Ringing in ears

[DeniseNY]

I will pray for you Denise. I have been cursed with tinnitus for about 14 months now and I understand your pain and fear. Will you pray for me, too? I do offer it up sometimes, but I would rather this cup pass from me. My tinnitus was caused by stress that has never let up. I think specifically it is due to jaw clenching and forward head posture.

boomerang, how are you doing?

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

***Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death
Amen.

***

 

[boomerang]

boomerang, how are you doing?

The first 6 months I thought I might be better off dead. I couldn’t sleep at all. I can’t describe how much I suffered. Tinnitus is truly horrible. I can understand why people kill themselves when they have a bad case of it. I had hoped that using a white noise machine at night would help me sleep, but it was a disaster for me. It made the ringing worse. Turns out I also have hyperacusis, which means I can’t tolerate routine environmental noise like the noise of a fan motor or the shower running. So I started wearing earplugs when the air conditioning or heater was on, and during showers. I also had distorted hearing. For example, whenever I would handle a plastic bag, like a grocery bag, it sounded just like bells ringing, I kid you not. Like jingle bells on a sleigh.

So now it’s been about 14 months and I can sleep well almost every night. The ringing has now become, most of the time, a soft hiss. The hyperacusis has lessened, and no more distorted sounds. But the hissing is worse when I’m stressed, like now. I’m caring for my terminally ill mother, so I’m stressed.

I am amazed to find that over time, it gets better. Less noticeable. But there are those occasions when I enter a very quiet room and suddenly I’m uncomfortably aware of the constant hiss and my anxiety level starts to rise and I have to talk myself down. I guess there are worse crosses to bear, but I sure would love to be able to enjoy silence again!

I have also found that doctors are useless. Totally useless. I’ve been to an audiologist, an ENT, a internist and a physical therapist. All useless. I think I might try chiropractic and acupuncture next.

How are you doing?

 

[DeniseNY]

Oh, I think I’m ok. It’s just very, very strange to me how I never heard this noise when I was living in NY and as soon as I moved home, it hit me. I’m seeing the ENT again next week and possibly going to the Cleveland Clinic as well.

From everything I read, the first few weeks/months are the worst (I’m only one week into this). I’m able to sleep ok as long as I have the TV on, and during the day, if I’m engrossed in something, I don’t hear it at all. My GP that I saw on Friday actually told me he’s had it for 30 years!

I started a prayer thread for St Raphael. I have some healing oil that I got when I had dental surgery. If you like, I can give you the website address. They do not charge for it. It’s a great comfort to me, and maybe it could do the same for you!

I am very sorry to read about your mother’s illness. My prayers will be with her as well. Having gone through the same thing four years ago, I know how difficult it is.

 

[DeniseNY]

I also started on a supplement my GP mentioned. Took the first two capsules today. Prayers that I’m one of the lucky people for whom it works, also appreciated! And yes, I know people are skeptical of supplements, etc… but I’d appreciate it very much if no one brought that to this prayer intention! Thank you

 

[boomerang]

I also started on a supplement my GP mentioned. Took the first two capsules today. Prayers that I’m one of the lucky people for whom it works, also appreciated! And yes, I know people are skeptical of supplements, etc… but I’d appreciate it very much if no one brought that to this prayer intention! Thank you

Is it lipo-flavonoid? Let us know how it works.

 

[DeniseNY]

Yes, that’s it. I’ll keep you posted!

 

[boomerang]

Yes, that’s it. I’ll keep you posted!

That’s one I haven’t tried. I’ve tried darned near everything else, though.

 

[DeniseNY]

That’s one I haven’t tried. I’ve tried darned near everything else, though.

Oh, I’m sorry! Do you get any relief at all? Any times when you don’t hear it?

Have you had your blood work done? I’m supposed to get my results tomorrow. It could possibly be a B or D deficiency. I know I’ve been eating a lot of junk for about the last month.

 

[boomerang]

Oh, I’m sorry! Do you get any relief at all? Any times when you don’t hear it?

In the early morning and when I’m totally relaxed I barely hear it. It’s loud just before bed (wouldn’t you know it!), when I’ve been exercising the upper body, when chewing, when exposed to loud noise and when I’m tensed. It’s called “somatic tinnitus” and it’s origin is in the muscles of the head, mandible and neck. If I can get these muscles to quit tightening, it will probably go away. As long as I keep clenching my jaws, it will just exacerbate it. There might be other factors involved also, but I have narrowed it down to jaw clenching which also inadvertently tightens the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck. I’ve read that the SCM is the likely culprit.

You mentioned that you have had tinnitus since you moved to Ohio. Could it be allergy-driven?

Yeah, I had blood work done. No deficiencies. I’ve been taking magnesium because I’ve read that it can go very low if you are stressed, or if you have been taking high doses of vitamin D, and I was doing both. Magnesium relaxes your muscles. It’s worth taking. I did notice an improvement when I started taking it a few months ago.

 

[DeniseNY]

In the early morning and when I’m totally relaxed I barely hear it. It’s loud just before bed (wouldn’t you know it!), when I’ve been exercising the upper body, when chewing, when exposed to loud noise and when I’m tensed. It’s called “somatic tinnitus” and it’s origin is in the muscles of the head, mandible and neck. If I can get these muscles to quit tightening, it will probably go away. As long as I keep clenching my jaws, it will just exacerbate it. There might be other factors involved also, but I have narrowed it down to jaw clenching which also inadvertently tightens the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck. I’ve read that the SCM is the likely culprit.

You mentioned that you have had tinnitus since you moved to Ohio. Could it be allergy-driven?

I don’t know. It’s possible. I have been congested and around a lot of dust (cleaning out my dad’s basement and attic. For a while, I was sneezing uncontrollably). The only - ONLY - other time I heard ringing like this was on a visit here last year (I think)… Never heard it in NY - ever! I remember the rare times my apartment would be completely quiet, I would like in bed enjoying the silence (I had one too many noisy upstairs neighbors). I know if I had heard it then, I would have been concerned and gone to the doctor. I never even heard it all the times I would sit quietly in church, with no one else around. It’s the weirdest thing.

Oh and another thing… I was really stressed out about taking a business trip back to NY and it started after that. I’ve spent the better part of the last couple of years with work related stress,and T was never a issue. This really has me baffled.

 

[DeniseNY]

All, I started a Group for T here on CAF if you’re interested in joining!

 

[DeniseNY]

Having a bad night tonight. Prayers would be appreciated

 

[boomerang]

How are you doing? Are you coping ok?

 

[DeniseNY]

I’m ok, I guess. I barely heard it all day today, then suddenly about an hour ago it was kind of bad. I’m just waiting until my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. Maybe I’ll get an answer (even a partial answer) then.

 

[DeniseNY]

Same thing today. thought it was gone, but then it started again. I’m really worried.

Any prayers would be appreciated

 

[boomerang]

Same thing today. thought it was gone, but then it started again. I’m really worried.

Any prayers would be appreciated

My ears are bad today, too. Sometimes if I take a couple of ibuprofen along with Sudafed, the noise will lessen. Seems it can be related to fluid buildup. If you take Sudafed, make sure it’s the real Sudafed with pseudoephedrine, not phenylephrine.

 

[Pier]

†

Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Amen. †

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the Fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.

Amen. †

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle,
be our defense against the wickedness and snares
of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray.
And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the
power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other
evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen. †

St. Thérèse of Liseux Prayer From “Story of A Soul”

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Amen. †

Lord, thank you that you are with me right now.
Your love surpasses all fear.
I give you the anxiety I feel.
I surrender all my worries to you.
Clear my mind;
Calm my heart;
Still my Spirit;
Relax my being, that, I may
always glorify you in everything
I write, speak and do.

Amen. †

Jesus, Help Me

In every need let me come to Thee with humble trust, saying,
Jesus, help me!

In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations,
Jesus, help me!

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials,
Jesus, help me!

In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles and sorrows,
Jesus, help me!

When my heart is cast down by failure, at seeing no good come from my efforts,
Jesus, help me!

When others fail me, and Thy grace alone can assist me,
Jesus, help me!

When I throw myself on Thy tender love as Father and Savior,
Jesus, help me!

When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me,
Jesus, help me!

When sickness and loneliness overcome me,
Jesus, help me!

Always, in weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind,
Jesus, help me and never forsake me.

Thank You, dear Lord Jesus.

Amen. †

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may always love You more.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, set our hearts on fire with love of You.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like Your Heart.

Amen. †

Prayers said. All will be well. Do not fear, the Lord is protecting you.
Do not be lonely, your guardian angel is beside you.
Be comforted, Mother will watch over you, and the
Holy Spirit will guide you.

Amen. †

Prayer Against Depression
………….By St Ignatius of Loyola

O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.

Amen.

†

Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús
(Santa Teresa de Ávila)

Thank You, dear Lord Jesus.

Amen.

†

 

[DeniseNY]

Thank you both! This is very frustrating.

I’m more and more thinking it’s a nerve issue as the left side of my neck has been very sore. I was falling asleep on a TV pillow and I think it messed something up. I guess I can ask the Doctor on Wednesday.

And I really didn’t hear it all the later part of yesterday afternoon, during Liturgy, or even last night. I woke up a couple of times during the night and it was silent.

 

[boomerang]

Thank you both! This is very frustrating.

I’m more and more thinking it’s a nerve issue as the left side of my neck has been very sore. I was falling asleep on a TV pillow and I think it messed something up. I guess I can ask the Doctor on Wednesday.

And I really didn’t hear it all the later part of yesterday afternoon, during Liturgy, or even last night. I woke up a couple of times during the night and it was silent.

You know, your story sounds like a repeat of mine. Mine started in the right ear and was accompanied by a very, very sore right-side back-of-the-neck in the trapezius muscle. It was very painful when I pressed on the area that runs over the side of the second vertebra. My upper right shoulder was very painful also, and I had intermittent numbness in my right hand. All the signs pointed to over-tight muscles and/or slightly dislocated vertebrae in the neck. After about 8 weeks, the noise was in both ears. Sometimes sleeping on my stomach alleviated the ringing. The fact that you had silence in the middle of the night, when your muscles are relaxed, is probably a good clue that it’s a musculoskeletal issue. Are you stressed? Had you been anxious before you noticed the ringing?

I hope your doctor can offer some advice, but most are pretty useless when it comes to tinnitus unless it’s caused by earwax. Most sufferers are on their own. But I can tell you that it gets better over time. Don’t be afraid to take whatever medication you need to sleep until then. Sleep was definitely an issue with me the first six months.