First of all, I'm new here, so apologies if I haven't got the hang of the format. I'm 21 and I developed tinnitus about four months ago. At first it was only in one ear, and since I'd been having problems with that for a while (feelings of pressure that I couldn't shift) I didn't worry. Doctors told me it would probably be OK and that it was due to an infection. When the infection cleared, it didn't go away, and when I went back to the doctor, she told me I had 'glue ear.' By this time, I had developed some sounds in the other ear, so I was starting to panic. That was about three months ago.
I've been up and down with this. One minute I'm thinking that there's NO WAY this can be with me for life, since no doctor has told me that. The next minute I'm thinking that these annoying noises will never go away, since many people online seem to think that once you get this, you're stuck with it. One minute I'm imagining all the amazing things I'll do 'when' I get better. The next I'm considering taking my own life because I don't think I ever will get better (I'm not proud of this).
I've also been worried about my headphone-habits since developing this. For many years I've used headphones regularly to listen to music, and although I wouldn't say I had them at excessive volumes, I am worried that this has done some damage in there (since I've used them regularly for so long).
Anyway, here ends my rant. Thanks so much for reading, and I really hope you have a good day.
Written by
Sally07
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I can only speak from my experience but I honestly think what you’re feeling many of us have at some point. I am also quite new to the Tinnitus family and let me tell when I first really experienced it I had similar thoughts (so in some way what you are feeling is quite normal) all those up and down thoughts I have to also so please don’t feel alone. I definitely think now that some time has passed I feel much better in my thinking than I did before. What has helped me is talking to people about how I feel and reading lots of credible Tinnitus material. If you feel really low please speak to a doctor or someone close to you. Please know you are not alone at all! Xo
*I also question all my sound surroundings now. I have an app on my phone which reads the decibel frequency called Decibel X. I also haven’t used my headphones although eventually I will, I will just be more mindful of volume.
Thanks for your reply! It's good to know that I'm not alone, and that the feelings of uncertainty are normal. Maybe the best thing is not to think will it go away but will I learn to control the ups and downs. The app is a good idea - I too haven't used my headphones since this happened but if I use them again I'll be sure to use the app.
Hi Sally. This is good news that you have reached out to others so early on. Can I please suggest you watch Julian Cowan Hill on you tube, if you haven't already. Adrian Dickenson is also good as he Still has symptoms. Julian , I believe has the science right. He has written a book called 'tinnitus, from tyrant to friend' Joey Remenyi, on you tube has also got it right regarding neuroplasticity and how this process heals your symptoms. I have had many symptoms/ sensations in my body, some caused by organic abnormalities and some by stress, but I'm so thankful I understand the process by which these symptoms establish themselves as neural pathway habits. For instance I had repeated urinary tract infections which caused chronic pain when the infections cleared. This wasn't damage, just learnt pain in the subconscious mind. Similar to anxiety symptoms I held on to when the original cause of trauma was over. I have overcome these issues, and as I type I have symptoms of tinnitus , I believe through high levels of stress. My gp actually agreed with me. My mum had the same tinnitus symptoms due to stress which went after about a year. We're all different in how we think about our health, but it's worth considering. Warm wishes H x
Thanks for all the recommendations! I have seen Julian Cowan Hill's videos but the others are new to me, so I'll check them out. I've heard about the idea that stress can cause tinnitus, and I confess I have health anxiety (and have had waay longer than I've had tinnitus!) so this may have something to do with it. I hadn't considered that tinnitus could be caused by something 'physical' but maintained by stress, and this is really interesting. Thanks again, and very best wishes!
3years and at first I was just like you. The biggest hip to climb is acceptance of Tinnitus and believing you can control it
And not letting it control you. Now there
Is medication that helps with T I been o a couple. #1 was very low dosages of Valium or Xanax. I’m talking low dosages
.025Mg twice a day that helped me. I had to cut my caffeine intake and stop smoking and my salt intake. A lot has to do with our diet also. Right now I am trying
CBD Oil and so far it is giving me relief. Nothing takes it away totally. But it brings it down to a normal sound. This forum is great and I’m glad you found it I got a lot of help and ideas coming to this site everyday. I hope some of my words helped you. Remember don’t panic
Thanks so much for these kind words! It's great to know things will get better. I have cut out caffeine, which I used to drink lots of, and I'm looking forward to trying your ideas. I've also decided to ask my doctor about possibly taking antidepressants.
Hello Sally, I thought you were very brave to voice your feelings so honestly. I developed Tinnitus 3 years ago after having a grommet put in my ear. Since then I’ve had lots of operations to try and help the Tinnitus and my hearing and I now have a Cochlear Implant. My advice to you is to don’t do anything dramatic to your ear as it made my ringing much worse. I panicked a lot , but finally after three years I don’t panic anymore. My lifestyle is very different, I had to retire from teaching which was hard. I’m fine now and pick and choose where I go. Hate silence and noisy environments. You are perfectly natural and your feelings are normal. Stay positive and one day at a time. Happy to chat to you privately if you want . 😊
Hi! Thank you for this. It's so good to feel like other people understand how I'm feeling! I totally understand how having to retire from your job is one of the hardest parts. I'm currently a third year university student and maybe the hardest part of this for me has been accepting the changes tinnitus has had on my ability to study. I used to be pretty good and now I'm completely failing because I can hardly concentrate - so I might have to drop out of uni and/or change my plans for the future. But it's so good that you're feeling calm now and you've adapted - definitely inspiring for me
Your very welcome Sally... there is more to my history but I don’t really want the world to know ... I am very happy to communicate by email if you would like... I think we can organise that through Nic. Its fine with the teaching, I was getting close to finishing anyway. Hang in there Sally ... I know exactly how you feel. I live in a small country town in Australia , so didn’t have a lot of outside help. You will be fine, take care 😊😊😊
Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum Sally. 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:
Thank you! It's been very helpful so far - very nice to feel 'understood!'
Thanks for the recommendations as well. I'll check them out!
Best wishes!
hi it s sad at 21 you have tinnitus , im 61 had for 7 year s i find it hard to cope , doctor s not really trained with tinnitus you have to be sent to people who know about tinnitus for a start , a support group a good starting point , when you do see some one who know s what they on about you get the help you need , support group s like this are very helpful , you will get help from the right people and thing s to help you to manage it , i hope you get the right help but go to the right people you get confused listening to the wrong people
Hi there. Thanks for your advice! It's true that there is so much contradictory information out there, and it's sad that it tends to take a long time before you can see a specialist who knows what they're talking about. I'll take your advice and see if I can find more support groups.
Hi sally my tinnitus affects me in a similar way I used to listen to heavy metal music through earphones but it appears it was the pavement sweeper I used to drive that damaged my hearing now have two hearing aids fitted and they help mask my tinnitus a bit it doesn’t bother me much now unless am stressed about something you do get used to the good and bad days
Hi Sweeper. I guess I'm in a similar position, where I'm not entirely sure what caused it - I only know I've had a number of 'physical' things wrong, plus stress, plus I did used to listen to headphones fairly loudly. It's so good to hear that you've got to the point now where it doesn't bother you much - it gives me (who's still very much in the freaking out stage) some real hope! Thank you!
Welcome though I also got in touch with this platform recently. In my case it all started when I had an ear syringe to get get rid of excess ear wax, on recommendation by an ear specialist. I've had the 'ringing and hissing' for more than 5 months. But on this platform you will learn that there are others who have had it for years but they never give up. It's so comforting to keep in touch with this platform because you get the truth about your coniton and some very helpful suggestions.
So never give up. Together we can fight and win the battle through encouragement and research.
Hi! It's been a huge comfort and inspiration for me to learn about how others manage with tinnitus, and that there is help out there! Thanks for your encouragement - here's hoping we both win the battle!
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