A firecracker blew about 5 metres away from me and now I am scared it might have caused damage.

[SausageMan]

I am very sorry if I am annoying with the frequent posts but the anxiety I got from this is making me want to crawl out of my skin. Today I and about 20 other students and someone threw a firecracker about 5 metres from where I was standing. During school I didn't notice an increase in the tinnitus but now that I am home it seems more intrusive. Could this just be my anxiety or could it be hearing loss? My hearing doesn't feel any different but I am still really worried.

[Happyrosie]

SausageMan - you cannot live your life such that every time there is a loud noise (a firecracker, your dentist’s drill, a pop concert, a motorbike being too close) you worry about ear damage. If you do, this will mean that you are going to be worrying - unnecessarily probably - every few minutes or hours. That’s not the way to live your life.

Insofar as this particular firecracker is concerned, either you have damaged your ear or you have not. It has happened, it’s over, it’s gone.

You’ve seen from what you have read here that tinnitus feeds on anxiety. The tinnitus is delighted that you are anxious.

It would be lovely if you could try to practice quiet breathing and all the things you know will help your anxiety.

[SausageMan in reply to Happyrosie]

I know that it has passed but I really don't want anything to make it worse than it has to be.

[Happyrosie in reply to SausageMan]

Of course you don’t!

[doglover1973]

Hello Sausage. In the early days of T it's very natural to be anxious about your ears. I know I was - and still am to some extent. I carry my earplugs & earmuffs with me but there are some things that you can't plan for - like a firecracker . The key issue is how you deal with these unexpected events . I think it would really help you to talk to someone. Face to face. To work out ways to deal with the fear & anxiety. Hope you feel better very soon.

[SausageMan in reply to doglover1973]

Thank you for the kind response! Would talking to a therapist help with the anxiety if it stems from tinnitus?

[doglover1973 in reply to SausageMan]

Yes. I've talked to a counsellor about the fear & anxiety around tinnitus. It was very helpful in terms of coping with tinnitus in particular and life in general .

[SausageMan in reply to doglover1973]

If this current situation doesn't push me over the edge I will try to talk to one.

[doglover1973 in reply to SausageMan]

Please tell someone how you feel as soon as possible. A counsellor, a doctor, a teacher. Anyone you can trust . They'll be able to help you .

[SausageMan in reply to doglover1973]

I don't know who I'd talk to about this besides my parents. Going to an ENT tomorrow hopefully he doesn't find any hearing loss.

[tootyfrooty in reply to SausageMan]

This might make you laugh! I went to a rock concert (Santana) about 30 years ago, and could hardly hear a thing for about 3 days afterwards! 😀 I'd already had lifelong tinnitus, but this was different - . I had a busy life and just endured until my hearing came back! Felt like a fool for having gone to the concert ( I was a middle-aged, trying to act young!) - hadn't realised just how loud it would be! I just had to laugh at myself and was relieved when my hearing came back! Never went to a rock concert again! 😀😀

[Spurdog1]

Sausageman you need to calm down, relax, these are everyday noises. Car backfiring, police siren dog barking etc. Yes talk to your friends and family. The noises you describe as possible, are your anxiety, basically. So, slow breathing exercises, light music, walk in the park. Exercises are needed every hour.What is your favourite thing? perhaps computer games (yes they have noises (no headphones though), Trip to the pub (in small amount), whatever is your favourite thing. Forget about the T, yes its there but get on with life. Reduce your anxiety, and your stress. Ring the BTA, Tinnitus Association (Calling them is better). Samaritans if that helps you.

[Hidden]

Good luck at ENT. I've not been on for a while. How you're ok and great to see you've got excellent advice.

[Spurdog1]

Well, two days have gone by and you hopefully have poured your heart out to ENT. It's not easy when you first experience T, and we all have a lot of sympathy for those early stages.

I have to assume that you are in the UK, as you have limited information so we cannot guide you best. As you refer ENT I assume the answer is "yes".

We gave you a lot of advice in the last few days, and I hoped you rang the BTA 0800 018 0527 (thats a free call). Also did you get an appointment from your doctor (perhaps a block of two timeslots, again tell him/her all the story, warts and all.

I think you should also ring samaritans, they are always prepared to listen, and I do believe they have useful contacts, 116 123, (thats a free call). It is important that you do all three, but most of all pop back to this thread you created, and tell us how much better you feel.

Hugs from us all

((((()))))