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Valued Contributor
Posts: 939
Registered: ‎03-14-2011

Could use some help on being able to get restful sleep with tinnitus.  I have a medium sound machine.  Dr, shy away from the condition.  Just wondered if anyone has had success, thanks

Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,626
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

There are many threads on the topic.  I've had it for years. Wearing audiologist fitted hearing aids helped over the years during waking hours, but trying to fall asleep was always challenging.  Trying to go to sleep, I would hear the high pitched ringing and I'd also hear the whooshing.  I'd do what I could to distract myself; thinking about stuff, redecorating something in my mind, planning an event, praying, singing a song in my mind, etc. until I'd fall asleep. Then one day. I noticed I wasn't getting the whooshing anymore snd the high pitched ringing was significantly lessened, practically gone, and the only lifestyle change I had made was diet related - eliminating sugar, grains, and refined carbs, and now having my body operate on fat fuel.  At first, I thought I was imagining it, but I did some research and found that is another real benefit to my way of eating. 

Occasional Contributor
Posts: 6
Registered: ‎12-09-2012

My tinnitus started in December after I had an ear infection... now I feel tormented most of the time.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 939
Registered: ‎03-14-2011

Thank you JLF.  What a resonable thing to try.  First time I heard that.  Is it hard to omit the grains, also do you allow yourself one cup of coffee in the a.m.  Can you give me an example of refine carbs?  I should know these things but so many thanks for your help.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,290
Registered: ‎09-15-2016

I don't remember what quiet is like anymore, mine is like a tornado siren at its highest peak & its been that way since the early 90's. I just learned to except it..no more drs, so called cures, being embarrassed because the flow of conversation is difficult, stressing about about what I can't do anymore & on & on. I stopped using a fan, noise machine, radio & made up my mind to lay down, relax & go to sleep...it took time but it worked. When others with tinnitus ask me to share the secret of how I cope...well there is no secret, you have to find your own way. I wish you quiet @matty liz.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 939
Registered: ‎03-14-2011

Thank you Kitcat, it does come to that.  Trying to go the right route with Dr.s is unbelieveable.  Thank you

Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,626
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

@matty liz wrote:

Thank you JLF.  What a resonable thing to try.  First time I heard that.  Is it hard to omit the grains, also do you allow yourself one cup of coffee in the a.m.  Can you give me an example of refine carbs?  I should know these things but so many thanks for your help.


@matty liz  Refined carbs are bread, cereal, donuts, bagels, cakes, rice, pizza crust, etc.  you also want to avoid sugary, starchy vegetables; potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, beets, etc.  Look up the keto diet, that's how I eat - have been for over 2.5 years.  If you're going to do it, it's pretty much an all or nothing kind of thing.  You can't be sort of keto.  I have coffee everyday, but I use a keto friendly alternative sweetener. The keto way of eating has improved my health in many areas; more energy, better sleep, more flexibility, more endurance, better cognition, the tinnitus, and dropping 150 lbs. 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 939
Registered: ‎03-14-2011

JLF, believe it or not, you made that simple for me.  I understand all or nothing.  Thank you

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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,042
Registered: ‎11-20-2010

I have had the ear ringing for years and just learned to live with it.  BUT about two years ago something changed and in addition to my normal ear ringing I heard such a loud sound I thought it was the smoke alarm and I jumped out of bed looking everywhere for what was making that noise.  Turned out it was my ears/head. 

 

It happens almost nightly now but not as loud as when it first started and with it a get a terrible clenching in a back muscle like a charlie horse.  Wakes me up every night just about.  Also happens during the day but no as often.

 

No one seems to know about anything like this.  My PCP sent me to the ER the first time it happened thinking it was precurser to stroke (it wasn't)  have seen a neurologist and my ENT.  New to them with the clenching going along with the sound.  Very strange connection.  I am at a loss regarding an explanation.

 

I have an appointment with my PCP in a couple weeks and I'll bring it up again.  Last time we talked she suggesed maybe a sleep study.

 

I remember a poster here who heard noises no one else could hear (An elderly widow, can't remember her name)  Wonder if she was hearing what I am hearing.  She no longer posts. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,826
Registered: ‎09-01-2010

@KathyM23 

The poster you are referring to was most likely dealing with aging related cognitive issues, not tinnitus.