Living with Tinnitus for Over 30 Years: A Personal Journey

Tinnitus for over thirty years?

Hello, Doctor.
In my thirties, I participated in a five-day shooting event, and because no one reminded me to wear ear protection, I developed persistent tinnitus.
A few weeks later, I went to the ENT department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, where it was discovered that I had significant hearing loss in the high-frequency range.
The doctor informed me that my eardrum had been damaged and that it was unlikely to recover, suggesting that I would have to learn to coexist with it (I remember they didn't even prescribe any medication).
I used to have very good hearing; I participated in a choir as a child and even represented my class in a school solo singing competition, where I received recognition.
After this setback, I occasionally experienced issues related to the tinnitus.
Over the next thirty years, I would sometimes have episodes of dizziness.
However, it has not been confirmed whether these dizziness symptoms are related to the tinnitus.
Over the years, friends and family have occasionally asked me if I have hearing problems in my left ear, likely because they sit on my left side and notice that I often misunderstand or cannot hear them clearly, especially in noisy gatherings or crowded places.
My wife also feels that I frequently misinterpret her words and needs to repeat herself to clarify her original meaning.
It is evident that my left ear hearing has been gradually declining with age.
My tinnitus is characterized by a hissing sound, which I remember caused some disruption in my life at the time of the injury, but I later adjusted my mindset to coexist with it.
Most of the time, I have gradually adapted, although I still experience occasional dizziness or vertigo, but I have never confirmed whether they are necessarily related to the tinnitus.
Last year, I visited a community family medicine clinic due to dizziness, and the doctor asked if I had tinnitus, which reminded me that I hadn't thought about my long-standing tinnitus issue in a while.
Additionally, my sleep quality has changed somewhat over the past couple of years, so I would like to understand whether these symptoms are related to each other.
Is it possible to undergo examination or treatment? Or, as the doctor at the Veterans General Hospital stated years ago, should I just choose to coexist with it, with no treatment options available (including for the hearing issue)? Thank you, Doctor.

Ong Picton, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/11

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if tinnitus has persisted for over 30 years, the chances of it disappearing are low.
It is advisable to find a way to coexist peacefully with it.
As for dizziness, it may be related to the inner ear or various other factors.
If the dizziness is accompanied by worsening tinnitus and hearing loss, it may be associated with an inner ear disorder, and it is recommended to seek an examination at an otolaryngology department in a hospital.
The intensity of tinnitus may be related to sleep patterns, anxiety, or insomnia.
It is suggested to start by adjusting daily routines and improving sleep.
Hearing issues may be related to neurodegeneration, and similarly, it is recommended to undergo a hearing assessment at an otolaryngology department in a hospital.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Otolaryngology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2022/02/11

More Info

Living with tinnitus for over 30 years can be a challenging journey, especially when it is accompanied by hearing loss and occasional dizziness. Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can significantly impact one's quality of life. Your experience of developing tinnitus after exposure to loud noise without ear protection is not uncommon, and it highlights the importance of hearing conservation in noisy environments.

From your description, it seems that your tinnitus has become a part of your life, and you have adapted to it over the years. This is a commendable approach, as many individuals with chronic tinnitus learn to manage their symptoms through various coping strategies. However, it is also understandable that you may have concerns about the progression of your hearing loss and the relationship between your tinnitus and the dizziness you experience.

Tinnitus can be associated with various underlying conditions, including hearing loss, ear infections, and even vestibular disorders, which can lead to dizziness. The fact that you have experienced a decline in hearing, particularly in your left ear, suggests that there may be a connection between your hearing loss and your tinnitus. It is not uncommon for individuals with tinnitus to experience difficulties in noisy environments, as background noise can mask the sounds they are trying to hear, leading to misunderstandings in conversations.

Regarding your dizziness, it is essential to consider that while tinnitus and dizziness can coexist, they do not always have a direct correlation. Dizziness can arise from various causes, including inner ear issues, vestibular disorders, or even anxiety. It would be beneficial to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

In terms of treatment options, while it is true that there is currently no definitive cure for tinnitus, there are several management strategies that can help alleviate the distress it causes. These may include:
1. Sound Therapy: This involves using background noise or white noise to help mask the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach can help change the way you perceive and react to tinnitus, reducing its impact on your daily life.

3. Hearing Aids: If you have hearing loss, using hearing aids can improve your ability to hear external sounds, which may help reduce the prominence of tinnitus.

4. Vestibular Rehabilitation: If your dizziness is related to vestibular issues, a specialized rehabilitation program can help improve balance and reduce dizziness.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy sleep routine can also contribute to better overall well-being and may help mitigate tinnitus symptoms.

It is essential to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing and tinnitus. They can recommend appropriate tests, such as audiometry or vestibular assessments, to better understand your condition and guide you toward effective management strategies.

In conclusion, while living with tinnitus and associated hearing loss can be challenging, there are various approaches to managing these symptoms. Seeking professional guidance and exploring available treatment options can help improve your quality of life and address any concerns you may have regarding your hearing and dizziness. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and support is available to help you navigate these challenges.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Tinnitus: A 10-Year Struggle for Relief and Answers

Hello Dr. Hu, I am 36 years old and have a history of tinnitus for over ten years. During my university years, I experienced dizziness a couple of times, and since then, tinnitus has been a constant presence in my life. Initially, it was only in my left ear and usually occurred i...

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology
Hello, although I cannot determine the cause of your tinnitus directly from your letter, I completely understand your distress and suffering. If it is convenient for you, I would be happy to take a look. If it is not possible to come in, I suggest that you have a physician check ...

Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

I have been experiencing tinnitus in both ears for over five years. It started in my left ear, with the sound gradually increasing in volume. I have visited countless hospitals and seen numerous doctors, but they all seem to conduct only hearing tests, which has left me feeling d...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
There are pure tone audiometry tests, auditory brainstem responses, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Please visit my website at http://www.csie.nctu.edu.tw/~yehdawei to refer to the articles on tinnitus dated 89.7.22 and 89.3.20 under &q...

Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Effects, and Relief Strategies

Dear Sir/Madam, I experience tinnitus every morning upon waking, which sometimes persists throughout the day. A physician previously diagnosed my right ear with sensorineural degeneration leading to severe hearing loss. I am currently 50 years old, and the tinnitus has lasted fo...

Dr. Chen Duliang reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Qin Gang: Tinnitus can be alleviated with sedatives, but some patients may not respond to this treatment. When feeling troubled, listening to relaxing music may help reduce the distress caused by tinnitus. Please visit our ENT department for a thorough examination and t...

Persistent Ear Ringing: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor! My mother is 50 years old and has been suffering from a condition for ten years. She experiences constant ringing in her ears, and during episodes, she feels faint and vomits. She has visited several major hospitals, and the doctors have mentioned something about d...

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Lin: Based on your description, your mother's condition appears to be related to an inner ear issue. She should undergo a hearing test and have blood tests to check her blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This type of condition is treatable, but the effects are gra...