Technolandy

Day 55 (of 2024/25) tinnitus and sound

From https://apple.news/Ak14PE-eISgymfbUe9dP9Rg and because I have had such congestion that I woke up in the middle of the night to silence – no tinnitus ~ but I gladly welcomed the buzz back rather than try to cope with the sinus pressure I had instead. But I do like that tinnitus is getting attention and how we all cope with sound differently is being better understood. I’ve always liked a ‘busy’ (noisy) classroom in no small part because what others view as silent calm is loud and distracting to me (and others). So I liked this share on noise – especially coloured noise

FEEDBACK Regarding the miserable man (Sept. 25):

Reader 1: “According to my audiologist, there is a cure … but more importantly, there are available treatments. I suffer from tinnitus. It has been traced back to my early days of employment when I used to work in loud environments.

“Hearing aids are not only for treatment of hearing loss but can also help with treating tinnitus. It’s important to get a specific test done to know for sure if you suffer from tinnitus.

“Regarding balance, you should go see an otolaryngologist (ENT) specialist immediately. Note – my balance continues to be fine

“Special types of ‘noise’ can help. If you live near a flowing river, go for walks alongside the banks and listen to the flow. If you can put a fan in your room, which creates white noise, that can be helpful. Investigate the different ‘colours’ of noise and find what works best for you.

Lisi’s additions: Through my research, I found these descriptions for different coloured noise:

• White noise: the standard sleep sound with an even or flat noise, e.g. fan, vacuum, a/c, TV. This is the best colour to help with tinnitus.

* Brown noise: deep and soothing. Best for a deep sleep and uninterrupted sleep. Enhances relaxation, e.g., rumbling thunder, crackling fire, strong winds, a purring cat.

• Pink noise: good for relaxation and sleep and can boost memory, e.g. rustling leaves, steady rain

• Green noise: naturally calming noise, soothes symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Perfect for those kept up by stress, e.g., heavy rain, rolling waves

Reader 2: “The young man suffering from tinnitus should look online for a peer support group. If he lives in Toronto, he might be able to access one through the Baycrest Centre or the Dizzy Clinic at Sunnybrook. Other major metropolitan areas also have such groups. There is an umbrella organization for sufferers in Canada, the Canadian Tinnitus Foundation, and some hearing clinics, whether independent or run by hospitals, specialize in the condition (often in tandem with dizziness). Specialist physios also treat dizziness. And, if nothing is available, he could consider starting such a group himself, either in-person or online. The condition affects 360,000 Canadians — 150,000 of them in very serious ways — and it is important to seek out information about the latest treatments. Sadly, though, some people acquire tinnitus after using prescribed drugs to treat other medical conditions.” <— opinion, I have not seen research on this claim

There is help – but if you’ve got annoying background noise as part of your world…you’re not alone!