started 2 years after ETS
 

My ears started hissing and ringing in 1972 and haven't stoped. Sometimes it sounds like my head is in a bag of crickets other times just a low hissing. Now and again the noise will turn into a high pitched whisle all of a sudden.

I can't sleep unless there is some back ground noise. I run an air filtration machine in the bedroom and that helps.

So far I have just ignored it most of the time. Once in awhile it gets the best of me and I go into hiding.

Of course I have hearing loss but then I'm 59 and everthing else is wearing out. Can't say I can blame the military service for this as I have had lots of jobs with loud noise and a lot of recreational shooting.

Pain and discomfort just reminds me I'm still alive.

The logic of drowning out noise with more noise seems, illogical - but it seems to work. It's not the noise; it’s the awareness of the noise. During the day, I rarely notice, but at night, like right now, it is blaring, sounds like 80 db almost.

Hey I wonder if Crown Royal would have positive affects, makes more sense than adding more noise to the noise – if I have to drown it, maybe I’ll drawn it with some Crown.

Hey one more thing Jon, the big super axe swooped through at work today, I ducked – it missed me. :)

After years on the range, (with no hearing protection) then shooting trap 6 nites a week. I developed a continuous low humming in the right ear.

About three years ago, I developed Meniere's disease. Along with the other symptoms associated with the disease, the low humming in my right ear turned inot a screaming jet like sound.

I and my ENT developed a regime to combat the symptoms of the Meniere's. It has also lessened the severity of the tinnitis. There are actually evenings when I can't hear it at all.

The procedure we used for the Meniere's involved using a diuretic to drain the fluids building up in the inner ear. Curbing the use of or stopping altogether Alchohol, Tobacco, Salt, Caffeine, Chocolate and certain sugars.

I havent had a flare up of Meniere's in over a year and a half. And, like Ive stated my tinnitis is almost bearable. Im sure this procedure wouldnt apply to those that have suffered damage to their eardrums. This would best be left up to a qualified professional. Im just stating what worked for me.

From my own personal experiance Crown Royal definitely works. I have also tried scotch, beer and cheap wine with equal success.

Great news on the axe, I was waiting to hear from you.
Continue to keep your head down

Damnit! I got hit by an IED and now my ears wont stop ringing. Just got back from Audiology and scored a 75 on my left ear. :boohoo, you guys are right sleeping is the worst part

Two(2) years ago you were ask to fill in your profile.

Do you know why you have FTFSI attached to your profile???

:mad:

Zapper that could help ease the symptoms of tinnitus
 

Hope this helps some with tinnitus
SnT

The brain zapper that could help ease the symptoms of tinnitus
A device that stimulates the brain with electric impulses may ease symptoms of tinnitus.
According to new research, the treatment can reduce nerve cell activity in the brain, so reducing the tinnitus sensation.
Two new studies have shown that the technology – which is already being used to treat depression, eating disorders, chronic pain and migraines – can be effective and that for some tinnitus sufferers the benefits can last for six months or more after therapy ends.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...-tinnitus.html

I also have tinnitus and like some have already said I don't remember a time when I didn't have it. I have been shooting guns and playing the drums since I was very young and didn't always where hearing protection. I did almost always when shooting but almost never when playing the drums, I just didn't know I was never told that it could damage my hearing. Sometimes my ears almost hurt like a burning sensation, I am not sure if this is related or not but assume it is.

While I'm posting I have a question about preserving my hearing. I usually just wear orange soft plugs when I go to the range, is that enough or should I also use muffs? I have a pair of the surefire plugs that should be hear soon and have read that 80dbs is safe opinions? (I have read the posts regarding the surefire plugs I am more curious if you actually find 80dbs safe).

Thanks,

Fng

Quietus??
 

I saw a commercial on tv today about this product..http://www.quietrelief.com/

anybody try it? they send out a free sample.

I recently developed tinnitus in my left ear, I have had it for two months now. In the evenings it is like an electronic tone that may start up suddenly and then tail off to a low whine. In the mornings it is a hissing sound, like gas escaping from those old aircon units. There is a dull ache within the ear also, like you get sometimes if you come out of the pool with cold water in your ear.

I saw the ENT last week, got a hearing test and pressure test and physical exam. It looks good, symmetrical hearing within normal range. He told me that ear wax can cause this, but I don't have any, he can see all the way to the eardrum.
They are less concerned about it since I have good hearing but have recommended a radio on a timer to help me sleep at night.

Tomorrow I am booked for an MRI of both internal auditory meati. They don't expect to find anything as I have good balance and no dizziness or nausea, but they are just being careful. The ENT told me that tinnitus is not something that is fully understood and that in many cases these examinations are negative: no cause is ever found. I empathise with people who have it, because in quiet situations like trying to sleep or writing an exam, it is really bothersome.
If I find anything useful from that scan I'll post it here.

Had the MRI today, IAMs and brain. Well, besides the revelation that I do in fact have something between my ears, there was nothing abnormal found.
Sigh.
Looks like I will join the group of people who must shrug and live with it. :(

I'm sorry for your troubles.

Hope this makes you smile. After an MRA of my head I asked the radiologist what they found? He responded, "Nothing." I guess I was not as lucky as you. ;)

Have a little bit of tinnitus already. Grew up near a indian reservation, and me and friends blew off firecrackers by the thousands, and then I bought an ipod. God I was an idiot! :rolleyes: Can't really hear past 15000 hz, which is pretty bad for someone my age.

Ear Plugs PLUS Muffs and a VA Question
 

IMHO you should use both earplugs AND muffs if at all practicable. I have found out the hard way that once a bit if tinnitus starts to show, it creates a vulnerability to further damage. After years of shooting a really large caliber duty weapon and service in Field Artillery, my tinnitus is a real bother.

Regarding VA compensation, I had a documented 111211 PULHES rating on enlisting and at discharge had a 111311 documented. Do you think that this would warrant filing a claim with the VA? I applied immediately after discharge for hearing loss and was denied. I did not know that I should have filed a claim for tinnitus and no one at the VA told me I should (vested interest I think now).

Time to re-boot!
 

So, after I re-boot, will I be able to hear a mouse piss on cotton again?

BTW, how did the rats tell the researchers that they had tinnitus? :confused:

Pat

I will second the recommendation for both muffs & plugs if feasible.

I have the kind Mitch described previously, which is no fun, acquired through a combination of isolated loud trauma events and sustained exposure to the fans & "HVAC-like substances" in various signal vans over the years. It can seem to nearly dissipate, resume with no apparent cause, or come on with the presence of a simple non-dB specific noise-peak as typical as the screech of a grandchild, or as innocuous as the snapping shut of a Zippo.

The VA monolith does what any monolith does, it exists, and will do the same thing in the face of no new information. If you've been unsuccessful on a tinnitus claim and have not contacted the State Vet Svcs Officer in your county you have missed a resource. There is specific guidance given to them, both written, and gained by joint conference discussions on how to help you further in this particular area with navigating the VA. I'm blessed with having an oustanding (and forthright) VSO, as well as counting a couple other good ones in surrounding counties as friends, and they share information with VA claims people who, in essence, tell them how to get around the apparent obstacles. No promises implied, not all VSO's are created equal, but it's worth pursuing.

huh?

Good question.

Five pages single spaced.

File the claim. There are organizations what will provide help of information if you need it. The Disabled American Veterans, VFW, American Legion, and others some states and counties also have Veterans offices.

FYI I don't think the VA people that provide care are there to advise you about claims. It seems to be two separate parts of the VA.

I know a lot of people have better information than I do, such as one of the groups listed above.

Good luck.

File the claim ?
 

Is there a statute of limitations on this? I was on active duty last during Desert Storm and I would think that this long amount of time passing would negate the claim as not being submitted in a timely fashion.

I don't think there is a limitation. I filed last year and I left active service in 1973. I would check with a Vets. Service group. PM if you want.

Hearing/Tinnitus Waiver for SF
 

I'd like to revisit some thoughts in this older thread and ask any QPs their advice on hearing waivers for entering SF service. Besides my intro, this will be my first post on this site. I love what I read and can't wait to become a closer part of your community.

I currently serve in the Guard as an 11A. Unfortunately, I suffered hearing loss and tinnitus while MOUT training in Leschy Town at Fort Lewis as an M60 gunner -- why they wanted us to take M60s into that town to clear buildings is beyond me, but I can't complain too much... I volunteered for it, thought it would be cool, look tough like Rambo, etc and the Govt has now given me free hearing aids to boot.

Thanks! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I seriously doubt that very many, if any med waivers are being issued right now, but as we tell everyone, a trip to the MEPS station will provide an official response.

TR

Hearing/Tinnitus Waiver for SF
 

Thanks TR.

Let's say the waiver was possible. If you were on a selection board, what concerns would you have of a candidate that already had hearing problems?