CHANGES EVERY DAY

[flyboy14]

Hello all, I am new to the forum and this is my first post.

I have had tinnitus now for 2 months and my biggest problem with coping/habituating to it is that every day it changes tone, volume and can be in one ear or both or elsewhere in my head. Does anyone else suffer the same problem? I try meditation and mindfulness which help sometimes, but the way it changes, sometimes during the day too makes it very difficult to get used to. If anyone is the same situation and has any advice I would be truly grateful. I have found the videos of Julian Cowan Hill on Youtube quite useful, he has a very calming nature.

Looking forward to participating in this very helpful forum.

Stay safe in these uncertain times.

G

[Chall11]

Hi G. I have the same changing tones in both ears and also started 2 months ago. It’s definitely a brain thing and nothing wrong with my hearing and ears. The habituation is very difficult as the perception of the noise goes from moderate to loud. I received a lot of support from the tinnitus association from their advisors as well as help from my mental health team as it affected me so badly. I am not saying I am used to the tinnitus but I think the anxiety is a bit less. Just more depressed about it that how can peace and quiet have been robbed from me. Somehow we have to try keep the nervous system calm as that’s where it’s come from and the limbic system, that whole fight/flight thing. It’s a big ask under the current circumstances of lockdown. We have to support one another on here the best we can. Keep in touch. Caroline

[flyboy14 in reply to Chall11]

Many thanks for the reply Caroline. I definitely don't get so stressed out by it now and certainly make the most of days when its not so noisy. Its comforting to chat to fellow sufferers as people without it definitely don't understand how bad it can be. I actually find that sometimes when it is louder in one ear, I can focus hard on that side and make the other side quieter, which gives a bit of relief.

Will definitely give updates and many thanks again for your reply.

Gary

[poi123]

Hi G, I am a CBT Therapist and have Tinnitus. The sounds can change as you describe and the mindfulness and meditation all definitely help, There are also some very good sleep apps or on you tube, you may need to try them out to find one that suits you. Some have low level bi naural sounds which can be soothing. My Tinnitus specialist advised me to have any distraction sounds at a lower level than the tinnitus if that makes sense. If you try to drown out the tinnitus, the sounds compete and the tinnitus is more noticeable. When you have other sounds such as music or a ticking clock just tell yourself to bring your attention to it, if you then notice the tinnitus just keep bringing your attention to the other sounds.This was the advice given to me however always best to get a referral yourself to audiology and they can do a hearing test and give advice. As a therapist I have found the best approach is acceptance of the tinnitus rather than trying to work against it. This is hard to do to initially but it starts to work, its part of the whole habituation process. I am now aware of it but it doesn't bother me, its just there like other sounds we hear. I find that at certain points I will suddenly realise I haven't noticed it but psychologically it doesn't have the same impact. I hope this helps in some way. I have worked with people who have tinnitus and for some people it has stopped. Also the BTA and other organisations in the USA are working hard on finding an answer to this, look after yourself. P

[flyboy14 in reply to poi123]

Hi P. M any thanks for your reply. I am trying hard not to fight it but accepting it certainly makes it less sstressful. I am hoping that as time goes by i will not be bothered by it so much, just like you. Here's hoping.

[jonathan_m]

Hi. I have had tinnitus around a year now. mine is mostly the same, high pitched whine in right ear. sometimes flips to the left then back again. At first I was in despair and found it hard to come to terms with never experiencing true silence again. Over time it has become a bit easier, sleep is still tricky. I do have long periods in the day when I completely forget about it, I'm hoping that those periods gradually increase in duration. I have had all the scans CT etc, nothing wrong with arteries, no nerve infraction. So I guess it is down to the nervous system and signal somehow. stay strong, lots of help out there should you need it.

[flyboy14 in reply to jonathan_m]

Many thanks for the reply. It's still early days for me relatively but I do hope i make some progression. Like you, i've had CT/MRI and nothing wrong so it's definitely my brain!

Take care

Gary

[emily62]

Hello

Sorry you have this condition and it might seem difficult at this time.

Mostly when T first starts it can be loud and up and down but it will settle down.

I use ear buds with a YouTube app called ( The most powerful tinnitus sound therapy) it sort of takes the tinnitus down so you don't notice it.

Hope this helps.

Emily

[flyboy14 in reply to emily62]

Thanks for the reply Emily, i will definitely give it a go. I'll try anything to ease the noise!

Regards

Gary

[Drazil]

Yes! Tinnitus is different for everyone. I’ve been suffering from it for 30 years. Now it’s getting worse.....louder, harsher. Anxiety is a big factor for me. Sure hope cannabis continues to be available!!!!!!!

[Footballer58]

Hi Flyboy14

I started in February so similar

Once diagnosed I wasted no time seeing a specialist and am so pleased I did. The realisation that help is there but more importantly the real true understanding of T and how it effects people was a big step to unlocking the Stress / Anxiety / Tinnitus Intrusiveness cycle.

Firstly I recommend a masking noise app and speaker - I use a sleep mask with Bluetooth speakers in it that wraps around the eyes and ears . Along with mood music or sounds - I use crashing waves - it works for me and the app switches off at 8 hours so a ll night.

Secondly - get this book “living with hyperacusis and tinnitus” by McKenna Baguley and McFerran.

Read it take it in and do as they subscribe- it works!

Good luck and keep your strength up!

You will win this

[flyboy14]

Many thanks for your reply. It's good to get the views of fellow T sufferers, I'll try anything and see what works. i find the Youtube channel of Julian Cowan Hill very useful too.

Thanks again.