Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug (a "benzo") that is used for many medical conditions such as epilepsy, panic disorder and as an anti-anxiety medication.
Some ENTs advise using this drug to treat tinnitus and many people report an improvement. In some countries, it is a favorite drug among doctors precisely for this purpose (for example, in France, where doctors are notorious for prescribing lots of medication generally, relative to those in other countries). However, in some people, Clonazepam doesn't appear to do anything.
How is this? Could it be simply due to reduced anxiety (anxiety/stress are well known to be linked to tinnitus intensity) and therefore you could use an alternative antidepressant drug or is there some other reason?
It is postulated that because benzodiazepine drugs work on GABA receptors which are neurotransmitter sensitive, that this therefore means that they are neuroinhibiting and can reduce the overactivity of nerves responsible for tinnitus.
One of the problems with all benzodiazepine drugs is that they are highly addictive and never intended as a long term measure. So does this mean they are just a temporary measure? Not necessarily, because some report that the benefits remain after they wean themselves off the drugs. One of the problems sometimes reported is a rebound effect of tinnitus temporarily getting worse after coming off the drugs but this usually dissipates quickly and it is not recommended to go immediately back onto treatment.
Not much in the way of studies have been done on Clonazepam for treating tinnitus but on such can be found here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14763236. The authors of the study concluded tinnitus was improved in 32% of patients. They also found that 16.9% of patients experienced "adverse side effects" including light or mild drowsiness, depression, nightmares, or lowering of libido.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Otosclerosis And Tinnitus
Otosclerosis is a medical condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear can cause hearing loss. The main type of hearing loss that it causes is conductive hearing loss. So this means that although sounds reach your ear drum, they can't get transmitted to your cochlea (main hearing organ) effectively. This is understandable but should not cause tinnitus.
However, many people also think, controversially, that it can also cause sensorineural hearing loss. This is the type of hearing loss that is associated with tinnitus. How might it do this? It is postulated that the abnormal bone growth causes inflammation which breaks down bone, the byproducts of which are toxic to hair cells in the cochlea and therefore causes the sensorineural hearing loss.
So if you suffer from otosclerosis and tinnitus then what can you do? One study (http://www.tinnitusjournal.com/detalhe_artigo.asp?id=21) has shown that you can take bisphosphonate drugs which will reduce the production of osteoclasts in the middle ear which are characteristic of this condition. If you can do that then you should be able to stop the chain reaction that leads to tinnitus and reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. Of course, all the other preventative measures and advice for tinnitus will also help - if you think about it, you actually have an advantage: effectively you have a more treatable version of tinnitus.
There is also a more radical option which is called a stapedectomy. This is an operation where the bone responsible is actually removed and replaced with a synthetic one, a bit like a prosthesis. If the bone isn't there then you can no longer experience the abnormal growth that caused all your problems in the first place.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
However, many people also think, controversially, that it can also cause sensorineural hearing loss. This is the type of hearing loss that is associated with tinnitus. How might it do this? It is postulated that the abnormal bone growth causes inflammation which breaks down bone, the byproducts of which are toxic to hair cells in the cochlea and therefore causes the sensorineural hearing loss.
So if you suffer from otosclerosis and tinnitus then what can you do? One study (http://www.tinnitusjournal.com/detalhe_artigo.asp?id=21) has shown that you can take bisphosphonate drugs which will reduce the production of osteoclasts in the middle ear which are characteristic of this condition. If you can do that then you should be able to stop the chain reaction that leads to tinnitus and reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. Of course, all the other preventative measures and advice for tinnitus will also help - if you think about it, you actually have an advantage: effectively you have a more treatable version of tinnitus.
There is also a more radical option which is called a stapedectomy. This is an operation where the bone responsible is actually removed and replaced with a synthetic one, a bit like a prosthesis. If the bone isn't there then you can no longer experience the abnormal growth that caused all your problems in the first place.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
How To Ignore Tinnitus
Some people go crazy (almost literally) because they are so focussed on trying to get rid of their tinnitus. Let's face it, most people can get some relief from their symptoms but there is a wide range of this type of "success". Nobody can reverse their hearing damage and turn back time.
This means we have to re-evaluate what your goals should be. If you think about it, if you were able to totally ignore your symptoms then you would effectively be cured. Think of it in the same way as advanced meditators are able to block out all external stimuli. Except that your goal is much easier to achieve than theirs!
Here is a guy who has almost managed to totally ignore his tinnitus, check it out: http://eternalbeep.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/how-to-ignore-tinnitus/
This means we have to re-evaluate what your goals should be. If you think about it, if you were able to totally ignore your symptoms then you would effectively be cured. Think of it in the same way as advanced meditators are able to block out all external stimuli. Except that your goal is much easier to achieve than theirs!
Here is a guy who has almost managed to totally ignore his tinnitus, check it out: http://eternalbeep.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/how-to-ignore-tinnitus/
Quinine For Tinnitus - Friend Or Foe?
What about using quinine for tinnitus? Quinine is a well known old-world (prior to modern drugs) treatment for malaria and other ailments. It has many powerful health properties such as analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and even antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. It is even a muscle relaxant.
So, can it be used for tinnitus?
Some people talk of quinine water which is a mixture of quinine in water, and using it for tinnitus. However, I strongly advise against this because it could actually worsen your tinnitus!
This is because quinine is well known to cause hearing damage which is the precursor to tinnitus. Some argue that the link is not so clear cut, that there is no proof that it causes permanent hearing loss. However, others disagree with this and many tinnitus sufferers argue that it caused their tinnitus or made it much worse.
Don't forget that quinine is also present in some bottled drinks so always read the label when drinking anything new. Due to it's bitter taste, it is often added to lemon or citrus flavoured drinks for added bite. Do not underestimate quinine and it's damaging effects on your hearing and ability to aggravate your hearing and tinnitus.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
So, can it be used for tinnitus?
Some people talk of quinine water which is a mixture of quinine in water, and using it for tinnitus. However, I strongly advise against this because it could actually worsen your tinnitus!
This is because quinine is well known to cause hearing damage which is the precursor to tinnitus. Some argue that the link is not so clear cut, that there is no proof that it causes permanent hearing loss. However, others disagree with this and many tinnitus sufferers argue that it caused their tinnitus or made it much worse.
Don't forget that quinine is also present in some bottled drinks so always read the label when drinking anything new. Due to it's bitter taste, it is often added to lemon or citrus flavoured drinks for added bite. Do not underestimate quinine and it's damaging effects on your hearing and ability to aggravate your hearing and tinnitus.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
Tinnitus - VA Disability Compensation
Tinnitus is common among veterans. Some doctors say that over 50% of veterans suffer from tinnitus, the cause of which is hearing damage due to loud noise exposure, usually due to gunfire and explosions but it can even be due to long term exposure to loud machinery.
Luckily, the VA (Veterans Association) recognizes the clear link between damage to hearing from serving and tinnitus. That said, if you want to claim VA Disability Compensation then you must provide medical evidence. What does this mean exactly? This means you must be able to show that you were exposed to prolonged bouts of loud noise during active duty (where and how). You must also demonstrate that you have measurable and significant hearing loss. Most important, you must get a state licensed audiologist (a professional who measures your hearing ability) to provide a documented opinion that you have hearing loss and that it came due to your active duty.
I recommend that you see an audiologist at your nearest VA medical center. Sure, you could go to any licensed audiologist but they may not be used to seeing veterans. Most states have a VA Medical Center, you can find a big list of them here: VA Medical Centers by state.
Remember, an audiologist can test your hearing. He or she will also ask you about your tinnitus but this is a subjective test that depends on what you tell them. Therefore it is very important to get across to the audiologist just how intense and debilitating the tinnitus is to you. Don't understate your tinnitus or else you may not successfully be able to argue that the tinnitus was caused by your active duty and you may be refused compensation.
Some people say that your symptoms of tinnitus must be constant in order to claim it but others say that this is an old rule only. Apparently, the new rules state that if it is not constant then so long as it keeps returning and does not go away (i.e. it is recurrent and not a one-off) then you should qualify for the compensation.
Also, when presenting your case of your duty, where you served, doing what etc., don't just write a list of what you did and where. Write your own summary and be sure to highlight the long exposure to loud noises. Also speak to your buddies and get them to write supporting statements to show that your experience can be corroborated by others. All of these little things can go a long way in your case to get your entitled VA disability compensation for tinnitus.
Do not just include details of rifle/gun fire. Blasts are more likely to cause the hearing damage that leads to tinnitus. If you can document or show proof that you were exposed to blasts (e.g. IED explosions) then your claim will be more successful. Even videos and news reports can help. I recommend looking at sites such as Liveleak which contain a lot of archived war coverage.
Make the best case that you can because you do have to fight hard these days to get what you are due. Good luck.
Are you a veteran suffering from tinnitus? We recommend End Your Tinnitus (click here) to help fight back against your symptoms.
Luckily, the VA (Veterans Association) recognizes the clear link between damage to hearing from serving and tinnitus. That said, if you want to claim VA Disability Compensation then you must provide medical evidence. What does this mean exactly? This means you must be able to show that you were exposed to prolonged bouts of loud noise during active duty (where and how). You must also demonstrate that you have measurable and significant hearing loss. Most important, you must get a state licensed audiologist (a professional who measures your hearing ability) to provide a documented opinion that you have hearing loss and that it came due to your active duty.
I recommend that you see an audiologist at your nearest VA medical center. Sure, you could go to any licensed audiologist but they may not be used to seeing veterans. Most states have a VA Medical Center, you can find a big list of them here: VA Medical Centers by state.
Remember, an audiologist can test your hearing. He or she will also ask you about your tinnitus but this is a subjective test that depends on what you tell them. Therefore it is very important to get across to the audiologist just how intense and debilitating the tinnitus is to you. Don't understate your tinnitus or else you may not successfully be able to argue that the tinnitus was caused by your active duty and you may be refused compensation.
Some people say that your symptoms of tinnitus must be constant in order to claim it but others say that this is an old rule only. Apparently, the new rules state that if it is not constant then so long as it keeps returning and does not go away (i.e. it is recurrent and not a one-off) then you should qualify for the compensation.
Also, when presenting your case of your duty, where you served, doing what etc., don't just write a list of what you did and where. Write your own summary and be sure to highlight the long exposure to loud noises. Also speak to your buddies and get them to write supporting statements to show that your experience can be corroborated by others. All of these little things can go a long way in your case to get your entitled VA disability compensation for tinnitus.
Do not just include details of rifle/gun fire. Blasts are more likely to cause the hearing damage that leads to tinnitus. If you can document or show proof that you were exposed to blasts (e.g. IED explosions) then your claim will be more successful. Even videos and news reports can help. I recommend looking at sites such as Liveleak which contain a lot of archived war coverage.
Make the best case that you can because you do have to fight hard these days to get what you are due. Good luck.
Are you a veteran suffering from tinnitus? We recommend End Your Tinnitus (click here) to help fight back against your symptoms.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Ignoring Tinnitus - Techniques To Ignore Tinnitus
Ignoring tinnitus is one method that has a lot more going for it than you might realize.
Many sufferers of this widespread condition understandably want to "cure" it. When you realize that this is not yet possible then you quickly realize that if you can ignore it successfully then you will effectively reach a very similar aim - less to no stress from your condition and an improved quality of life.
The best method of ignoring your symptoms is not to distract yourself from them but to train your mind to ignore them, on both a conscious and a sub-conscious level. You can do this with something called "tinnitus retraining therapy".
TRT, as it is usually abbreviated to, is a technique where you listen to a type of white noise. Specific parameters of this white noise are altered over a period of several months and the eventual outcome is that your mind effectively ignores your tinnitus. Sure, the ringing is still there but you are so "detuned" to it that it is almost as if it does not exist. Your stress levels lower and this also has a major impact as stress and anxiety are closely linked to perception of tinnitus.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
Many sufferers of this widespread condition understandably want to "cure" it. When you realize that this is not yet possible then you quickly realize that if you can ignore it successfully then you will effectively reach a very similar aim - less to no stress from your condition and an improved quality of life.
The best method of ignoring your symptoms is not to distract yourself from them but to train your mind to ignore them, on both a conscious and a sub-conscious level. You can do this with something called "tinnitus retraining therapy".
TRT, as it is usually abbreviated to, is a technique where you listen to a type of white noise. Specific parameters of this white noise are altered over a period of several months and the eventual outcome is that your mind effectively ignores your tinnitus. Sure, the ringing is still there but you are so "detuned" to it that it is almost as if it does not exist. Your stress levels lower and this also has a major impact as stress and anxiety are closely linked to perception of tinnitus.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
William Shatner - Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Shatner himself claims that he has found great relief from tinnitus retraining therapy. This is a technique that uses white noise. The idea is that you get your brain accustomed to the white noise and used to it. When the training is over, your brain has also become accustomed to your tinnitus and you effectively hardly realize that you have it. Shatner claims to have had a 95% reduction in his symptoms, to the point where he is no longer suicidal.
I don't doubt Shatner's great benefit from TRT but remember that "95%" is firstly a subjective measurement and not a scientific measurement (not to my knowledge anyway). Secondly, as with almost any form of treatment, results may vary from one person to the next.
Still, if you can get TRT on insurance or for a good price then I strongly recommend it. It does take around a year to complete but can have a radical impact on your quality of life. If you want to know more about William Shatner's experience with TRT then you can find out more here: Seattle Times Newspaper.
Chronic Tinnitus Sufferer Finds A Natural, Scientifically Proven Way To Cure Tinnitus Without Coping Mechanisms or Background Noise, And Finally Reveals The Incredibly Easy Steps You Could Already Be Taking To Eliminate Tinnitus and Keep It Away Forever - Click Here.
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