So I've been living with big T for the past couple years (ENT confirmed no hearing loss or signs of damage) but have been finding it increasingly hard to manage in recent months.
There was a moment late last night, in bed, when I felt genuinely afraid at the sounds I could hear. Until recently, fairly basic white noise type stuff was more than enough to help mask the sounds I experience, however, this is no longer the case.
It's worth noting that in the last year, because of other health issues I manage, I have gone from enjoying a very active lifestyle to being almost completely sedentary. During this time my mental health has suffered and, surprise surprise, tinnitus has become worse.
I used to hear just one high pitched frequency (which I could mask relatively easily), now, the high pitched sound is more intrusive (despite using apps with more sophisticated sound options) and I also hear what sounds like an ambulance in the distance as well.
Last night I managed to soothe myself back to sleep eventually and found a sound combo that helped, but it is very unpleasant to have a moment of feeling panicky and overwhelmed. I hope I have a smoother night tonight.
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Huxtable
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Hello Huxtable. Tinnitus is such an intrusive thing. But it’s very common and it should fade into the background in time - but yes, you have to help it do so.Your brain thinks that what it hears might be danger, so it sets you on edge. All sorts of calming things can be done, starting with breathing exercises.
I take it you consulted your doctors and haven’t got very far. The National Institute for Clinical Evidence (NICE) issued guidance to doctors on how to help their patients with tinnitus - you can look this up on their website by typing “tinnitus” into their search box. Armed with this, you might want to approach your doctor again.
The British Tinnitus Association website is full of helpful information.
If you read posts on here you’ll find hints and tips too - one of the more recent was this: “think of tinnitus as someone who passes you in the street. You can either take notice of them or ignore them”. (I’m paraphrasing)
Hi Huxtable I'm sorry you're having a tough time lately. Tinnitus isn't easy to manage and there are often ups & downs along the way . I've had times like the one you describe. That feeling of fear - usually late at night. The key is not to panic if possible . This dip won't last for ever . You're doing well with the sound therapy. Relaxation techniques are good too - as Happyrosie says. Hope you have a better night tonight .
Hi Huxtable , just a few more words to add to what the other two have said . . Try not feel fear if you can as I’ve noticed if I feel fear it really sets the stress and tinnitus off . I get good days and bad days . Sleep and rest is very important , one thing is for sure you know that your not alone, we are all here for you and know and understand what your going through. Take care. Goodnight. 😴
Hi HuxtableI have lived alongside T for 30 years. Recently it has become louder and I am having to re-habituate, so I totally understand the anxiety you are experiencing.
This may sound strange:
I have noticed when I meditate (in a quiet environment) my tinnitus subsides. This goes against my decades of never allowing myself to be in a silent (external) place. Now, especially when settling down to sleep, I focus ie put all my attention on the T and almost ‘allow it to just be’ rather than trying to distract my brain from it. This seems to allow a feeling of acceptance rather than a conflict and I feel calmer and (I don’t truly understand) the T seems to settle and subside.
This is exactly what I do at night. I used to fear the noise and it would keep me awake. I now just embrace it and I fall asleep. I do have a fan on in the background, but to be honest I don't really notice that anymore. I think I've actually habituated to the sound of the fan!! haha!
Thanks, I have had moments where I have been able to achieve something like this. It's not always possible but sometimes I am able to reassure myself that the sound can't hurt me and that my life isn't in danger (which is tricky as the fight or flight response does get my adrenalin going, not very handy in a sleep situation). For the most part, meditation has been a great help, especially at the start of T a couple years back. Like you mentioned I am going through a phase where I am having to re-habituate, which is a bit of a kick in the balls as I thought I had been through that already. The new sounds are so different, like an ambulance in the distance almost, but already I am seeing some adaptation and have found some different sounds to listen to that seem to help.
But yes, I feel that the art of surrender can be a tricky skill to master but a very powerful one, not just for tinnitus but for struggles in life generally.
So sorry you are feeling low. Everything has been said but I do feel relaxation methods/ meditation can help as has been stated by others. I hope things get better for you soon take care and be kind to yourself.
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