Do you or anyone you know suffer from tinnitus?

[AARPTeri]

Do you or anyone you know suffer from tinnitus?  What is your experience, discuss with others here!

[rosalindr23255]

My Grandmother had tinnitus, but it was mostly nosie in her ears or head.  I've been getting music, only music, like a band playing the same tune over and over.  It's isn't bad, but it is annoying.  I never connected it with epilepsy. I don't know much about epilepsy, but I thought that was related more to mobility issues, not hearing. 

I have hearing aids that work well for understanding speech. I don't wear them regularly, but I still "hear" that repetitious music playing in the background.  My Grandmother wasn't able to wear hearing aids because they magnified the noises she heard from the tinnitis. 

[pweufp]

I was recently diagnosed with tinnitus and hearing loss.  There doesn't seem to be enough support groups for tinnitus.  

[AnnD4608]

I see you posted your comment about support groups back in 2016.  Maybe there were fewer posters to this site then, but now, in February of 2021, I would say this AARP forum is a support group!  I have seen much support and some interesting ideas about tinnitus here.

[Anitasmolik]

I used to belong to a Meniere's Disease forum, where you can discuss tinnitus and possible solutions, but haven't gone on it in a long time, so I don't know if it is still around.

[70sClassic]

I did try to find zoom or online support group but found none 

[linrat]

Also no one can afford hearing aids.  The cost is prohibitive.

[AnnD4608]

You are right about the prohibitive cost of hearing aids.  Hearing is a vital sense, one that keeps us safe and ensures quality of life.  Medicare should cover the entire cost of hearing aids, as should Medicaid for those who qualify for it prior to age 65.  Make noise:  call your State and Federal representatives!

[70sClassic]

Tru Hearing I believe it’s thru Medicare. I didn’t go tho. Because hearing aids haven’t helped. Good luck 🍀 

[Anitasmolik]

1. I believe that Tru Hearing is the brand name of the new hearing aids I just got through my Humana Medicare Advantage insurance. I only paid $199 for each hearing aid!

[Liliam88]

I've been told I have hearing loss after several tests and last year I purchased a pair of hearing aids for both ears.  I also have tinnitis but feel it has gotten worse since I've started wearing them.  Don't know if that's the cause though.   

What I hear is something like the wind and sometimes it sounds louder than other times. Getting back to those hearing aids, which I'm still trying to get used to. They do cost a pretty penny but I feel I could've gotten the same thing for a much less price than what I paid.  They usually range in price from 1500 dollars each.  

[j111015d]

Some Sam's Club stores have Hearing Centers.  They have many different styles of hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers at a fraction of the cost of going to a hearing center.  They do the testing there too.

My tinnitus has become so bad, that I am finally going to get a hearing aid or a personal sound amplifier.  My doctor said I would know when it was time, when I couldn't understand what people are saying to me (when in a crowd) that it affects my daily life and work.  My family is telling me it's time.  It's not that I didn't want one, but I didn't have $4,000-$5,000 for a pair.

I am definitely go to Sam's Club to see about their service, now that they are much more affordable than before!

Also, an interesting article....https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2017/hearing-aid-no-prescriptions-legislation-fd...

[j111015d]

FYI....In addition to comment below:

Veterans are provided free hearing aids....contact your local VA office.

Financial assistance may be available to you through many different programs listed here:  

http://www.betterhearing.org/sites/default/files/hearingpedia-resources/Financial_Assistance_for_Hea...

[mv6870]

I have noise problem only in my left ear when " I lie down to  go to sleep " when I have the airconditioner or ceiling fan ON.  During the day I have No Problem when I am working or moving around and the wind does not bother my left ear.

[LawrenceP344648]

Yes!!! Drives me nuts and has gotten worse. Went to ent doc and basically said to ignore and play music that silence is not my friend. Welcome any ideas please

[rosemary99]

I have had tinnitus for 1 1/2 years. When it started, I didn't sleep for almost 3 weeks because of the high pitch sound, and wound up in the hospital. ENT could not do anything. Went to audiologist who fitted me with maskers (hearing aids that you can choose sounds, music, nature noises etc. with your phone or Ipad. So with that and behavioral counseling and antidepressants have been able to tolerate it. I am now having more quiet days. Have to stay busy. No magic cure. There are trials going on so hopefully they can find a cure. 

[JosephF474840]

My heart goes out to you. Keep your hopes up for a cure. I've have had tinnitus for over 30 years, been duped many times that there is help. There is not. I have prayed so many times for relief. I still believe God is the only cure except for death. Sounds gruesome the death part. But there is good news, I'm 80 years old and I go several weeks at a time and don't even know that I have tinnitus. Just don't think about it.

[GailL1]

@JosephF474840 

I am not far behind you in length of having it (or in age) - It has gotten worse for me in the last couple of years before that I managed it .  Only in one ear - now new and different sounds have emerged periodically  - volume of it has also increased.

Sometimes it is just this side of madness - 

I am thinking about seeing if I can get the various sounds of it synthesized and then record it so that it can be CONTINUOUSLY piped in to every health care and research facility office in the world for all to hear what we hear.

I have tried everything - conventional and unconventional - I feel it is us sufferers who are descending into the abyss.  

It is maddening - 

[ahsierra]

God is the answer!  Stay strong, I know how it is.  Many blessings.