Tinnitus treatment?

**khc3** · 12-05-09, 23:02

I realize this isn't exactly either fitness or nutrition, but I have developed, over time, persistant ringing (high pitched whine or buzz) in my left ear. I don't have any apparent medical issues that might have caused it; it is most likely a result of a lifetime of loud punk rock shows, walkman/headphone abuse, and various exposures to gun shots w/o proper hearing protection.

I have always read that tinnitus is basically untreatable, but just wanted to check and make sure there wasn't anything new or less well known that I might have missed.

Are there any treatments for tinnitus that have any success? Are there any other medical conditions that would cause such a symptom?

TIA for any thoughts!

**Bill Bryant** · 12-05-09, 23:13

There are more bogus tinnitus "cures" out there you can imagine. All so far are worse than worthless. I've had severe, career-changing tinnitus for over twenty-five years and have been to top doctors on both coasts. Research continues, and the scientist or physician who finds an answer will change the world for many, many people, but so far the answer has not been found.

**DocHolliday01** · 12-05-09, 23:19

Good luck to you man, I have it in both ears. I have been told as recently as 6 months ago that basically there is nothing that can be done for it, it is essentially permanent hearing loss. I double up on the hearing pro now, not sure if it helps but it can't hurt.

**kmrtnsn** · 12-05-09, 23:49

An officer I work with was involved in an OIS last year. BG's snubby discharged next to his face. He has had several surgeries and still suffers severe tinnitus with no change in the condition in sight.

**RudyN** · 12-06-09, 00:31

Tinnitus is no fun. I have it in both ears and now have to wear hearing aids. It started a long time ago when I went to an indorr shooting range and forgot my ear plugs. I was stupid and shot anyway and my hearing stared to go bad as of then.

**C-Fish** · 12-06-09, 08:56

Another both ear example here...

I've become somewhat accustomed to it. Only time it really bothers me is at night.

**Hersh** · 12-06-09, 10:17

Originally Posted by C-Fish

Another both ear example here...

I've become somewhat accustomed to it. Only time it really bothers me is at night.

+1. Thus far mine isn't what I'd call debilitating and I double up with plugs and electronic muffs.

**Pilgrim** · 12-06-09, 10:24

Just my left ear so far.

In fact, it's ringing off the hook right now!!!

Have a long history of inner ear infections, and I've fired a round or two from the inside of a car, and under a house before, that DID NOT HELP in the slightest.

When I enlisted in the Army 27 years ago I kept failing the hearing test, the dude running the test came up to me and whispered "Can you even hear me?" I told him that yes I could hear him fine, it's just the little beeps of the test I can't make out... so he sent we on to the next test shaking his head.

Took my DOT test this summer. Couldn't tell what was the beeps in the test, or what was the 'beeps' already ringing in my ears.

Had a hearing test a while ago from a professional ear specialist. He came in with the test results and mentioned that it was apparent I was a right handed rifle shooter, seems most right handed riflemen lose hearing in the left ear first as the right ear gets some protection from the stock and shoulder.

I just let the ear ring away, though I'm pretty cautious with hearing protection now more than ever. I've always used hearing protection whenever possible, it's just most real world shots don't allow the time to put in plugs first.

Biggest problem I have is when hunting. Can't hardly hear the turkeys gobble or fly down any more till they are right on top of me.

**khc3** · 12-06-09, 10:28

Originally Posted by Hersh

+1. Thus far mine isn't what I'd call debilitating and I double up with plugs and electronic muffs.

That's pretty much where I'm at. I haven't had it tested, but I don't think I have substantial hearing loss yet.

It's just a little maddening when it gets my attention.

Thanks for the information. Preserving what I have left is also my priority. I use plugs and muffs when shooting indoors, use ear pro even with my suppressors, and even when I'm running the weed whacker and leaf blower in the yard.