Response: First of all, I have no idea what the correct dosage is - if, indeed, there is one. Seems like everyone is sort of doing their own thing. My own otolaryngologist who initially prescribed Xanax at my request didn't know what the proper dose should be. I started out taking 0.25 mg three times a day. That had absolutely no effect of any kind. I later convinced him a larger dose might be suitable. We went to 1.0 mg four times a day. Yes, one heck of a difference. But it still had no impact on my tinnitus.

Based on what I consider is a consensus of opinions gathered from your email messages, Xanax doesn't have any impact on tinnitus per se at all. What y'all think it does is make you not care any more if you have tinnitus or not. Well, bombing my brain with chemicals does not appeal to me as a means of problem solving. Had I known this was the expected mechanism for the use of Xanax, I probably wouldn't have had as much interest in spending my money on Xanax.

I understand there is a thesis which suggests that stress (a.k.a. anxiety) aggravates tinnitus which in turn enhances stress and this circular phenomenon can be modified by taking Xanax which will reduce the stress and, therefore, the tinnitus as well. If you buy into the logic of this thesis, then Xanax, as an anti-anxiety drug, may have a role in the management of tinnitus. I don't know anything about the neuropharmacology or psychopharmacology of Xanax. What I do know is it did not change the character or intensity of my tinnitus.

There seems to be general opinion that taking Xanax while participating in TRT impedes the progress of TRT. There also seems to be general agreement that if you feel you must take Xanax during TRT, it's OK if you're willing to accept a longer recovery period.

Topic: Alternatives to TRT - Why didn't you try ---- ?

Response: If it works for you, it's a good thing.

I spent many, many hours doing research on the treatment of tinnitus. Put a lot of dimes in photocopiers at several libraries. I concluded that TRT was the most credible approach and had the best probability for success. It was a conscious and deliberate choice on my part. What ever you choose is the right choice for you as long as it works. I'm not going to put down your choice; so, please don't try to put down mine.

Topic: BTE Sound Generators - Tell me more.

Response: My BTE sound generators are comfortable to wear. Most of the time I'm not even aware that they are in place. I wear glasses and the bows of the glasses are not a problem. Only one person has ever made any comment about them to me and that was a person who was also wearing BTE sound generators. In short, there is nothing negative I have to say about them and I have never felt "socially uncomfortable" while wearing them.

Topic: Tires - You have to be kidding - tires?

Response: Yes, I recognize there are many variables involved in the production of sounds and vibrations encountered while riding in a vehicle. Actually I think the texture of the road surface has the most adverse impact on tinnitus. But, I stand firm with my opinion that tires are important. The December, 1998 issue of Automobile Magazine contains an article which discusses various characteristics of half a dozen different all-season tires. One of the characteristics evaluated is on-road noise. Significant differences in noise ratings are noted. If you are contemplating a purchase of winter tires, you might want to read this article.

Ask your tire dealer about noise ratings the next time you buy tires. Somewhere there exists a good deal of documentation about this tire feature; but, I haven't been able to learn where to find it. If anyone knows where it is published, I'd like to hear about it.

Based on my personal experience experimenting with tire pressure, I suggest you be very compulsive in maintaining the correct tire pressure for your particular tires. Under inflation is not good. Under inflation in my experience creates significant additional on-road noise. A tiny bit (e.g., one psi) of over inflation seems to reduce the intensity of road noise. However, over inflation produces abnormal tread wear and transmits vibrations more efficiently when the road surface isn't the best.

Created November, 1998