I'm curious. What do you hear as far as tinnitus, etc?

[uppityperson]

Without my aids I've started hearing a low level hum in 1 ear that has recently developed more low level loss. Add the constant high buzz all the time in both (without aids in) and it is a mixture. I know that what I hear (tinnitus) is what nerve loss I have, so it makes sense that the low level hum has happened in conjunction with the low level loss. I'm thinking that I can use this to moniter changes in the future also. Since I got my aids the tinnitus hasn't been so bad also (when they are out).

How about you?

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Have had tinnitus for years and years

A high pitched multilevel confluence of noise that gets worse when I'm tired. Sometimes it increases in one ear or the other to a very loud single whine-like sound, sometimes high pitched, sometimes low, and sometimes actually painful.

At times I also get a popping sound that sounds, and sometimes feels. like an insect in my ear. At other times have had a doorbell ringing, sirens off in the distant or the sound of coyotes when none of that is really happening.

My hearing loss is in the voice range, called "cookie bite" as represented on the hearing test graphs. It's inherited, neurological, will continue to degenerate, but somewhat reversible with the use of hearing aids. Have actually had significant improvement in my left ear. My audiologist told me that by starting the use of aids at a relatively early age (late 40s) as compared to the age when most with this type of hearing disorder seek audiological help (usually mid-60s to mid-70s) my brain is still young enough to create new connections that can increase my ability to hear.

She also told me that it's thought that tinnitus can be the brain's way of compensating for the lack of sound. I have noticed a considerable decrease in tinnitus when I wear my aids consistently. But, have also noticed that when I'm far away from electrical power sources, and especially far away from large cities, I actually have periods of no tinnitus.

[uppityperson]

2. tinnitus happens as a sort of non-feedback thing

Normal hearing you hear all frequencies of sound, your (whatever hearing bits, nerves?) get stimulated by the sound waves. When you no longer hear a frequency, these nerves no longer get stimulated so make up their own noise/electrical bits. By having the pathway work, you not only hear, but the pathway gets stimulated. When there is a break in the pathway, the area beyond the break doesn't get stimulated enough to shut itself down. Crudely put, rather like a teenager, I think of it. If you know what I mean.

Interesting abut the early age aids, which makes sense. Seems like most audiologists don't want to put people in aids until they need it badly, as opposed to glasses. Another time I will rant about glasses being a fashion item and hearing aids not.

I like your description of odd sounds you hear, I've started hearing things like this in my ear that has developed low as well as high freq loss. Nice to know this is normal. Thanks.

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Great description of the WHY of tinnitus

Thanks! :hi:

[BlueStorm]

7. I have tinnitus as well

My hearing impairment was probably more than likely inherited but also may have been caused by early childhood otis media infections. I have the "cookie bite" hearing loss but my audiologist told me that it's probably starting to even out.

The ringing in my ears sometimes sounds like a phone, or a low buzzing. Sometimes it sounds like my name is being called or I hear a bunch of voices, especially at night when I am trying to sleep.

Blue

[1gobluedem]

3. High pitched whine

I really only notice it when it's quiet.

[Karenca]

5. Mine sounds llike a

hive of bees .........bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech) bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (screeeeeeeeeeeeech)
with a violin screech

That's the best I can describe it.

[sandnsea]

6. Mine varies

A long time ago it was the classic ringing. When I actually started losing my hearing it turned into an occasional buzz. Now it's like a beehive in my head with a slight ring in my ear. I can hear out of my left ear, so I'm not stuck with just the noise. I just treat it like Nash treated his schizophrenia, my personal accompaniment to life. I'd rather listen to the noise in my head than my husband's bitching, haha!!