[Hallicrafters] sideways query

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jammer" <zengmeiste at aol.com>
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2014 2:46 PM
Subject: [Hallicrafters] sideways query


> ..just wondering.. anyone (else) out there have a problem 
> with
> tinnitus? is this a common complaint amongst hams?
> mine is occassionally reeeallly annoying.
> thanks & 73, terry KC9KEL
>
    I began to develop tinnitus about twenty years ago. I 
had my hearing checked out thoroughly. This included several 
physical tests of my ears and a set of MRI's to look for 
nerve tumors (nuromas). Another set of MRI's with contrast 
fluid to look for blockages in arteries. A nerve function 
test (then expeimental).  Result, nada. I was told, and have 
confirmed via extensive research on my own, that about sixty 
percent of the time there is no known cause. I was told at 
the time that brain tumors usually do not cause bilateral 
tinnitus (which I have, its mostly in my left ear). I have 
followed a couple of tinnitus support groups but the fact is 
that no one knows what causes it and there is no cure. It 
can be awful for some people. Mine sounds something like TV 
flyback transformers used to.  I have since developed a 
rather considerable hearing loss but that is in both ears 
and evidently has no connection with the tinnitus.  Mine 
does not interfere with my ability to sleep but for many it 
does. Mine is exactly as loud as th loudest sound I am 
hearing. That is, I can always hear the tone no matter how 
loud other sound it.  I now wear hearing aids if I want to 
understand conversation but don't just leave them in because 
they magnify background noise. They have no effect on the 
tinnitus.
     Despite some background in sound recording and many 
years in the broadcast industry I have always avoided loud 
sound. I was told that both the tinnitus and hearing loss is 
frequently genetic.
     I wish I had a magic answer for you. Well, I wish I had 
it for me:-)  I discovered after mine started that a lot of 
people have it.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com