Newbie with Tinnitus and Pulsatile Tinnitus

[Austen17]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and would appreciate any tips. I've had tinnitus for many years and PT for 18 months. I also have ear fullness, dizziness and headaches. My GP was great from the outset and sent me for an MRI and referred me to a specialist ENT consultant immediately. The consultant sent me for CT scan, a hearing test and for a series of cardiac tests. Everything has come back normal. The tinnitus peaks and wanes but the PT is horrendous and is seriously impacting on my life. It's like having a metal gate on which someone is pounding all the time. Sometimes it's right beside me and I can barely think. Sometimes (when I am lucky) it's further down the road. After the initial panic when it felt like my head was about to explode, now I just find stress of it is very hard to bear. The only medical advice I've been given is ignore it, accept it or get counselling, which is much easier said than done! I'm doing all the things that I've been suggested, which is mostly about trying to focus on other noises. But it takes all my energy to stay cheerful, active and engaged with the world. Any other suggestions would be gratefully received. Thank you for reading this.

[DanielaHobbs_]

I feel so much for you Austen17 I am in the same situation.

[Austen17 in reply to DanielaHobbs_]

And I for you. I am so sorry to hear that!

[PABLR]

Are there any times when you notice it less? For me it's being busy. Doesn't matter if I'm doing something quiet, or noisy as long as I'm fully engaged in what I'm doing. For others it might be a daily walk in nature. I would try everything that's been suggested to you at any time - except for snake doctor medication. It's not going to work. Therapy or counselling can, white noise can, music can, the radio in the background can, specialist masking hearing aids can. I would make an appointment for counselling or therapy if you haven't already done so, even if it takes a long time to be seen. Then try other things.

[Austen17 in reply to PABLR]

Yes, it's the same for me, when I am fully occupied in something else it does fade. I think I'll start making a list of what helps actually. It will be helpful to have. Yes, I'm definitely keeping away from all empty promises and dodgy meds. Thank you for taking the time to reply, I will definitely take your advice.

[PABLR]

Of course coming to this forum is fatal! I can immediately notice it again.

[Austen17 in reply to PABLR]

Oh dear, I am so sorry!

[Tlflom]

The pulsing T is said to be easier to treat. From the research, it is a vessel(s) against the nerve. can be rerouted or removed from the nerve. As we age the insulation on the nerve thins and frays making tinnitus worse.

[Gordylad]

sorry to hear this…I have had tinnitus for a number of years and pt for a year now.. I take sertraline daily and try to manage it the best I can. My hearing is not great and I do find wearing a hearing aid gives some relief to dampen the noise. When my wife goes to bed I remove my hearing aid and turn the tv to a lower volume just to let my ears relax before going to bed. I always go to bed with an audio book and an ear bud in the ear that’s not affected.

[Austen17 in reply to Gordylad]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I can manage during the day but the nights are awful! My poor husband has to put up with the radio all night. I can't seem to manage an earbud. Hope you get some relief from the PT. Sending best wishes!