[maggie1]

I've had this condition for approximately ten years and all I can say is that you'll eventually get used to it. I also got fitted with an Audibel hearing aid, with a hissing masking sound that drowns out the ringing. At night I use a white noise machine that sounds like an ocean roar, and that drowns out the ringing when I go to bed.

[bobeaston]

The basic cause of tinnitus is damage to the small hair like structures and nerves in the inner ear which transmit sound. Once damaged, they can't be regenerated. That's why we always hear that there's no cure. Of all the things our bodies can regenerate, why did "nature" forget about these structures?

The secondary cause is our brains which try to make sure all of our frequency range is used. For frequency ranges that have been damaged, the brain creates noise to fill the space. So, we get ringing, buzzing and other sounds that are sound replacements for frequencies we can no longer hear.

Many medical professionals have worked on trying to find ways to rework that brain function, but there are no miracles so far.

The best relief I have found is to override the sound replacement the brain does with other methods of sound replacement. Replace the artificially generated sound the brain creates with other sounds that are more acceptable. Two methods:

First, many people, myself included, find some relief with hearing aids. What hearing aids do is to improve other hearing losses so that the frequency range is fuller with meaningful and enjoyable sound. Often, other naturally occurring sounds can override or divert attention from those the brain is producing. Yet, when in very quiet places the ringing becomes noticeable again.

Second, intentional sound replacement from other sources, or masking. When working alone in my workshop, I listen to audio books or podcasts. Human speech covers a lot of my tinnitus frequencies, effectively masking the constant ringing. Streaming music does the same. Others like to play background music or other types of recorded sound. Part of the effectiveness of these sound replacement techniques is that they give the mind something else to process, the story line of a book or the flow of the music, and thus divert attention from the tinnitus.

Sounds from burbling streams are also an effective "white noise" background, such as the recorded sounds found here.

No matter what type of sound or music or white noise, sound replacement is the best therapy I've found. Maybe it can help you too.

[chenick]

I also have Tinnitus and Meniere's disease, and yes there is no cure. I'm totally deaf in my left ear. For the Menieres disease I have been taking a drug that seems to help reduce the number of attacks. It's called Betahistine and you can only get it from Canada with a prescription. It is with talking to your specialist about. Hope this helps.

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by Reston Easy

Anyone had it? Did You find treatment? Was it successful?
Thanks for your help in advance.

I've had it for at least 50 years. No treatment. I think when I take an Ibuprofen it gets worse. I just ignore it mostly now.

[Lyarham]

Originally Posted by Reston Easy

Anyone had it? Did You find treatment? Was it successful?
Thanks for your help in advance.

Nothing works, after a while you won’t notice it

[Kaelo Abu]

I suggest you consult with Davis Family Hearing. Relatively new office here in The Villages in the professional plaza on Hwy 466 very near Rolling Acres Road. I agree with earlier comment that tinnitus often is the brain's way of filling in gaps in the range of frequencies we can hear as we age (e.g., loss of hearing in high frequency range). A qualified audiologist can likely help you figure out what's going on so you can get at least some relief.

[Eg_cruz]

Originally Posted by Reston Easy

Anyone had it? Did You find treatment? Was it successful?
Thanks for your help in advance.

I have have since my 20’s so very long time. I find that caffeine, alcohol, and aspirin makes it worse. I feel blessed because it really doesn’t cause me problems except the hearing here and there.
I have found no cure I just try to keep caffeine and alcohol to low doses

[JMintzer]

I've had it since a Led Zeppelin concert in 1975...

I wear ear protection to all concerts (just cuts the dB, not the highs or lows) or when jamming with friends. High pitched squeals cause me pain (think 13 yo girls at an N'Sync concert... NEVER AGAIN!, or New Year's noise makers)...

Plugs and cans when shooting...

I really only notice it at night. We use a "white noise" machine which helps me with the tinnitus and helps my wife with my "supposed" snoring... (I've never heard it, so I think she's making it up!

[susankchittum@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Reston Easy

Anyone had it? Did You find treatment? Was it successful?
Thanks for your help in advance.

I’ve had it most of my life. When my hearing aids are in (got them 6 yrs ago) I don’t hear it (or very slightly).

[doctorknow]

Yes for many many years after getting out of Air Force. Jet Engine noise did me in. I find some assistance now with hearing aids. However when I take them out at night the tinnitus is annoying trying to sleep. So one thing I do that helps is to use a radio or tape recorder or other device to overpower the "noise" . A "white noise" or other device that plays rain storms or pleasant sounds may be used as well. However, you have to be able to go to sleep with the sounds of the device which takes some training for your brain. However it is better than the insistent and constant ringing in your ears from the tinnitus.

[gbs317]

I’ve been hoping for 40 years for a cure but still haven’t found one yet. Lately the ringing has gotten so loud on occasion it gives me headaches. I read here that some find a little relief in hearing aids.
What brand and style are they. Any info is appreciated.

[Joe C.]

I have it 24/7. Both ears, and I need a hearing aid for my left ear, and it makes no difference. I hear several super high frequencies, a fairly loud hissing sound and it sounds like a dozen whistling tea kettles doing their thing.

I've had it explained that you don't really "hear" it, but it's something produced by the brain.

I've tried pills (expensive) and it didn't work for me.

So, I live with it. It's sure a PITA, but I accept it.

[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by bobeaston

The basic cause of tinnitus is damage to the small hair like structures and nerves in the inner ear which transmit sound. Once damaged, they can't be regenerated. That's why we always hear that there's no cure. Of all the things our bodies can regenerate, why did "nature" forget about these structures?

The secondary cause is our brains which try to make sure all of our frequency range is used. For frequency ranges that have been damaged, the brain creates noise to fill the space. So, we get ringing, buzzing and other sounds that are sound replacements for frequencies we can no longer hear.

Many medical professionals have worked on trying to find ways to rework that brain function, but there are no miracles so far.

The best relief I have found is to override the sound replacement the brain does with other methods of sound replacement. Replace the artificially generated sound the brain creates with other sounds that are more acceptable. Two methods:

First, many people, myself included, find some relief with hearing aids. What hearing aids do is to improve other hearing losses so that the frequency range is fuller with meaningful and enjoyable sound. Often, other naturally occurring sounds can override or divert attention from those the brain is producing. Yet, when in very quiet places the ringing becomes noticeable again.

Second, intentional sound replacement from other sources, or masking. When working alone in my workshop, I listen to audio books or podcasts. Human speech covers a lot of my tinnitus frequencies, effectively masking the constant ringing. Streaming music does the same. Others like to play background music or other types of recorded sound. Part of the effectiveness of these sound replacement techniques is that they give the mind something else to process, the story line of a book or the flow of the music, and thus divert attention from the tinnitus.

Sounds from burbling streams are also an effective "white noise" background, such as the recorded sounds found here.

No matter what type of sound or music or white noise, sound replacement is the best therapy I've found. Maybe it can help you too.

Excellent response, and right on the money.

I've had tinnitus my entire adult life, so obviously used to it. For me, the sounds in my head sound like trees full of buzzing cicadas.

While there is no cure, a set of properly fitted and programmed hearing aids will help a lot. The first time I got fitted with a good set of hearing aids, I was amazed. Not only was I hearing things I hadn't heard since I was a kid, but the cicadas were mostly gone (initially, I kinda missed them!).

Modern hearing aid technology is amazing. No...tinnitus is not curable, at least not yet. Anyone who tells you otherwise is simply lying. But, quality hearing aids will mitigate the issue, and for some eliminate it for the most part.

[ex34449]

Originally Posted by bobeaston

The basic cause of tinnitus is damage to the small hair like structures and nerves in the inner ear which transmit sound. Once damaged, they can't be regenerated. That's why we always hear that there's no cure. Of all the things our bodies can regenerate, why did "nature" forget about these structures?

She didn't. We were not designed to live this long. If you're on a life saving drug or have had a life saving operation, well you weren't supposed to still be here.

[Cliff Fr]

I know this sounds crazy but as soon as I saw this article I started hearing my tinnitus.