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July 23, 2007
I've Lost My Stereo
For about the past month, I have experienced an "upgrade" in the "features" that my TMJ provides. In addition to the increased neck tension, facial nerve discomfort, and sinus trouble, the most disconcerting component is a constant (though somewhat variable) loud ringing/rumbling in my ear, and the sensation that the ear is blocked, or that there is constant pressure on the eardrum. Furthermore, I now have perhaps 40%, if that, of my hearing in that ear.
I had headphones on the other day, and was listening back to something I had recorded a few months ago in GarageBand. In this tune, I had recorded "question and answer" guitar tracks and panned them hard left and hard right. The tracks are set back in the mix, but are at equal volumes. I could barely hear the one on the right, while the left was coming through just fine. This manifests itself when listening to any music, whether through headphones or loudspeakers; and, to a music lover who also has issues about things being even this is most distressing. I also have trouble hearing if there is any level of background noise, rather like (I'm told) some hearing-aid wearers suffer.
No, I haven't gone to see anyone about this yet, because I'm torn between seeing my doctor, who I am pretty sure will just write me a prescription for whichever decongestant her pharm reps are pushing that month; and seeking an alternative therapy, such as chiropractic or even acupuncture.
Does any of you out there have experience with the debilitating effects of TMJD? Do you know someone who does? What do you (or they) do about it?
Health | By joe lance | 04:59 PM