I have never figured it out...it seems logical to me that when you are in a quiet bed, it seems very loud, but other times like right now, it is (for me background noise)
But occasionally, it seems to just “turn on” and I don’t know if it was there all along and I wasn’t paying attention or was distracted, or if it did just “turn on”.
My tinnitus cannot be that bad compared to what I read here (thank goodness) but I will say, what really bothers me is that if I am in a noisy environment with a babble of noise, I can no longer pull out sound I want to hear, and the entire environment is an assault of sound.
My wife and I went out to dinner a few weeks ago, and the restaurant was so loud with music and people talking that it drove me to distraction. I so badly wanted to hear what people were saying, but I found myself grimacing, turning away from them and cupping my ear...it was making me angry. I don’t see them that often, and I was looking forward to some good conversation but...no dice.
Then we walked outside and I wanted to talk before they left, and they were playing music outside and I couldn’t hear anyone. I yelled aloud “WTF? Why do they have to have music blaring out here too???” and everyone turned to look in alarm at me.
I probably yelled it louder because I just couldn’t hear.
Sigh. THAT is not growing old gracefully!
I can completely empathize with you. I have tinnitus from flying and flight decks in the Navy. Same symptoms as you. We have an audiologist in our VA Clinic i Knoxville. You can get the farm I am getting on her schedule.
My experience is similar to yours, overall. Sometimes it will start with a loud screech or whistle in one ear or the other. Some times it's just a mild hiss, barely noticeable, but always there in the background and other times...
Well, you know.
For me it's a major inconvenience but I have heard that for some it is enough to drive one to suicide.
First, I am sorry.
You’re a tough dude for joking about it at the end of your post.
And I didn’t know how DIFFERENT each’s experience could be.
That doesn’t happen to me.
It’s supposed to work that lots of noise around drowns it out and that is what happens to me.
Sometime JUST to end the pulsating and noises, i will BLAST music near my ear because the brain will pick up the stronger noise and it masks the tinnnitus.
I guess everyone’s experience is different.
But I can say for certain that at 50 I DO NOT want to hear every single one off my heart beats for the rest of my life! :)
The damage to my vestibular system seems to be degenerative.
My left ear is still ok and hopefully will stay that way until my last breath.
Honest, the first 3 years after the brain injury were so terrifying that this is absolutely manageable.
Gee, if felt good to type this. Cathartic.
Sorry you were the one it was sent to!!
I wish you well FRiend.