Tinnitus is NOT incurable!

[Joe Nerve]

...modern medicine has just not yet determined how to cure it.

This is going to be a long one, but I can't do it any other way.

I'll start with a brief history and the reason I'm writing this. I've had tinnitus for at least 30 years. For 20 of those years I dealt with it, considered it an occupational hazard, and didn't feel it was a huge deal. It was there every minute of every day, but I could live with it. Didn't understand those who complained like crazy. My thought was, "Just shut up and deal with it."

I started wearing ear plugs to further protect my hearing, but one day at a show at the Bitter End about 10 years ago, I left them home. I said screw it, and played without any protection. That night was life altering. My tinnitus went from what seemed like a 3 right up to 11! And it stayed that way for days, slowly lowering itself to about a 7 or 8. Suddenly, I understood how people went into massive depressions over this. How they even killed themselves. The screaming in my ears was unbearable. No noise machines, air conditioners, or any other background noise could relieve it. I lived with it for about 5 years at that level, and then started doing things that made it a little more bearable.

While it was at that level, a car horn could send me back to 11 with a 3 second beep. A cymbal crash without earplugs in, any kind of music that hit certain frequencies at any volume whatsoever. I went to a friends clarinet concert once and literally almost started crying. Stayed out of respect, but would never repeat that.

Point of this all being, I know full well what tinnitus is. And I know full well the levels it can go to. I even purchased $4000 hearing aids in hopes that it would help. It did absolutely nothing, and I had to take a $400 hit (restocking fee) when I returned them after 90 days.

Two days ago I was driving, with music down low in my car and it occurred to me that I heard no ringing. I shut my stereo, pulled the car over and heard dead silence except for a few birds!​

My eyes got teary, I took a deep breath, and just got super grateful. I hadn't experienced that in years! I know this is reading like an infomercial, but I promise I'm not selling anything. Only trying to help anyone if I can. The fact that I experienced that tells me I'm capable of getting rid of tinnitus altogether. I'll say also, that right now it's only returned to the barely noticeable level, and it comes and goes. It's not bothering me at all.

So now the bad news - I don't know HOW to stop or cure it, but I know I did. And I'm about to list everything I did that I believe helped it to end. It could be just one of these things that worked, or it could have been a combination of any number of them. All I know is that it worked, and if you suffer from this the way I did you'll probably be willing to try anything.

My help with this came from a mix of psychological, physical, and spiritual things I applied:

1. I refused to believe tinnitus was incurable. I somehow knew and completely believed nobody has yet figured it out.

2. I was willing to try ANYTHING, and very open minded about healing it
.
3. I DID in fact try many things that had absolutely no effect, including expensive vitamins that did sheit.

4. I had a talk with a guy one day that really stuck with me. He was an intellectual, scientific type of dude who did his dabbling with LSD back in the day - but he told me he had tinnitus pretty bad and he "willed" it away. Said the he did a lot of reading on it, and realized he could focus differently and at first minimize the ringing, then eventually eliminate it. I tried and tried and tried, and think it may have had a cumulative effect. What really resonated with me though was that I believed him, as his conviction was strong. This helped to give me hope.​

The crazier stuff:

5. I read somewhere that raw honey and cinnamon cured tinnitus. I didn't believe it, but I know raw honey and cinnamon are both very good for you anyway so I said what the hell. Did a teaspoon of each, every day for about 4 months straight, and I don't know if it was a placebo effect or the real thing, but it brought that above mentioned 7-8 volume down to 4-6. The tinnitus from that point on would only hit the unbearable mark if I had some sort of auditory assault.​

Over the past 2 years I've made a few more changes:

6. I was always using the highest noise reducing earplugs for every show I did. Just recently started using IEMs, thinking they were actually going to make things worse, but I think the noise cancelling qualities of them are working wonders. I was playing only once or twice a month the past few years. Now I'm playing 2 or 3X a week, and despite that I'm in much better shape.

7. I learned to do this ear cupping thing, and now do it religiously after every show. I cup my hands tightly on my ears with my fingers on the back of my head. I tap the back bottom of my skull to get a "boing" sound, and do that about 20 times. I then squeeze my ears as hard as I can, which intensifies the ringing, hold it a few seconds, and let it go. I might repeat the process if I feel necessary. IT WORKS!!!! It's a temporary reduction, but it lasts 10-15 minutes. I do it again when I get home or before I go to bed.

8. And this is as crazy as it gets. Gotta put it in here because who knows - maybe this is the one key to all, but I don't think so. I was taught to perform Reiki (an energy healing technique) many years ago. When I do the above ear cupping thing, I also rub my hands together first, draw the Reiki symbol on my palms, and apply the healing technique. Don't know how or why this works, and I'm still skeptical, but I've been doing anything and everything possible. It might have something to do with the heat in my hands from rubbing them, a placebo affect again, or maybe there truly is a healing force in the universe that I've been taught to tap into. If so, I believe prayer would have the same effect.

9. I eat well, exercise and work at having a positive attitude always. I believe that to has aided in my healing.​

That's all I've really. I'll reiterate that I'm crazy freaking happy my life is pretty much back to normal now. It's been over 10 years of torture. Hope this helps someone, and I hope other add what they did that helped. I now know we can beat this, and if not, at least make it completely bearable.

Share your thoughts, tips and ideas. I'm done for now .

 

[FNHScar17s]

I have found if I focus in on the frequency a certain way if I hear the ringING it will increase in level then dissipate significantly almost to the point of not occurring any more. Idk how I do it but it is very noticeable so your intellectual buddy has something there. I have a few buddies who share the same experience

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I take my earplugs even for small local venues, because it will be me trying to sleep with a constant whining in my ears later if I don't.
Mine is odd, because I hear a whining sound, like the whining sound of gas turbine generators, which is exactly what caused it.

 

[musicman666]

Thank you! I rarely post and this made me smile! I too have been dealing with this for years. In my experience certain things exacerbate tinnitus, caffeine, salt, etc. It is great to hear of your 'cure' and gives me hope. Thank you again!!

 

[GBarnstable]

Just had a doctors appointment today because I have noticed my tinnitus has been getting worse. The guy was both informative and a crack up which made the news that, to date, tinnitus is incurable somewhat tolerable. He started by welcoming me to the club since he suffers from tinnitus as well. He had me checked out by an audiologist who found that my hearing was actually quite good for my 51 years of age but there is a slight dip in the 8k range, common as toast. Since the pitch I hear is quite high the theory goes that my brain is just trying to replace the perceived loss in range of hearing by generating the constant tone--at times a real joy. The doctor went on to say that alcohol, caffeine, and salt are the worst offenders for tinnitus. He did not recommend that I cut them out of my diet he just said if I indulged I could expect to pay the price. Then he reluctantly told me about a limited study that found in men especially melatonin slightly edged out a placebo in helping reduce the effects of tinnitus. Finally he kicked me out of his office and said he wouldn't be seeing me for 10 years since my hearing test results were so good. I consider myself fortunate.

And as a quick aside I did try your ear cupping technique and darn if it does not seem to have value if for nothing else as method for redirection.

Thanks for your post. Cheers.

 

[Ghastly]

I've had tinnitis for at least 15 years. Very loud in my left ear only. Most of the time I just ignore it, but sometimes it drives me crazy that I can't escape it. I can still hear well with it, but I also have this terribly loud ringing. I work in construction and always wear ear protection. I never really thought about earplugs while playing gigs.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Just had a doctors appointment today because I have noticed my tinnitus has been getting worse. The guy was both informative and a crack up which made the news that, to date, tinnitus is incurable somewhat tolerable. He started by welcoming me to the club since he suffers from tinnitus as well. He had me checked out by an audiologist who found that my hearing was actually quite good for my 51 years of age but there is a slight dip in the 8k range, common as toast. Since the pitch I hear is quite high the theory goes that my brain is just trying to replace the perceived loss in range of hearing by generating the constant tone--at times a real joy. The doctor went on to say that alcohol, caffeine, and salt are the worst offenders for tinnitus. He did not recommend that I cut them out of my diet he just said if I indulged I could expect to pay the price. Then he reluctantly told me about a limited study that found in men especially melatonin slightly edged out a placebo in helping reduce the effects of tinnitus. Finally he kicked me out of his office and said he wouldn't be seeing me for 10 years since my hearing test results were so good. I consider myself fortunate.

And as a quick aside I did try your ear cupping technique and darn if it does not seem to have value if for nothing else as method for redirection.

Thanks for your post. Cheers.

I don't drink alcohol or smoke, so that may have helped along the way also. Didn't think to mention that in part cuz it comes naturally to me at this point in life . I didn't drink or smoke when it was at it's worst either, so I wonder if it could have been/gotten even worse. I drink coffee, but not like most coffee drinkers I know. Two small cups a day tops. And not the heavily caffeinated Starbucks type. More like Dunkin Donuts coffee.

I never really thought about earplugs while playing gigs.

Trust me when I tell you that if you don't START wearing ear plugs at gigs, there will more than likely come a time where you will have no choice other than to wear ear plugs at gigs. It became not an option for me. I think others who have it bad will agree.

 

[Tom Bomb]

I had a stab at this (#45) some time ago. Thanks, Joe, for putting your thoughts down. I'd heard a radio doco, which is still active if you'd like to listen in - Signal to noise. It all makes sense to me, a fellow sufferer. It all helps.

One thing I've been exploring lately is why my lower jaw acts like a tinnitus volume slider. If I push forward to make an under-bite, the ringing increases considerably and if I take it the other way the ringing is quieted considerably. What the…

I know it pays not to focus on it too much. Silence is relative. Peace is possible

 

[5544]

Ask anybody with asthma and they will say that finding a cure that that is higher on the list than tinnitus.

Death is not incurable...

...modern medicine has just not yet determined how to cure it. Science is making progress because Keith Richards has outlived many.

 

[Cowboy in Latvia]

My tinnitus came from an ear infection earlier this year. It's low level but easy to ramp up for short periods by abusing my ears with sound.

So far, it's been a struggle accepting it but with acceptance came a bit of peace. Yes alcohol, caffeine and fatigue make it worse but it is bearable for now.

For all of you suffering from it, I hope you find a way to be at peace with it until it can be reduced or cured.

 

[JGbassman]

I've dealt with it for years from a life time of playing music, but it really kicked in when I was in Baghdad during 2003-4 and an enemy mortar round hit about 30 yards from me. My left side, where it hit, is a lot worse than my right, and a simple action such as a hand clap or opening a can of soda if too close feels like an ice pick and will shut down my hearing for a certain period of time, so I feel your pain.

The in ear monitoring has helped, as I can turn it down and be a lot quieter on stage by filtering out cymbals and the snare drum. I wish you the best of luck and that you keep having positive results.

I would be happy if mine just never got any worse.

 

[Roland GR 88]

And this is as crazy as it gets. Gotta put it in here because who knows - maybe this is the one key to all, but I don't think so. I was taught to perform Reiki (an energy healing technique) many years ago. When I do the above ear cupping thing, I also rub my hands together first, draw the Reiki symbol on my palms, and apply the healing technique. Don't know how or why this works, and I'm still skeptical, but I've been doing anything and everything possible. It might have something to do with the heat in my hands from rubbing them, a placebo affect again, or maybe there truly is a healing force in the universe that I've been taught to tap into.

I'm a skeptical cynic of the highest order but I don't dismiss treatments such as reiki or reflexology.
I doubt those that have been practicing these and other nerve stimulating exercises for tens of thousands of years have been wasting their time.

​

 

[guy n. cognito]

I must admit that I had to skim some of that opening post.....

Joe, I'm wondering, have you had any tests to prove that your tinnitus is cured??

 

[two fingers]

Great post, Joe. Thanks for sharing. Mine isn't bad. Probably 2 or 3 out of 10. In fact, I only notice it when I think about it.

That being said, I will try some of your tips to see if I can make it go away altogether.

Just out of curiosity, did you ever try that Quietess product I hear advertised on the radio?

 

[Biggbass]

Tinnitus and Tendonitis...two common banes of the modern bassist.

I am convinced, that in my case, tinnitus is caused by varying sinus pressure on the inner ear due to barometric and humidity changes in a direct relationship with the changing seasonal allergens.

In other words, it's all in my head!

My best 'cure' is regular use of a Neti Pot...relieve the pressure on the upper sinuses and the ringing goes away.

 

[Ghastly]

I had a stab at this (#45) some time ago. Thanks, Joe, for putting your thoughts down. I'd heard a radio doco, which is still active if you'd like to listen in - Signal to noise. It all makes sense to me, a fellow sufferer. It all helps.

One thing I've been exploring lately is why my lower jaw acts like a tinnitus volume slider. If I push forward to make an under-bite, the ringing increases considerably and if I take it the other way the ringing is quieted considerably. What the…

I know it pays not to focus on it too much. Silence is relative. Peace is possible

I have the same volume slider! BTW, on average, I'd rate mine at about a 6 out of 10 in volume. When I push out my jaw it might bump it up to a 7 or possibly an 8.

 

[Tom Bomb]

I have the same volume slider! BTW, on average, I'd rate mine at about a 6 out of 10 in volume. When I push out my jaw it might bump it up to a 7 or possibly an 8.

That's it exactly

I don't know if one can trust this chick, I think she may be a quack of some kind, but her words are still ringing in my ears ,

​

 

[MrLenny1]

20 years with it.
Left ear first, gradual process.
Right ear came on instantly after a short flight on a plane
that was not fully pressurized according to my neurologist.
It's living hell every day.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I must admit that I had to skim some of that opening post.....

Joe, I'm wondering, have you had any tests to prove that your tinnitus is cured??

First, there are no medical tests for such a thing. None that I every heard of at least. Second, I wouldn't say I'm "cured" just yet. I only know that it's gone from a volume of 7-8 for about 10 years, to a 1, and I have periods with no ringing whatsoever. Why would I need a medical opinion to confirm that? And how would they? I didn't even remember what silence sounded like until the other day.

Just out of curiosity, did you ever try that Quietess product I hear advertised on the radio?

Yes. I went through 1 or 2 bottles, don't remember as it was about 8 years ago. It seemed to do nothing, but who knows? I wouldn't discount or discredit anything. Think it's all worth a try, and may very well all have contributed to my current state.

 

[guy n. cognito]

First, there are no medical tests for such a thing. None that I every heard of at least. Second, I wouldn't say I'm "cured" just yet. I only know that it's gone from a volume of 7-8 for about 10 years, to a 1, and I have periods with no ringing whatsoever. Why would I need a medical opinion to confirm that? And how would they?

Tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noises can be tested with a simple hearing test. And I wasn't putting words in your mouth: you referred to it as "my cure" above in post #1...