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Topic: How bad is your tinnitus? |
John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 4:12 am |
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"Man stabbed himself to death after concert left him with severe tinnitus
18/11/2011
A MAN stabbed himself to death after a rock concert left him with severe tinnitus, an inquest heard yesterday.
Robert McIndoe, 52, was unable to sleep for three months after seeing Them Crooked Vultures at the Brixton Academy, London.
The inquest heard he had previously taken an overdose at his home in Sydenham.
His psychiatrist, Dr Helen Stinson, said: “He accepted death as a side-effect of s topping the noise.”
Wife Shirley said: “He just wanted not to be suffering.”
The hearing continues. |
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Bo Borland
From:
South Jersey -
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 4:29 am
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| Dang, that's harsh! |
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Michael Douchette
From:
Gallatin, TN (deceased)
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 5:41 am
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I saw that tragic story on one of the tinnitus SUPPORT forums believe it or not.. Some support, posting a horror story like that. My heart breaks for that poor man that was blindsided, and his life destroyed by this horrifying condition. Left a wife and kids if I am not mistaken, because he felt so useless to them, tortured,, and overwhelmed. Could not think,sleep, function or even eat.
It does need to be discussed here and discussed often as so many of us play in very loud band situations, in front of very loud, very high powered steel guitar amps. A lot of us steel players already have it to some degree , and many that don't have it now will get it..
Please, please, use the very best ear protection always whenever you are playing anywhere at any volume.
To answer the original question, my T is very bad. Its invasive to the point that it has pretty much ruined my life. I lost about 14 pounds the first few weeks, as I could not eat, sleep or function.
Nothing at all helps T sufferers, No cures, no pills, no nothing.. I hear mine above my 35 ft deisel powered school bus doing 45 mph with 40 kids from pre k to 5th grade on board in full manic mode.. Most often nothing at all can mask it. So yeah, mine is bad.
It calms down a bit at times, to where I can forget about it a minute here or there, but then reality smacks my face and I realize I am still ringing like hell in my brain.
Over time, I have gained some of the weight back, and am sleeping a bit better these days, albeit much more fitfully than before the onset of T on 7/10/11...
I feel my life has been cursed, but I brought it on myself, decade after decade, gig by gig, decibel by decibel. Not to mention working in monstrously loud auto repair shops for over 30 years.
I will be brutally honest here.
The LAST thing I really want is a long life.
My wife desperately needs me to care for her as she has many many health problems of her own including tinnitus, and hyperacusis, and right now, thats the only reason I have to remain in this life, to try and be her rock, as best I can.
My strong Christian faith does not allow me to "off" myself, but I can understand the desperation of those that do, and my heart aches for each one with severe T...
So yeah, T is REAL bad in some of us.
Sorry to be so dark and gloomy, but thats my life right now, and to be honest, I don't much want it anymore for myself. Just for the bride of my youth that needs me here, and needs me functional.
Otherwise... I just don't know.....
Let this post be a dire warning against volume. Protect your hearing ALWAYS. Stay away from loud or even moderate loud situations if at all possible,, and always wear good protection when playing gigs...
Once you have T, its a life sentence with no escape, and if you get a severe case, you will know misery that right now, believe me, you could never comprehend.
Please, please protect your very fragile hearing.
bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Dick Wood
From:
Springtown Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 6:27 am
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I hadn't heard about this...lol
_________________
Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night. |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 8:58 am
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There used to be a builder in this area that decided to blow the ringing out of his brain with a 9mm. Left a note saying he couldn't take it anymore.
There are just sooo many mental and emotional conditions that can't be comprehended by anyone who hasn't been there. So sad!!!! |
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Dick Sexton
From:
Greenville, Ohio
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 9:04 am Tinnitus...
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Mine effects the highs. They all are at the bottom of the chart. High speed blower motors, zapped them. I've learned to watch the expressions on the faces in the audience when I get up high on the neck. I can tell it playing across the neck also... But, I'd have to have it a lot worse to stab myself to death. That would probably be my last choice of ending my hearing problem. Maybe it was his wife's continual bitching about taking out the garbage, in the frequencies he could hear, that led him to the brink.  |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 9:52 am Re: Tinnitus...
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| Dick Sexton wrote: |
| Mine effects the highs. They all are at the bottom of the chart. High speed blower motors, zapped them. I've learned to watch the expressions on the faces in the audience when I get up high on the neck. I can tell it playing across the neck also... But, I'd have to have it a lot worse to stab myself to death. That would probably be my last choice of ending my hearing problem. Maybe it was his wife's continual bitching about taking out the garbage, in the frequencies he could hear, that led him to the brink. |
You don't understand Dick.. how I WISH it was a "hearing problem"... tinnitus is in the brain. You percieve it as "noise", but no noise exists.. Its electrical signals originating in the brain.. A few desperate souls have had their auditory nerves severed to eliminate the diabolical 10K RINGING in their heads... They were left totally deaf with the horrible tinnitus as the only noise they would ever hear again.
There are many people with very good hearing with tinnitus. bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Bob Blair
From:
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 10:21 am
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Listen to Bob Carlucci - he knows of what he speaks. Nothing amusing about any of it. Bob, I am very sorry for your troubles.
I am fortunate - I have some high-frequency hearing loss along the lines of what Dick Sexton described. Very different than tinnitus, as Bob has pointed out, and the thing is that in cases of frequency loss like mine (and like many folks my age - it is rampant) modern digital devices can make a huge difference. For people in that position, my advice is don't walk, run, to an audiologist. I only wish there was similar help for people suffering from severe tinnitus. Anyone who wants to hear about my experience feel free to contact me. |
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Dick Sexton
From:
Greenville, Ohio
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 10:22 am Tinnitus...
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Bob, I do understand. Mine is as loud as anything I can hear at times. Louder if I happen to take aspirin. Always there though, always. I can hear the lower freqs however and only have minimal loss in the lower ranges. I protect what I have left with much vigor and am quick to tell anyone that I play with, that is to loud and to turn down. Even to the point of not going to, or leaving steel jams early, where the volume lever is not sensibly controlled.
I do understand and am always sorry to hear of anyone that might have tinnitus as bad or any worse then myself.
Question: Does severing the oral nerve actually solve the problem?
So there is no confusion:
Tinnitus; from the Latin word tinnītus meaning "ringing", is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound.
Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can result from a wide range of underlying causes: abnormally loud sounds in the ear canal for even the briefest period (but usually with some duration), ear infections, foreign objects in the ear, nasal allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain, or wax build-up. Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine addiction may cause tinnitus as well. In-ear headphones, whose sound enters directly into the ear canal without any opportunity to be deflected or absorbed elsewhere, is a common cause of tinnitus when volume is set beyond moderate levels.
Tinnitus can also be caused by natural hearing impairment (as is often seen in ageing), as a side effect of some medications, and as a side effect of genetic (congenital) hearing loss. However, the most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss.
As tinnitus is usually a false subjective phenomenon, it is difficult to measure using objective tests, such as by comparison with noise of known frequency and intensity, as in an audiometric test. The condition is often rated clinically on a simple scale from "slight" to "catastrophic" according to the practical difficulties it imposes, such as interference with sleep, quiet activities, and normal daily activities.
Tinnitus is common; about 20% of people between 55 and 65 years old report symptoms on a general health questionnaire, and 11.8% on more detailed tinnitus-specific questionnaires. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 11:18 am
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'run don't walk to your audiologist' is like saying 'you don't have to have ugly or missing teeth...just get implants'!
....yeah...if you're rich! |
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Tucker Jackson
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 11:59 am
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A hundred and fifty bucks for custom molded earplugs is peanuts in the face of how much we spend on gear. Seriously.
In fact, earplugs should be considered part of the base set of gear we own if we're going onstage. We need our ears more than we need, say, a volume pedal.
Take this from a guy who just had tinnitus kick in last month-- and belatedly went and spent the $150 for plugs.  |
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Johnny Thomasson
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:06 pm
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I have tinnitus pretty bad. Yeah, the constant ringing is right around 10K. But, I've had it for so long I've gotten used to it. It bothered me real bad in the beginning, but somehow my brain trained itself to ignore the ringing. Kind of like the way parents "tune out" the squealing, whining and other annoying sounds young children make. I don't notice it unless I think about it, and I can still hear to play just fine.
It's horrifying to think someone would actually commit suicide because of tinnitus. Believe me when I say I know it can drive you nuts, but I offer my story in hope that others with tinnitus might find encouragement in knowing that you can eventually live a normal life with this affliction. I do. But I won't play with loud bands or listen to loud music anymore for fear of making it worse.
While typing this, of course I'm thinking about it, and the ringing is loud as hell and driving me crazy. Now back to my regularly scheduled program so it will "go away".
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Johnny Thomasson |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:06 pm
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| now that actually makes me think...why not just put peanuts in your ears? |
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Tucker Jackson
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:13 pm
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Insert rimshot HERE  |
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Johnny Thomasson
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:14 pm
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| chris ivey wrote: |
| now that actually makes me think...why not just put peanuts in your ears? |
Peanut butter would work better, I think. 
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Johnny Thomasson |
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Bob Blair
From:
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:17 pm
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| Yeah, I get that Chris. It is costly, and at the time I got mine I was thinking about how lucky I was to be able to afford them - in my view our public healthcare system should cover things like that, because being able to take care of things like hearing and teeth is to me a health issue (but that is the kind of discussion that gets political in a hurry so I say it with trepidation). Though from what I've heard a top of the line pair of devices are probably only worth one implanted tooth. I've been told that Costco (at least the stores up here) is a very cost-effective way to go and carries all the top stuff , but you are absolutely right...this technology costs real money and there are too many people who just can't afford it - something which appears also to be true in respect of other health-related goods and services. |
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Bill Price
From:
Quanah, Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:37 pm Tinnitus Fix
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AS I have posted about this before you need to be aware there is a fix. It is NOT a cure but a fix. Neuromonics works. I have been using this method of treatment for a little over nine months. MY tinnitus has been reduced from 56db to 36 db to 14 db. Thats a vast improvement. I have another checkup in January and I can already tell the db level will be even lower.
There is a drug, neramexane that should be released soon in the United States that holds much promise as a cure. My Doctors tell me the cure is very close.
Neuromonics is something you should check into. It is not mirrors, smoke and snake oil like most of the advertised cures. Good luck!! |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:39 pm
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It does make things lighter, reading the comical remarks. But really, this is a serious condition for us who suffer from it. I have tinnitus myself, a constant ringing in both ears at the pitch of a bunch of crickets but with a bearable volume level.
So far anyway I live with it without too big a problem.
Hang on every word from Bob Blair. He knows of what he speaks.
My hearing specialist says a pair of top quality hearing aides should ease the ringing somewhat.
The aides that Bob talks about (from Costco) are the best on the market and, despite their high price, would be a bargain for those of us who suffer greatly from tinnitus and hearing loss.
_________________
BenRom Pedal Steel Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212050572323614/ |
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Bill Price
From:
Quanah, Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:48 pm Tinnitus
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I am currently undergoing treatment thru Callier Center a division of The University of Texas in Dallas, Texas for tinnitus.
I think what you need to determine is do you want to mask the problem or fix the problem. Hearing aids and other devices will only mask your tinnitus. Neuromonics will FIX the problem. |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:50 pm
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"Neuromonics will FIX the problem."
Cost? Insurance coverage? |
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Bill Price
From:
Quanah, Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 1:08 pm Neuromonics
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My insurance covers the Doctor visits but does not cover the cost of the Neuromonics device. The device alone runs around $4000. You would have to check with your insurance provider as they are all different. The device and treatment is FDA approved for persons over 18 years of age. I would Google up Neuromonics and see if you think this is for you.
One thing I might add is that I am now sleeping without any white noise machine or etc.. A good nights sleep is worth a lot.
I wish you and all the best of luck. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 2:14 pm Re: Tinnitus Fix
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| Bill Price wrote: |
AS I have posted about this before you need to be aware there is a fix. It is NOT a cure but a fix. Neuromonics works. I have been using this method of treatment for a little over nine months. MY tinnitus has been reduced from 56db to 36 db to 14 db. Thats a vast improvement. I have another checkup in January and I can already tell the db level will be even lower.
There is a drug, neramexane that should be released soon in the United States that holds much promise as a cure. My Doctors tell me the cure is very close.
Neuromonics is something you should check into. It is not mirrors, smoke and snake oil like most of the advertised cures. Good luck!! |
Neramexane European clinical trials have been discontinued from what I have read, from all indications due to lack of effectiveness.
I was online with many people from europe on the T support forums that were part of the trials since 2009, and none got any results at all unfortunately..
Some people were helped according to preliminary test results, but not enough to release it as an effective treatment most likely.
Neramaxane was originally suppossed to be a drug for Parkinsons, but it failed at that as well, and Merz tried to get some R&D money back by targeting tinnitus, but unless the reports I have read from europe are wrong, it has been scrapped even before the clinical trial results were finished.
Neuromonics certainly helps some T sufferers, but many get no help at all from it..
I have talked to many.
The T specialist I saw at the University of Buffalo[one of the foremost T research facilities in the US] didn't think it would help my case, and did not recommend it. It is available at the U of B.
Hearing aids also help many T sufferers, they even cure t in some people, but I just spent $ 5,000 on 2 very top of the line aids, and they did nothing at all for me, and I will most likely return them within the 45 day trial period I have.
For me, the search for SOME kind of relief continues..
Getting drunk helps more than most anything else. This is coming from a total non drinker, but anything is better than this horrible stereo 10 k whine at a volume that drowns out a brass band.
At 57 and being a pretty much tea totaler all my life, T has literally driven me to drink.... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 2:18 pm
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| Johnny Thomasson wrote: |
I have tinnitus pretty bad. Yeah, the constant ringing is right around 10K. But, I've had it for so long I've gotten used to it. It bothered me real bad in the beginning, but somehow my brain trained itself to ignore the ringing. Kind of like the way parents "tune out" the squealing, whining and other annoying sounds young children make. I don't notice it unless I think about it, and I can still hear to play just fine.
It's horrifying to think someone would actually commit suicide because of tinnitus. Believe me when I say I know it can drive you nuts, but I offer my story in hope that others with tinnitus might find encouragement in knowing that you can eventually live a normal life with this affliction. I do. But I won't play with loud bands or listen to loud music anymore for fear of making it worse.
While typing this, of course I'm thinking about it, and the ringing is loud as hell and driving me crazy. Now back to my regularly scheduled program so it will "go away". |
Johnny.. The clinical term used for people like you is "habituated"... Thats the best most T suffers can hope for. I PRAY every day that one day before too long I will be able to ignore mine.. Right now it seems like an impossible fantasy. I have no choice but to keep going, and hope one day that I can habituate as you have... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 2:20 pm
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In my experiene and in the opinion of experts, alcohol makes tinnitus worse.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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