I really need to proof read my posts. As I re read them, I can't believe I sending out messages that look like English is a second language for me!

I'm

Have any doctors recommended a hearing aid? Correcting your hearing can help with tinnitus.

Yes, Dr. Marghzar has recommended a hearing aid/noise generator/ Bluetooth device (2) but the problem with this is the $4,000.00 each price tag. $8,000.00 is way to pricey for me. So the process is in place through the State to see if they can supply me with these, That was what the week long testing was for. The next thing, he said was that there is a 50 / 50 change of this working.The noise in my head is so loud that it may not work correctly. I do have hopes however. headphones work while watching TV. I can't hear anyone talking in the room, or bombs going off outside however. But who knows...

A P.S. to my previous comment. Many on this board find many different avenues to deal with their T. There is Klonopin for the anxiety along with Gabapentin, and sometimes the combo of both helps to lower the T, but at least the Klonopin lowers the anxiety with it. Stress is a big trigger, and often times foods can be triggers. There is acupuncture, chiropractic care, meditation, mindfulness training, and a host of other things people try. I do pray and hope that you can find a way to come to grips with your T and not let it get the better of you. There is always Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Neuromonics, and if you have hearing loss there are hearing aids that cancel out the noise. It takes time to find what works for you but please dig down deep inside for that inner courage and strength to continue on. Given time your mind will find a way to cope. Hang in there. We are here for you. Judy

Thank you so much for that. I have yet to try any of the drugs that are offered. Many of the Drs. that I have gone to, other than Dr. Marghzar, have all but ridiculed me. Blown me off, and pretty much made me feel like a piece of trash. Many don't even believe that I have this, and am making it all up! OMG! why would I do that???? It has all but ruined my business! I lost my house, my cars, 2 wives, Making it UP???
Well, I'm here in part, to find some other means of dealing with this thing that is undealable for me....

Well, I'm here in part, to find some other means of dealing with this thing that is undealable for me.... "Mike"

Been there, done that, and getting along better and well enough...I've had this dastardly ringing thing 30+ years now. The early years it was a background noise that caught little of my attention. The past five years it's been louder than an abandoned screaming baby with a bloated diaper that hasn't slept in days denied milk. I sought and got all kinds of help and nothing really helped until accepting the unacceptable. No one could have done anything to help but every little thing slightly helped. Little holes sink big ships and enough little patches can heal gaping wounds. As a younger man aspiring to be a better person I used a mantra ' I'm growing out of myself and into the world of others...I'm growing out of myself and into the world of others...' I used this in an all is healthy and well perception way back when. How wrong I was (and I used this to be a better salesman too). What I'm stumbling to say is it's all not about you and I no matter what. No matter what. It's only an invisible sound in a fallen world and it can mean either everything or next to nothing to you. The latter can be and for some is very true...

"Necessity never made a good bargain" Ben Franklin I think..."so don't expect a good bargain but deal with anyway.

Mike,

Welcome!

I read your posts as well as others inputs and hope some of their wisdom, dealing with T, inlightened you a bit, although you have had it such a long time now.

Folks here might help give you some encouragement to carry on, even though the disorder can be so very very debilitating, annoying also, even when it is not severe!

I have had T, pretty bad since March, but have had slight ringing for many years.

So many here have tired so many treatments and medications, that have reduced their T. I think it a great support group, filled with great education on the topic.

Some of the treatments are more "natural" some not, but prescribed medications such as xanax, anti-depressants, as well as anti-seizure, .....are also noted taken my members.

Meds., taken properly and treatments done safe, that reduce or cure ones T., I feel is great news, and very encouraging.

But like most meds, and treatments what works for one might not work as well for someone else...Trial and Error.

Your music sounds like a very important part of your life, but also since of course you know loud music can cause T., have you been told by an ENT he loud music has contibuted to the severe T., you appear to have?

But, giving up your talent, and your music of course does not sound like an option that would be even questionable, but ways to protect your ears might be, and the ways to treat your type of T., but be more clear.

I will have to take a peek at your video. My son in law plays bass in a Christian band, Hopelight, they also have a web page.

Sorry to hear that T., has caused you much upset in your personal life, that is truly a shame. I is hard for others that do not experience T., to understand how T effects a person, and how terribly annoying it is.

Lack of sleep can really cause many mental and emotional upsets and make ones body so unable to funtion, all medical problems can appear worse, or increase.

These are just my personal opinions of course, I am far from and expert on T.

Hoping things improve with your t, personal life and you can carry on with less depression.

Don't worry about your posts with errors, I notice so many spelling and grammar errors after my posts too, no edit button so not to much I can do, but post in word first, but I rarely do. My spell check it not working either.

Hope you are having a nice day.

Patty

Thank you for that Patty!!
Every single post here has been extremely encouraging! In my "Physical" life, I get very little encouragement. You hit the nail on the head about the sleep deprivation. I have not been able to get into a "deep sleep" or "REM" for about 2 years now. This alone has caused noticeable issues. I'm trying a new thing right now, a radio playing by my head. I was going to try it last night, but I got caught up in stuff, and forgot. So I'm setting it up today. I "wake up" in the morning like I've been beat up all night. And then people around me expect me to act normally. Hmmmmm....
Well, on another note, Bb usually, I have noticed in my T experiences, that the Extreme loud things, ie: top fuel drag racing, Marching Band, playing Bass with Billy Idol, (I could blow the hair right off everyone's head!) 3 kids, and screaming 2nd wife; non of these things affected the volume of my Tinnitus. Amazing. What seems to do it for ME, is STRESS. Not just the daily stressful stuff, but big number stress! About a day or so after that has happened, I'm hit real hard. Happy things do not make it quieter.. Unfortunately. i have taken everyone's advice however, and I have tried playing with everything turned down. We'll see how this goes. I'm playing in an outdoor venue soon, with 10,000 people attending. This will be LOUD! I'll be in my element for sure!!!
A bunch of Harley bikers.
Well, it's great to have you here, and I really love the comments from all. I have a little list of things I'm going to take with me to the Dr. next week. A list I didn't have until I joined this!!!

Mike

Mike,

Hello again.

I truly believe that stress can aggravate most folks that experience tinnitus, however I do not think that stress can actually be the cause of T., but I could be incorrect in that comment.

Possilby when a person is under a great deal of stress, or in some cases such as yours, in situations that usually cause great distress, confrontations, abusive relationships, an accidnet, injury, well you get the picture, ones blood pressure goes up, ones adrenaline increases, and other chemical changes take place, as well as emotional might trigger a person that has T., to have increased loudness and longer episodes.

If the stress in not reduced, then of course it seems the T., would continue to be aggravated

Just what exactaly takes place in ones brain/ears I do not know. If it changes blood flow to the ears, causing T., or blood flow to the brain??

As you know, T., can come about from noise-induce hearing loss, and damage to the hair cells of the inner ear, and the ear nerves.

So, due to that, you stated you have had T., since childhood, and in your 30's it became worse. Back then did you play loud music, go to concerts, or do anything that could of caused ear damage, from loud noise?

It seems that if your T., is due to the above, that a certain treatment might be more benefical. BobsDream, and others here have given you some good suggestions, as well as could possibly answer any questions you have better than I. As I said, I am truly NO expert on T.

You stated that you are going to a doctor on August 9th, but if he/she does not specialize in tinnitus, you might find yourself discouraged by their comments as well his/hers lack of wisdom on the subject.

A good ENT, that is well educated, caring, and also is well informed about the great distress you live day to day, due to your tinnitus, in my opinion would be your best option for advise, and a possible diagnose.

You might even need more than one doctor to give you aide.

Since now you have been reading up on the topic of tinnitus, maybe depression too, and taking in the advise, suggestions from folks here and knowing what you might want to try as far as treatments and or medications, natrual or pharmaceutical, you can confront your doctors. (what a run on sentence)

Also remember that so called "natural" pills, eardrops, even teas, can interact with other medications, also have side effects, and not all approved by the federal government, so do your research

Asking your pharmacist questions about medications, herbs, and so on, I have found sometimes better than a doctor, they are well educated, since that is their main focus.

I, as some know here, am not a big fan of medications, but due to phobic fears of who knows what...Turning green. (chuckle) I do not take medications, some vitamins.

I would probably eliminate some of my mild to moderate medical problems and anxiety if I took medications...

With that said, you did recieve a post here, I think it was from Judy, stating some of the medications that can reduce T.

Some of these medications are actually for treating other disorders, such as seizures, anxiety, and depression, but for many work wonderful in reducing T. Possibly just being more relaxed, and slowing down the firing of neurons in the brain, might be in part how they work.

In most people, yes there are some side effects, fatigue, some brain fog, headache, dry mouth, and more. Of course the side effects vary from person to person.

Sometimes the side effects wear off as ones body adjusts. Others find that the side effects are worth the relief, and the better well being they feel.

In you case since sleep, or should I say lack of sleep is a major issue, it seems that a medication suited for you to aide you in sleeping would be a good thing to talk to a doctor about, or other treatment option, if you truly are not wanting to try a medication.

If anything if sleeping did not reduce your T., it would help you cope with your T., and be able to funtion better daily.

Also, the night time pillow, and other options could offer you night time relief too.

BobsDream appears to be pretty well up to date on those things.

Sorry to say, costly it could get, but maybe there is a way to purchase items online, or get assitance somehow, just a thought.

MOST IMPORTANT, is your mental health, I say this since your thread actually was asking about suicide???

Feeling that hopeless, and truly having thoughts of suicide should never be taken lightly!!!!!

So, if you do often have true thoughts of suicide, please have a plan intact to call someone close to you, or your social worker, and seek out a professional therapist to speak with. You can usually see one at little to no cost, if you are on disibility, or have low income. Otherwise your health ins should cover. You can call your local Mental Health Association for input on this, as well as local support groups.

You have lots to live for, and your feelings of doom, most likely will pass, get better, and can get better! Your T., most likely will improve also, but for sure you will be able to cope with it, and live much more content!!!!

To answser your question, no I have never had thoughts of suicide, due to my T., or otherwise. But, that is not to say there is anything terribly wrong with you that you have, or that T., can not cause such distress to make a person have thoughts of them taking their own life.

T., is known to be one of the worst disorders to live with, others include dizziness, and severe pain.

You also have to remember everyone is different and can deal/tolerate with aches, pains, disorders and so on, differently.

I although do not think my T., is nearly as loud as yours, do find times of feeling fears, that it might get worse, I fret about how annoying it is and so on. In my case I wonder, "What it's from" since I do not know.

Mine is loud, very loud when I first wake up, and it often is so bothersome I get anxious.

I try to keep busy, but get tired, like I am running from the enemy, but can't escape because it is noise in my head, or should I say ears.

Also, of course if there are family issues, other medical issues, and lack of support, a persons T, can be aggravated more, as well as not as easy to cope with.

At any rate, I think you are on the right path and I am truly sure you will find relief in your tinnitus, through a good treatment plan, support from folks here, as well as tiral and error with what ever treatment plan you decide on, now that you have some more wisdom on the topic.

The first treatment might not work either, so don't give up hope if that may or may not happen.

Since you are out and about, playing your music you appear to not be completely isolating yourself, which is good.

I am sure your spirits will also lift, but don't hesitate to seek out professional help.

I was advised to read the book, Tinnitus, turning down the vloum, by Kevin Hogan, as well as other books noted by folks here, I bought my book online.

As far as your music, you naughtly boy!

You might possibly at least start protecting your ears a bit now, how to do this, ear plugs, not being right next to the speakers, not turning it wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy up, and so on, but why risk doing further damage, or increasing your T?

Think of it as a stepping stone of your treatment, with "0" cost.

You will of course have to get used to some changes, not liking them all, I am sure, but still enjoy your band, your music, and the social outings that you are entertaining at.

Harley bikers you say, well their bikes can be loud, that's for sure. One of my best friends was a Harley guy, he passed away though.., cry...my BIL also, me I don't like motercycles, they are scary! But I do have my very own snowmobile.

We have 8 acres of land, I ride on, and sometimes go to trails in the area.

I am a slow poke though, not fun to ride with.

Here in WNY you have to engage in some fun winter sports otherwise you will go nuts!

Anyway, enjoy your concert you will be playing at, sounds like you will be among a good group of people and have a good time.

In ending this long long post, I have to say, there could be worse things you could be doing late at night rather than watch TV, so don't be to hard on yourself! But, sleeping would be better for you, which I have faith will come for you.

My niece lives in CA., she teaches drama to children and teens, many on TV., and in the movies. She has been on Criminal Minds a small part. She just got a part on some other show too, I am not sure the name.

Best to you,
Pattylyn
Please excuse spelling errors, and grammar
Thanks!

So Mike... I've been trying to follow this thread and wanted to jump in with a couple thoughts.

Regarding sleep pillows and noise machines... When I am thinking about buying something that I'm not sure about, I look for it on Amazon.com. If they sell it, there's likely to be lots of reviews from people who have one. They aren't shy about giving their opinions and telling their experiences. Some of the reviewers liked the sleep pillows, but alot of people had complaints... the speakers felt like hard lumps under their heads, the sound was too "tinny", the cord kept unplugging itself if the pillow shifted, they only work well if you put your head in the middle of the pillow and leave it there, and so on. Since I move around alot in my sleep and tend to wad up my pillow, I decided that a sleep pillow would not be a good idea for me.
I did buy noise machine, which has nature sounds, random music, and white noise in a variety of Hz ranges. Some of the sounds are nice, but don't really mask the T. A few of the sounds are really annoying, and one actually hurt my ears. But since some of the sounds are ok, I can use it to fall asleep on nights when the T is really troublesome.

As far as your music volume goes, I've got to agree with the folks who recommend that you stop doing this to yourself. Wear ear plugs to protect your ears from some of the volume. You'll still be able to hear, and to play, you just won't hurt yourself as much. You are hurting yourself, you know.

And use the ear plugs if you still go to the track. You should stop exposing yourself to any loud noise.

When I use a blow dryer on my hair, I put ear plugs in. This is a real nuisance for two minutes of noise, but the pitch and volume of the hair dryer is really hard on my ears. If I go a couple days without using the ear plugs, my T gets worse. Guaranteed.

Anyway... hope you get some sleep and have happy dreams.

I'm just curious as to how the doctor's blew you off? I would like to know what they said or did when you saw them.

I started using earplugs a lot more. Got some alpine ones that have great attenuation so music/speech is not muffled and are thermoplastic because those ones you roll up get so dirty.

WOW! there is a lot here now! Thank you soooooo much everyone for all your input! I really found the right place to say what i think!!! I have to admit, the suicide thoughts have all but evaporated since starting this little discussion! I guess that is a good thing! I want to re-read some of the very long posts, it's late right now, and I need to go to bed. I have a radio running, and we'll see if ZZ Top can put me to sleep! :)
just got home from a little gig on "House of Lies". or as we like to say: House o Flies. Vulgar and Crass. I hope I don't see it....
well talk tomorrow...
Mike

Well good news perhaps. Last night, I kept the radio on all night. I had my door closed, windows open, fan on, radio on. I was just the very next volume allotment that the radio would allow from the low setting of the previous night. Just a bit louder. I wasn't easy to GO to sleep, but once I did, I stayed asleep most of the night! WOW! This is really something! I've done this before, and everyone complained so much I just didn't think it was an option, but I guess if I use "normal" levels, and use moderation, (what is that, I might ask?), No one complained! Yay! I also had the TV on, set the timer to go off in 2 hours. So "1000 Ways to Die", and KLOS played for most of the night!!!
Happy Happy, Joy Joy!
The only thing I now worry about, is that everything i use, seems to work for 1 night, and then I get used to it and it no longer works. Let's see what happens tonight!

On another note, disability perhaps made a serious mistake this month. The paid me 3X more than they should. ????? UH OH! So I'm going in to the office and see what's up! I don't want to spend it. Even though I need it really bad!!! Very tempting!!! NO! I'll just have to pay it back when they find out!!!

Mike

Oh, I forgot one thing, I want to ask some idiot questions about the earplug you all use. The only earplugs I've used as of late was on the set, when they were shooting guns off, or cannons. But as far as using them in my every day life... I'm stressed about not hearing the stuff around me as it is? I miss SOOOO much! I'm very concerned about having earplugs in because of an occasional loud thing. Now when I'm in my studio, I understand everyone's concern. I do. How am I supposed to make a recording, if I can't hear it??? Many times I use headphones. Also loud. Earplugs would be difficult. So if I must give up composing, arranging and performing music, now what? If you remove something important in your life, the void MUST be filled with something. In my case I'm affraid of what that would be.

If you mean what I know.

M