Newbie

[iraymond]

Hello

My name is Ian and I'm 52. Just joined today looking for some support and hope. My tinnitus started 2 montgs ago, I think as a result of hearing loss due to hammering without ear defenders, although it was a couple of months afterwards that the tinnitus started. I also still have ear discomfort, a sort of blocked/pressure sensation which is also causing mild motion sickness. I have been to many doctors but they have been prescribing antibiotics for ear infections, which made me feel worse. And an ENT specialist I saw last week confirmed I have no infection. Latest diagnosis is TMJ disorder, but I'm not sure I believe that either but I am following their advice (except the anti-inflammatoires which made my T 10 times worse!). Am booked for a hearing test to confirm the hearing loss.

So I am on the T journey of self discovery. I have been in a very dark place over the last 2 months but feel I am coming out of this now. Learning about mindfullness, self-care and CBT is really helping. Listening to people who have positive things to say and ignoring the horror stories.

It is interesting that when I am distracted and don't listen to the T, it isn't there. I catch myself thinking "has it gone?". Then I listen and it's there, loud as ever! If only I had such control over myself to just not listen to it. But I will learn, I will develop, I will progress, and actually with the techniques I am learning, tinnitus might just make me a better person!

Thanks for listening

Ian

[doglover1973]

Hi Ian. Welcome to the forum. It sounds as if you're doing really well - at just two months. It took me longer to surface. You're definitely on the right track with self care, mindfulness & CBT. As you say it's a journey of self discovery. We live & learn. I joined the forum in January and have found it very helpful on the road to recovery . I hope you will too 🙂

[Happyrosie]

Hello Ian. I’ve found your post to be quite inspiring. You’re doing all the things that you need to do. You’re probably aware that people will try to sell you “cures” if you surf the internet wanting answers. Don’t believe them! An excellent source of information is the British tinnitus Association.Personally I’ve found that hearing aids are helpful, in that I can hear the real,world better so the unreal world - the T - fades a bit into the background.

I wish you well.

[iraymond in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi Happyrosie, yes initially I saw all sorts of "cures" on the internet but soon realised these were false hopes. Wouldn't it be amazing if I coukd take a supplement and it all went away!! But alas, no such luck. So hard work, dedication and positivity it is then. I have started yoga, meditating, therapy... amazing new things that I never thought I would do. And they do help, for me at least. But the one thing more than anything else that is helping (and I can't believe I going to say this!) is being kind to myself. Patting myself on the back when I do well, looking forward to improving when I don't. Anyway, I know it is a long journey but at least now I think I have the right direction,

Take care

[bantams]

Hi iraymond, I know what you mean when you say if you are distracted you do not hear your Tinnitus, I am just the same. I just try to keep busy meeting friends, diy, walking outside in the fresh air, anything just to take my mind off my Tinnitus.Best Wishes Alan

[Spurdog1]

Hi Iraymond, that sounds like my path, turning out to be Meniere's. Many people constantly say it, chill out, the Tinnitus feeds on stress and anxiety. Do things that relax you, take it steady. Most of all take care of yourself.