going back to my ENT to try out hearing aids in a few weeks. I guess I'm hoping they won't *bug* me/be uncomfortable. I only need one for one ear. Thanks in advance.

@Lucky Charm, I am not @DrKelli, but I hope it's ok for me to chime in. Yes, hearing aids are removed when you sleep, bathe, wash and blow dry your hair. After being in one's ears all day, the ear gets moist so the aids can get a build up of moisture, which over time can cause internal damage to the wiring. In order to properly cared for the aids, they should go in a specially made drying box at night. If you need a recommendation, let me know. Doing this every night will help the equipment last longer. Hearing aids are expensive so we need to protect our investment. In addition to that, the part of the aid that goes in the ear has a type of filter that collects wax, know as a wax guard. These need to be replaced regularly in order for the aid to work correctly. If it gets filled with wax, the aid will stop working, even if you put a fresh battery in. Your audiologist will tell you which kind to get, based on the type/brand of hearing aid you buy.

Re: Tinnitus

Lucky Charm — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:13:27 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@Lucky Charm, I am not @DrKelli, but I hope it's ok for me to chime in. Yes, hearing aids are removed when you sleep, bathe, wash and blow dry your hair. After being in one's ears all day, the ear gets moist so the aids can get a build up of moisture, which over time can cause internal damage to the wiring. In order to properly cared for they aids, they should go in a specially made drying box at night. If you need a recommendation, let me know. Doing this every night will help the equipment last longer. Hearing aids are expensive so we need to protect our investment. In addition to that, the part of the aid that goes in the ear has a type of filter that collects wax, know as a wax guard. These need to be replaced regularly in order for the aid to work correctly. If it gets filled with wax, the aid will stop working, even if you out a fresh battery in. Your audiologist will tell you which kind to get, based on the type/brand of hearing aid you buy.

@JeanLouiseFinch

Wow I had no idea about showering/shampooing. I'm in and out of the shower several times a day about 6 months of the year (saltwater swimming).

I may have to pretty much forego that, if I'm unable to wear my hearing aid on the beach. Even if I don't go in the water, I still shower afterwards. That bums me out.

Is it bad to take it out a couple times a day for activities? Or isn't that practical? I go back in Jan about the different hearing aids, of course I'll ask, but it can't hurt to ask anyone here who is familiar with them.

Thanks so much for answering.

Re: Tinnitus

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:13:52 GMT

@Lucky Charm wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@Lucky Charm, I am not @DrKelli, but I hope it's ok for me to chime in. Yes, hearing aids are removed when you sleep, bathe, wash and blow dry your hair. After being in one's ears all day, the ear gets moist so the aids can get a build up of moisture, which over time can cause internal damage to the wiring. In order to properly cared for they aids, they should go in a specially made drying box at night. If you need a recommendation, let me know. Doing this every night will help the equipment last longer. Hearing aids are expensive so we need to protect our investment. In addition to that, the part of the aid that goes in the ear has a type of filter that collects wax, know as a wax guard. These need to be replaced regularly in order for the aid to work correctly. If it gets filled with wax, the aid will stop working, even if you out a fresh battery in. Your audiologist will tell you which kind to get, based on the type/brand of hearing aid you buy.
@JeanLouiseFinch

Wow I had no idea about showering/shampooing. I'm in and out of the shower several times a day about 6 months of the year (saltwater swimming).

I may have to pretty much forego that, if I'm unable to wear my hearing aid on the beach. Even if I don't go in the water, I still shower afterwards. That bums me out.

Is it bad to take it out a couple times a day for activities? Or isn't that practical? I go back in Jan about the different hearing aids, of course I'll ask, but it can't hurt to ask anyone here who is familiar with them.

Thanks so much for answering.

@Lucky Charm It's all about hearing better and protecting the equipment at the same time. If you're going to be on the beach, leave them in as you're relaxing, but remove them and store them in a protective case, and in your beach bag, when you go in the water, even if you're just going to splash around and not actually swim. Dry yourself off well (hands, hair, ear area) before handling them and putting them back in again. Repeatedly taking them out and putting them back in may end up becoming annoying or monotonous for you. I can understand wanting to enjoy the beach, but consistency is also important when wearing your aids in order to become accustomed to them and allowing them to do their job.

Re: Tinnitus

Lucky Charm — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:28:26 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@Lucky Charm wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@Lucky Charm, I am not @DrKelli, but I hope it's ok for me to chime in. Yes, hearing aids are removed when you sleep, bathe, wash and blow dry your hair. After being in one's ears all day, the ear gets moist so the aids can get a build up of moisture, which over time can cause internal damage to the wiring. In order to properly cared for they aids, they should go in a specially made drying box at night. If you need a recommendation, let me know. Doing this every night will help the equipment last longer. Hearing aids are expensive so we need to protect our investment. In addition to that, the part of the aid that goes in the ear has a type of filter that collects wax, know as a wax guard. These need to be replaced regularly in order for the aid to work correctly. If it gets filled with wax, the aid will stop working, even if you out a fresh battery in. Your audiologist will tell you which kind to get, based on the type/brand of hearing aid you buy.
@JeanLouiseFinch

Wow I had no idea about showering/shampooing. I'm in and out of the shower several times a day about 6 months of the year (saltwater swimming).

I may have to pretty much forego that, if I'm unable to wear my hearing aid on the beach. Even if I don't go in the water, I still shower afterwards. That bums me out.

Is it bad to take it out a couple times a day for activities? Or isn't that practical? I go back in Jan about the different hearing aids, of course I'll ask, but it can't hurt to ask anyone here who is familiar with them.

Thanks so much for answering.

@Lucky Charm It's all about hearing better and protecting the equipment at the same time. If you're going to be on the beach, leave them in as you're relaxing, but remove them and store them in a protective case, and in your beach bag, when you go in the water, Eve if you're just going to splash around and not actually swim. Dry yourself off well (hands, hair, ear area) before handling them and putting them back in again. Repeatedly taking them out and putting them back in may end up becoming annoying or monotonous for you. I can understand wanting to enjoy the beach, but consistency is also important when wearing your aids in order to become accustomed to them and allowing them to do their job.

@JeanLouiseFinch Thanks so much for your replies!

Re: Tinnitus

granddi — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:00:09 GMT

My audiologist told me about one of her patients who did sleep with hearing aids so that she could hear her children.

She would have to leave them out few hours in the AM for recharging.

Re: Tinnitus

DrKelli — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:57:15 GMT

@Lucky Charm @Yes, you are supposed to take them out at night. If your aid is uncomfortable, they can also change the 'tip'. I only wear one too and it does take some time to get used to it, but I don't even notice it most of the time.

Re: Tinnitus

Lucky Charm — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:08:56 GMT

@granddi wrote:
My audiologist told me about one of her patients who did sleep with hearing aids so that she could hear her children.

She would have to leave them out few hours in the AM for recharging.

This sounds crazy, but I want to *change* to sleep on the other side of the bed and I watch TV in bed, so I'll fall asleep on my good ear.

I was hoping to be able to keep the hearing aid in so I don't need to turn up the volume. This is going to take some getting used to in all aspects of my life. I'll just have to adjust!

Re: Tinnitus

Lucky Charm — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:19:44 GMT

@DrKelli wrote:
@Lucky Charm @Yes, you are supposed to take them out at night. If your aid is uncomfortable, they can also change the 'tip'. I only wear one too and it does take some time to get used to it, but I don't even notice it most of the time.

@DrKelli

I'm hoping it won't be too much of a difference. I'm so used to wearing ear plugs to drown out noise when I do yard work that I keep them in and forget about them.

But I'm also the kind of person who takes off all jewelry as soon as I walk in the door, earrings, bracelets, even my wedding bands! I find it uncomfortable....My paternal grandmother was *hard of hearing* at a very early age and never wore her hearing aid(s)....probably for the same reason. This was decades ago, I do realize they have perfected them, somewhat.

Thank you for your reply. This is such a huge step for me, but I'm very positive about it. I can't believe I'm excitedly telling people that I'm getting a hearing aid. After years of me saying "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, can you say that again". The masks have made it even harder and so many times when I ask someone to repeat, they say 'It's okay--it's the mask' and finally I thought...no, it's not....and here I am....

Re: Tinnitus

bonnielu — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 04:09:03 GMT

Just saw this post. I have had sudden hearing loss with Tinnitus. Left ear but with treatment to my a rountine MRI. Needless to say I am a bit scared.

I really don't want hearing aids. Not wanting anyone to know I have them. And they tend to be very expensive.