T gone crazy again, will it subside?

[WTBmrBlonde]

T started in Oct 2017, started to habituate so only really noticed it in silence or when trying to sleep but it was manageable. I've recently had a cold that dragged on for a couple of weeks but the last 4 days or so my T has gone insane, even worse than when it first started. I hear it all day, every day. I'm really struggling to cope, I feel like I'm constantly on the verge of panicking and even with Zopiclone I only manage 3 solid hours sleep before the T wakes me up.

Has anyone else had worse T after a cold? Does it go back down again? how long does it take? I know everyone is different but any idea of timescale would give me hope if it does. If this is how it's going to be forever I don't know how I can carry on like this!

[Jimmuck]

Hello there. It sounds like you are having a nasty spike and I can totally empathise with you as I had a really awful one as well just recently. My tinnitus is usually a very loud piercing hiss but during the spike, it was changing in tone and volume and seemed to bounce from one side of my head to the other 24/7. This continued for about a week and it's a horrendous experience but the good news is, it will eventually settle down again at some point. I don't think there is such a thing as a timescale for this condition as it is so unpredictable and it affects us all differently but the main thing to avoid, is getting into a state of panic as it makes things much worse. Try and keep calm and keep yourself busy as a distraction from the noise in your head. It might just be the congestion of the cold which has caused it but I would try and see your GP to check and maybe get some stronger meds. Best wishes.

[Ruud1boy]

You're probably still only in the early stages of the condition unfortunately. The general consensus is that it usually takes anywhere between 6-24mths to get over the initial onset and to train your brain to start ignoring the stimulus it's reacting to.

The panic that you're feeling is your brain & body's evolutionary response to what it considers could be a threat to your safety. It's wrong, you're not in any danger, but from an evolutionary standpoint, it's better for your nervous system to err on the side of caution effectively to keep you safe, rather than assuming something isn't dangerous and then finding out that it actually is. The panic is horrible, I know, but it will decrease over time.

[Michael8272]

Hi,I've had it 6 weeks on Thursday.mines all over the place.last night was awful,tried played pink noise but the sound didn't seem right due to my hyperacusis.i only seem to be getting funny sounds from things like air conditioning,computers or fans.i'm panicking non stop.we'r all in the same boat

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that you are struggling with your tinnitus.

Tinnitus does generally get better over time, especially after something like a cold or ear infection.

The time tinnitus takes to disappear or reduce in intensity varies from person to person, but there are some tips and techniques you can do to help. These are the things we at the BTA generally recommend:

Information - you will probably feel better when you find out more about the condition, that it is very common and that you are not alone.

Counselling - techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be helpful, either as a standalone therapy or combined with sound therapy.

Correcting any hearing loss - if your tinnitus is accompanied by any hearing loss, then trying to correct this loss with hearing aids is often very helpful. Do make sure that these are adjusted correctly, and that they are worn – they do not work if they are kept in a drawer!

Sound therapy - if the noises seem louder at quiet times, particularly during the night, it may help to have some environmental or natural sound from a CD, a sound generator, or even a fan or ticking clock in the background. Some people use in-ear sound generators.

Relaxation - learning to relax is probably one of the most useful things you can do to help yourself. Those who practice relaxation techniques say they reduce the loudness of their tinnitus and helps them become indifferent to it. Yoga and tai chi can also help.

Mindfulness is showing some very promising results after recent clinical trials, so that is something else you might like to try.

I would say that none of these solutions is an "instant" fix - they take time and perseverance. Some people do expect tinnitus to subside after one session of breathing exercises, for example, and that just isn't the case.

There is no drug or medication which directly helps tinnitus, so we do not recommend any, although anything that helps your cold symptoms will help with the tinnitus.

There’s a lot of good information on our website tinnitus.org.uk - try to avoid sites which promise “tinnitus miracles” or “tinnitus cures” as there’s no such panacea - but with time, you will learn to manage your tinnitus well.

We have a free tinnitus management e-programme as well takeontinnitus.co.uk which you may like to try.

Our Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone]) can also answer your questions and give you support.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)