Comment from: GareauRA, 25-34 (Patient)Published: September 18
I was in the military and worked on aircrafts. At the time, using hearing protection just seemed silly. Now, I regret it. I have had tinnitus for about five years now. When I first was introduced to it, I let it consume my life, losing sleep, having anxiety attacks, and becoming depressed over it. It was because it was all I thought about for months on end. I will say this, thinking about it and dwelling on it does in some strange way seem to intensify it. After my first encounter, I struggled to cope with it. Then, one day, I came across an article where the author provided helpful tips to live with tinnitus. He said, “If you're concerned with the volume of your tinnitus, then try a simple test. Go to your bathroom or kitchen and turn on the faucet. If when the water is running you can't hear the ringing, your condition is weak in regard to someone who experiences dangerous volumes of tinnitus.” So I tried it. Much to my amazement, the water masked the ringing. That was my “light at the end of the tunnel.” I knew then that it wasn't something that would control my life. After that, it only got easier for me to live with it. And much to my surprise, for years after that, I noticed my self-awareness of it was minimal. I only heard it if I stopped and “listened” for it, and even then, sometimes I did not hear anything. But four years later, I have picked it back up and find myself lost in its trance. I'll get past this again because it's what we victims of tinnitus have to do to live. If you're new to the condition and find yourself lost, try the water test to see if it works for you. The water test won't cure your tinnitus, but it might just be what you need to get past the shock and learn to live with it.
I've suffered from tinnitus for many years and it has gotten progressively worse as I've aged. A couple of weeks ago, the high pitched sound grew worse in my right ear.
By chance, I arrived at this web site and read one of the comments about the individual who was taking vitamin E and how it worsened his tinnitus. I have been taking 400 I.U. of vitamin E for years (makes me look younger), so I didn't believe my increased problem might be due to my vitamin E intake. Coincidentally, I ran out of the 400 I.U. soft gells and by accident bought the 200 I.U. kind.
A day or two after I took my first dose of the 200 I.U., the ringing stopped. Coincidence? I don't know, but I'll find out later when I increase my dosage again to 400 I.U. I bought a bottle of it the other day not knowing that it could possibly be my problem.
So, if you're taking vitamin E and you suffer from tinnitus, you might want to consider reducing or eliminating your dosage. It might help.
By the way, I still have my original tinnitus, it hasn't gone away. But the much increased ringing that occurred in my right ear is gone.
Published: July 22
About 4 months ago, I started getting extreme noise/ringing in my ears. I went to the doctor and he said that I was clenching my jaw at night because of stress which may be a factor in the tinnitus. I also thought I would go crazy. I started wearing a mouth guard to ease the clenching which has helped my jaws feel better, but didn't do a thing for the tinnitus. Time has helped me to get used to it. I am also in the throes of menopause and wonder if hormones may have something to do with it. I am going to try the multi vitamin that someone else suggested. Good luck to all of us, and if anyone finds a "cure", please share it with us!
I had an attack of vertigo 6-8 months ago, the doctor prescribed me some medicine, the room was spinning, I felt sick it was terrible, the high pitched noise in my ears has got worse in the last few weeks, in the day I don't notice the noise because of the radio, TV set, and everyday noises mask it, but at night when its quiet that's the worst, it does not keep me awake at the moment I sleep OK, listening to the birds singing in the morning, and the wind, is peaceful, I eat as much fresh veggies and fruit as I can, I don't smoke, I drink a glass of Perry occasionally.
Comment from: LarryG, 65-74 Male (Patient)Published: August 26
In the Navy I worked around aircraft and flew six years on a flight crew, this was long ago and we didn't use ear/hearing protection. I have had loud noise for 10-15 years. A couple of years ago I started to "hear" noise on top of noise ie. a high pitched ring with clocks ticking on top of that (it wakes me up). I read somewhere that gabapentin (Neurotin) would help and it does take care of the top level of noise ie. the clock ticking sound. I take 300mg twice a day, check with your doctor.
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Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors include age, gender, family history, and exposure to chemicals. Symptoms range from headaches, leg and feet numbness to seizures. Treatment is dependant upon the type and location of the brain tumor.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes signs and symptoms including ear pain, bite problems, headaches, dizziness, clicking sounds in the jaw, tinnitus and/or locked jaws. Behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ include teeth grinding or clenching, fingernail biting, habitual gum chewing, trauma to the jaw, stress, and occupational hazards. Treatment for TMJ may include heat, ice, a soft diet, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy, stress management, occlusal therapy, correction of bite abnormalities, and surgery.
The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Problems include partial or complete blockage which can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness. Allergies, sinus and ear infections, or the common cold can cause this blockage, while altitude changes can cause symptoms in those persons with Eustachian tube problems. Treatment includes several maneuvers (swallowing, chewing gum, yawning etc.), which can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
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Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental and physical). The causes of fatigue are generally related to a variety of conditions or diseases for example, anemia, mono, medications, sleep problems, cancer, anxiety, heart disease, drug abuse, and more. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease that is causing the fatigue.
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of ear fullness. Diuretics, anti-vertigo, anti-nausea and low salt diets are the primary treatment for Meniere disease. Surgery may be recommended if the vertigo cannot be controlled with medication.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a form of cancer in which malignant cells form in the nasopharynx tissues. Risk factors include being of Chinese or Asian ancestry and exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms and signs of nasopharyngeal cancer include a sore throat, a lump in the neck or nose, trouble hearing, nosebleeds, headaches, and trouble hearing, breathing, or speaking. Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer, the tumor size, the type of cancer, and the patient's health and age.
Ear was is a natural substance secreted by special glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. It repels water, and traps dust and sand particles. Usually a small amount of wax accumulates, dries up, and then falls out of the ear canal carrying with it unwanted particles. Under ideal circumstances, you should never have to clean your ear canals. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. Ear wax may accumulate in the ear for a variety of reasons including; narrowing of the ear canal, production of less ear wax due to aging, or an overproduction of ear wax in response to trauma or blockage within the ear canal.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Objects or insects in the ear can be placed in the ear by patients themselves, or an insect crawling in the ear. Ear wax can also cause ear problems if Q-tips are overused to clean the ears. Symptoms of an object in the ear are inflammation and sensitivity, redness, or discharge of pus or blood. When to seek medical care for an object or insect in the ear is included in the article information.
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Smokeless tobacco can have negative health effects such as cancers, poor oral health (gum disease and tooth decay), infertility, pregnancy complications, and nicotine addiction.
The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages
who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming
active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary
heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for
stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to
control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls
among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of
anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician
visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be
beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular,
moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five
or more...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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I was in the military and worked on aircrafts. At the time, using hearing protection just seemed silly. Now, I regret it. I have had tinnitus for about five years now. When I first was introduced to it, I let it consume my life, losing sleep, having anxiety attacks, and becoming depressed over it. It was because it was all I thought about for months on end. I will say this, thinking about it and dwelling on it does in some strange way seem to intensify it. After my first encounter, I struggled to cope with it. Then, one day, I came across an article where the author provided helpful tips to live with tinnitus. He said, “If you're concerned with the volume of your tinnitus, then try a simple test. Go to your bathroom or kitchen and turn on the faucet. If when the water is running you can't hear the ringing, your condition is weak in regard to someone who experiences dangerous volumes of tinnitus.” So I tried it. Much to my amazement, the water masked the ringing. That was my “light at the end of the tunnel.” I knew then that it wasn't something that would control my life. After that, it only got easier for me to live with it. And much to my surprise, for years after that, I noticed my self-awareness of it was minimal. I only heard it if I stopped and “listened” for it, and even then, sometimes I did not hear anything. But four years later, I have picked it back up and find myself lost in its trance. I'll get past this again because it's what we victims of tinnitus have to do to live. If you're new to the condition and find yourself lost, try the water test to see if it works for you. The water test won't cure your tinnitus, but it might just be what you need to get past the shock and learn to live with it.
Related Reading: tinnitus | sleep | anxiety