Tinnitus anyone? or 'Why do I hear bells all the time?'

For the past few months, I have had tinnitus, better known as ringing in the ears, in my left ear. It is a high pitched hiss, kind of like when a radio is between stations. I cannot tell you the panic, anxiety and depression I experienced when I first got it.

ENT doctors, primary cares, etc., don't really know what causes it. I did research online, and it turns out that it's fairly common, but there is no real treatment for it. After talking with a couple of people on my job that I found out have it and who I realized live normal lives, I adjusted to it to the point where I could pretty much ignore it completely.

Then this morning I wake up with a NEW sound in my ear. Now it's actually got a tone to it, not just a hiss.

My question is, has anyone ever experienced it or know of someone who has and how they've coped with it? I've been to a really good ENT who thinks its medicine related. I've recently weaned off the med but this ringing hasn't stopped. ANY input would be helpful. Thanks.

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Posted by hmpena

Dh has bad tinnitus. He constantly has a ringing noise. We sleep with a fan every night, as the white noise helps him fall asleep. His doctors told him that there's nothing he can do but cope with it.

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See, I find this totally unacceptable. Poor DH and poor every tinnitus sufferer. To use a classic phrase, they can put a man on the moon but they can't stop a ringing in someone's ear?

I am going to someone who is supposed to be an EXCELLENT ENT doctor on Wednesday, who says, by the way, that tinnitus us often medicine-related until proven otherwise. I'll keep you posted if you like.

my Mom's good friend suffers from it....and they told her that there is no cure either....

it just sounds like such an awful thing to have - i'm so sorry.

Katherine,

I would definitely love to hear what your doctor has to say. DH has just learned to live with it. I feel so bad for him because at times, it's really bad.

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Posted by hmpena

Katherine,

I would definitely love to hear what your doctor has to say. DH has just learned to live with it. I feel so bad for him because at times, it's really bad.

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Any help or info I can offer I most certainly will. I am determined to not just get help for myself, but to get help other people with it too. It can be really delibitating sometimes unfortunately.

I heard of a supplement called 'Lipoflavonoid' that is supposed to help. (I have to first clear it with my doctor because I take other medication.) Tell him to look into that. Also, if DH takes any other kind of medication, tell him to look it up online or talk to the pharmacist and see if tinnitus is one of the side effects.

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Posted by LaurenluvsTJ

I have it. It come and goes. I have just kind of learned to ignore it.

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I had too, until it got louder.

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Posted by johnsae

my Mom's good friend suffers from it....and they told her that there is no cure either....

it just sounds like such an awful thing to have - i'm so sorry.

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Thanks for the sympathy. I'd be glad to pass on any breakthrough news or the ENT doctor's info to your mom's friend as well. Watch the thread for updates.