Tinnitus: What sort of sound do you hear?

[Sue]

You know, I was at the eye doctor about 2 years ago now, and we were talking about my AN, since he was interested.  I told him about the tinnitus and that I had to have a fan at night, and he LAUGHED at me and said, "Well, I've never heard of such a thing."  Can you believe that?  I thought, well, you idiot, I hope you never have to find out.  Then my evil side said, "yes, I hope you do."   

Sue in Vancouver

[wcrimi]

I also sleep with a fan running at night! 

[wendysig]

Hi Sue,

People like you eye doctor are idiots.  I know it's hard to supress that little devil on your shoulder that eggs you on to wish they can share your experience, I think we've probably all felt that with at least one other person.  Kind of funny from our side though when you think about it.  Sorry your tinnitus is bothering you enough to need the fan.

Wendy

[Sue]

Kinda nuts that  a person needs the "white noise" to find relief from the "white noise" going on in the head.  Strange but true.

Sue in Vancouver USA

[EJTampa]

I don't know why, but sounds "inside" the head are detrimental to sleep while external sounds are soothing.  Maybe it's just me though .  Any internal sound, like hearing myself breathe, or whistle through the nose, or even "heartbeat" noises keep me awake.  The tinnitus for me came on suddenly, not slowly.  One day I just had tinnitus.  Sleeping with tinnitus is next to impossible for me.  I have to have the fan, even if it's cold . 
 
I was reading last night with no external noises on (like the fan), and found that the tinnitus would pull me out of the story and back to real life.  Very aggrivating, but If that's the worst it gets, I can deal with it.
 
Ernie

[moe]

Yep just try to survive. Frequent rest periods. Mine is 24/7 screech in the deaf hear, so I can't mask it with CDs. But I can sleep through it! I love my naps, I love my sleep. It's what keeps me going. I try to stay busy, and do best outdoors. Good thing my kids are older-2 in college and teen at home who is invisible. But unfortunately no one will ever be able to empathize unless they have experienced it. I am a nurse, and have tried everything. I also like my meds and have found that low doze xanax is THE only thing that will curb it. (went from a scream, to a screech, so life is bearable). Hard part is finding someone who will prescribe xanax. An addictive antianxiety. Docs don't like to prescribe it.
Maureen

[kathylittlejohncobb]

I am almost 3 year post-op, and the sounds are still with me.  Sometimes they are loud & noticeable; other times I am unaware of them, especially when engrossed in something.  The sounds do change.  Sometimes at night it sounds like millions of crickets; at those times I picture myself out in the middle of nowhere, in front of a campfire & under the stars, and somehow that helps.  At other times, the sound is just a constant mid-tone hum.  Occasionally I will hear several "pings" along with the hum.  The feeling of that ear being "full" is pretty much constant, with that feeling somewhat ebbing at times.  But with all of this, the good news is that one can and will adjust to these things.  The knowledge that we are blessed with the treatment available to us is immeasurable.
Kathy

[Mickey]

Hi Kathy! I`ve had my tinnitus half my life in similiar fashion (60yrs. old). I`m presently W+W. I did go thru Neuomonics which did help me by at least 50%. It`s my only symptom w/ very minor hearing loss. Even if you were to try some nice mellow music on a good set of headphones it may bring you relief. As for Neuromonics I definately reccomend but without insurance its pretty expensive. After the inital program of everday use for at least 6 mos. I now use it when my noise levels perk up and it seems to bring them back down to a very manageable level.  Best Wishes, Mickey