Noise sensitivity

[B113]

Hello, hope you are all keeping well. 🙂

Quick background as I'm new here - My struggles with tinnitus started in October 2019 when I felt as though my left each was blocked. This lasted for a few weeks, then became a bit more intermittent but I then also kept hearing a continuous whoosh. I was referred to ENT, they did a hearing test which confirmed reduced hearing in my left ear. They also did an MRI to rule out anything more sinister, which came back clear.

Since then I've mostly been on my own with this. Distraction works sometimes, listening to music helps me focus at work (office work) but I have underlying anxiety, depression which are often at war with the tinnitus.

Past few weeks have been horrible. The pressure I feel in my left ear is painful. I have two young children and the noise at home is constant. It's not always the level of noise but the fact that there are so many simultaneous sources of noise, I feel like my brain is in overdrive. Is this normal?

I think I may need help with my mental health but I'm worried if I speak to my GP, they will put me back on the antidepressants and that's it. Any suggestions on how I should approach this with my GP?

[Happyrosie]

You pose a difficult question. I’m sure you’ve been through the BTA website for suggestions on how you might deal with T, and that you’re aware there’s no cure. I also assume your ears are not blocked by wax.

Your doctor might react well to a suggestion from you that cognitive behavioural therapy could be part of the answer?

[B113 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you so much for that suggestion and to answer the first part, yes. 🙂

[Chall11]

Hi there. I have quite severe hyperacusis as well as tinnitus and know exactly what you’re talking about. I think that “mental” health is linked to this and have had struggles in both areas. My belief is that its trauma/shock related and mental health struggles very often come with tinnitus and hyperacusis. Until I saw an audiologist I didn’t know there was a name for extreme sensitivity to noise. It has helped to be able to talk about it on chatline with bta and on here.

I see a psychotherapist as well as on a waiting list for DBT which is similar to CBT. Also have had to take antidepressants which have benefited me as I was severely depressed and suicidal.

If you find your GP to be unsympathetic then you could ask to see another one.

Good luck with this and there are always people on here to help.

My son is older now (8) and he understands now to not make so much noise as it actually hurts my ears and nervous system!!

So much to say about all this so if you need to be in touch then feel free. Caroline x

[B113 in reply to Chall11]

This is so helpful, thank you so much for your reply. X

[Wringing1212]

I've got 7 year old twins. The noise and stress will overwhelm you. You need to step out or escape for just a minute or so. Sometimes that's not possible when the kids are yours. My kids know of my problem so I can get them to chill on my behalf.

A glass or two of wine also works.

It's not easy to deal with but so far, I've managed.