Just starting out on my tinnitus journey

[Tinchris]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this whole tinnitus thing and finding it difficult to cope. It's one of the toughest things I've faced down in my 41 years on this planet. A little bit about my story: my tinnitus came on randomly about 5 weeks ago following a particularly stressful period of work. I just woke up one morning and it was there. My GP thought it was impacted ear wax at first - but removal didn't do anything to help. I'm still working with him on other health issues that might be causing: sinus and allergy issues, a left ear that suffers from periodic stuffy problems, etc. I have hope that resolving these may alleviate the tinnitus. I'm also due to see an audiologist to determine if there is any hearing loss. Part of me really worried that my lifelong battle with anxiety has brought this terrible condition on. It's funny, when this first started I dealt with it quite well for the first month. I seemed to be able to block it out more. Then a week ago it just started to seem louder to me. Mornings in dead quiet are hell. Nights are better - probably because I'm tired. I'm worried that this will make working difficult. I work in advertising as a writer and need concentration and creativity. Last week was rough. I broke down in the parking lot and just started sobbing. Once you really notice this thing it becomes all you can hear. My father had tinnitus because of years in a band. He's rather dismissive of it - he says: you'll just get used to it. I can't quite internalize that yet. Can I ask the community - what did you do to help habituate? Medications, tinnitus retraining therapy, exercise? Have any of you experienced tinnitus without a cause (ie: no hearing loss), or caused by stress/anxiety? Thanks for listening and any positivity you send my way!

[romford5]

Hi

Tinnitus is a strange beast to come to terms with there are no set rules how people get it Tinnitus the ones we do know Stress – Anxiety-loud music -ear infection there’s quite a long list mine started after having my ear’s syringed which lead to an ear infection then the Tinnitus started which was about ten years ago and like you, my Father, had Tinnitus as well in the 2nd World War he was in bomber command as a Radio operator he thinks he got it from the constant noise using headphones

When you first get it yes it’s a bit scary because it seems loud and intrusive if you concentrate on it just makes it worse it’s all in the mind the idea is to concentrate on something else that way brain loses interest and pushes it back so it starts to quieten down things to remember a quiet room is bad have the tv or radio on this way your brains concentrating on something else at night can be worse same rule applies try and get some relaxing apps to listen to then have the app just below your Tinnitus noise you will find this helps there’s plenty of choices find one that suits you. (mines a fan or white noise)

Finally try not to be scared I’ve always said Tinnitus is the beast on your back you will learn to understand it, yes you will have some bad days but there will be many more good ones might take time but I’m sure you will cope well don’t let the beast beat you take it on and beat it.

Good Health

Marcus.

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum tinchris. Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk (information and support details)

takeontinnitus.co.uk (free tinnitus management programme)

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)