Tinnitus and anxiety

[bibis55]

Would like to know if anxiety can make tinnitus worse

[Jimmuck]

Hi Bibis,

When I was first diagnosed with tinnitus, both the hearing consultant and senior audiologist I saw, advised me to try and avoid anything which would be likely to cause stress or anxiety, and as it would make the condition much worse. So taking their advice on board, I had to make a few lifestyle changes. Another trigger for me is tiredness, which seems to kick the volume up quite a bit, so I try and get plenty of sleep and currently, I take a low dose of Amitriptyline which helps me achieve this. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

[bibis55 in reply to Jimmuck]

My anxiety came first and I've had this for nearly 18 years but I can manage it a lot better now . It's true the noises in my ears are more annoying when I am stressed but when I am having good days and occupied doing things I enjoy I don't notice any noise Thanks

[Joeb17]

Yes tinnitus does cause anxiety and depression to some people I was told by

The audiologist that its like a viscous circle the tinnitus can causes anxiety &. depression and the anxiety & depression can cause the tinnitus

John

[HayleyStephens]

Yes..in fact anxiety is the very thing that causes you to have the tinnitus sound in your conscience. If you don't associate the sound with fear, your brain will habituate, put it into your subconscious and your mind will prioritise normal sounds. Look at you tube videos of Julian cowan hill . It was this process of neuroplasticity that cured all my symptoms of debilitating anxiety and my mind is doing the same with tinnitus, which I've only had for 5 weeks. Brought on by stress during a house move. My mind will do the same with this noise as it did with other symptoms of anxiety I've had. Look at The Linden Method, which also explains the science. So the short answer is YES anxiety makes the sound worse! x

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum bibis55. 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

takeontinnitus.co.uk

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

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Hidden]

hi Sandra, i have it for number of year s now im 61 it still affect s me i get stress think it s continues sounds that get to me cant get no silence ,think when your tired or worry then think you notice it lot more because you cant relax, well i hope you manage with it john

[dsh2358]

Yes it can! Just by thinking constantly about it brings on my tinnitus. I had high anxiety before tinnitus ever came into view.