I've suffered from tinnitus since I was five years old, I remember it coming on one day after a trip to the hospital and being so young I didn't think or do anything of it. I didn't tell anyone. I got completely used to it and lived my life. A couple of months ago I started work in a loud kennel as at that point my tinnitus was basically unnoticeable to me and I didn't give it any consideration before accepting the position, unfortunately, since working there it has gotten worse. This has had a major blow to my mental health as I suffer from OCD anxiety and depression, leaving me in a high-stress state where my negative internal chatter is being very harsh on me for being so naïve and accepting the position. Since my anxiety has heightened my mind has entered hyper-drive of trying to leave my position at work, however, I've recently moved into a new house share to escape emotional manipulation at my family home and cannot leave my position for multiple reasons such as paying bills, trouble is it's drastically affecting my work performance adding more anxiety. It's an extremely challenging time for me and I had a mental breakdown in 2019 and I feel myself slipping back into that headspace which is also quite worrying. I do now wear these earplugs at work amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00... which are effective in deadening the loud barking but my fear is of the unknown and whether they will be adequate enough to prevent my T getting any louder. Does anyone have any constructive ways for me to be able to cope with the current situation? I do enjoy my position as it's massively rewarding to see dogs in a new home, bringing joy to a whole family and themselves.
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I think you should call the specialist charity British Tinnitus Association. Sadly they are closed now until Monday morning. You can look up their number on their website. In the meantime:
Don’t blame yourself. You were not to know this would happen. You are not naive. It’s not your fault
The website I’ve mentioned has lots of information and help so try reading through it.
If you’re in a job you love then I expect you’ll get used to the noise and your brain will just calm down. I can’t guarantee this of course but I think it’s very likely.
You mention fear of the unknown. But life is full of challenges and you know that you’ve overcome them in the past so you will overcome them in the future
Other posters may also give you help. I wish you well.
HI - maybe noise cancelling ear buds ( or headphones) could help - a few people on this forum have recommended this to me but i havent purchased any as yet , but i shall . I want to try them for car journeys as my T rises in car
Bless you for looking after these poor doggies and your import in this type of job is commendable. I do hope that your tinnitus settles down again eventually. If not then try to look for a different type of employment.
You are in a difficult position but you do love your job, so that is something to be thankful for. You are doing the right thing to wear ear-protection at work. In my experience, ear-plugs tend to reduce high and mid frequencies much more than low frequencies, so they are not very effective for things like train and car journeys, but they may be OK for you. I believe musician ear-plugs attempt to reduce all frequencies but I don't know about the particular ear-plugs you have bought. As someone else pointed out, it may be worth trying noise-cancelling headphones or ear-phones (without music playing) - these tend to reduce the low frequencies more, although work best for continuous noise like an engine. They may turn out to be better for you than ear-plugs.
It is very difficult for T sufferers to avoid all noisy situations and you weren't to know that your work environment would aggravate your T (if that is the reason at all), so don't beat yourself up about taking the job. We all make decisions that we wish we hadn't and then have to make the most of the situation. I believe it is actually unhealthy not to expose yourself to some noise during the day, as keeping quiet can lead to hyperacusis and possibly make the situation worse. I think you've just got to find a method of ear-protection at work that is effective for you and then not dwell on it too much.
It would be a good idea to discuss with your employers. Start by saying you love the job and want to keep doing it, but that the barking is a bit hard to deal with until you get used to it. Tell them you have had advice from people who understand tinnitus. I wouldn’t be surprised if your bosses say “oh yes I’ve got that too”. It’s very common. Stress that you are taking advice on how to cope and you think it will all improve with time.
Bless you for looking after dogs at the kennel. It is a stressful and traumatizing environment for them and being so sensitive you pick up on their stress too. But a kennel is also a place that offers dogs a form of sanctuary compared to prior experiences of abuse and neglect.
Hang in there! It takes an exceptionally loving person to dedicate their time in this way. Animals will return your love and care a thousand fold as you most likely know!
You will need time to adjust and perhaps it is not so well designed in terms of acoustics/noise?
Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones are a good idea to wear. Also get plenty of rest and good sleep. Communicate with your co-workers. Create noise barriers or sound proofing if at all possible. You sound like someone who is able to endure life's challenges as you have been dealing with T since you were five years old. That was amazing to read. I wish you strength and may your work bring you joys, love and laughter
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