Friday, February 23, 2007





OK, this time I might really be putting PB on hold. Within the last week I've developed an acute case of tinnitus ("ringing in the ears") that seems to be getting steadily worse, to the point where I can no longer read or even think clearly. Imagine a piezoelectric siren pressed into your ear canal -- an unending electronic squeal. That's the closest I can come to describing it.

I've already seen a doctor and am being referred to a specialist. In the meantime it's all I can do to remain functional.

If you have any tips on how to make this go away (or at least minimize it), send me an email.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

because of your lyrics of posthuman blues, tears for fears mad world, I visited your website. This song was the favorite song of my sister, who passed away the 12th of february this year. I browsed through your blog and read the one you posted about rinning in the ears. I have the same thing, since about 6 months and I don't have tips for you, other then get a good night sleep. When I'm tired, the rinning is louder, but when I have had a good night sleep, the rinning is still there, but less. I'm trying to accept it, it's not the least I can do, it won't kill you..

From the Netherlands,

Yvonne

Cap'n Marrrrk said...

Blame the ex-neighbors. Find them, sue them, rest easy on their money and turn the music down.

Feel better Mac

Anonymous said...

Damn. Sorry. Here's hoping it's not serious.

- razorsmile (who objects to the Google/Blogger Hegemony)

Ed said...

http://blogs.ocregister.com/sciencedude/archives/2007/02/tinnitus.html

Katie M. said...

Unfortunately, I don't know of any way to help, but I hope your doctor's can find a way to make it go away.

Anonymous said...

Ear Infection?

Paul Kimball said...

Mac:

Having played next to loud amps without earplugs for seven years, I can tell you that if it is really tinitus, it's never going to completely go away. The best you can do is manage it, and deal with it. Fortunately, mine is of the "flares up now and then" variety (usually when a particular sound or frequncy triggers it), but I know full well that one day it will come, and then stay.

Paul

W.M. Bear said...

Mac -- I'm afraid Paul may be right. I suffer from a similar off-again-on-again ringing like he describes, brought on originally (I'm convinced) by one too many recreational hits of nitrous oxide a while back. I did see a specialist when it started getting really annoying and he basically told me there was no real medical solution.

Here are a few suggestions, though. The ringing type of tinnitus seems to be caused by the vibration of small bones in the inner ear, not untypically brought on by stress.

1) Try cutting WAY down on those lattes. I've found a definite correlation between intensity of ringing and both caffeine and alcohol ingestion.

2) Don't use ear plugs. Whenever I'm occasionally forced to, the ringing always gets much worse, ALWAYS.

3) If you have no huge philosophical objections to homeopathic remedies (I've had very good luck with some), here is the link to a page on remedies for tinnitus:

Alternative Medicine for Tinnitus

Sounds like Kali iodatum might be the ticket for you. At any rate, hope it clears up or at least mitigates SOONEST!

--WMB