New to tinnitus

[Sandjo]

hi , I have had tinnitus for 4 weeks now constantly with no rest it’s starting to get me down as I constantly have jelly legs, but last night it woken me up screaming in my head about 1am , it’s been high today but I’m now worried that the same is going to happen again tonight; has anyone else experienced this as it’s very frightening x

[perlcoder]

Hello Sandjo,

First, you are in the early stages of dealing with T. At this point it is difficult to know how yours will evolve - it is even early enough for it to disappear completely - but I certainly would not encourage you to live from hour to hour hoping that will happen.

Second, in direct answer to your question, many of us find that T is worse in the quiet of the night, and that it can wake us. Often when this happens the T may take different, perhaps louder, forms than it does during the day, when it has to compete with other sounds. Those of us who experience this do find ways to cope, because we know what to expect and learn to deal with the negative thoughts that inevitably arise - particularly for new sufferers. I have had T for more than 20 years, and I am here to tell you that it can be done. Strategies, and devices that may help, are many and you will find much helpful information on Tinnitus UK, Youtube and other sources on the net. There may also be T Counsellors available to you through the NHS.

Your doctor may be able to help with some temporary medication to help you sleep and/or relieve your anxiety. I don't know whether you have had a formal diagnosis yet, but another reason to see you doctor is to get one, and to rule out (in most cases they are ruled out), other possible causes of the sounds you are hearing.

It can be a hard road, I am sorry that you are travelling it - but many millions of us, across the world do so, and find eventually that we can cope and thrive.

Best wishes.

[Sassyjax1 in reply to perlcoder]

Hello. Please get all the necessary checks done. Hearing tests, ENT referrals. There’s an abundance of reasons that T starts. It’s better to get yourself checked over. I know it’s tough to live with. I’m right there with you.

[doglover1973]

Hi Sandjo It's very normal in the early days for T to disrupt sleep. You could try sound therapy at night. There are boxes or apps if you prefer . Sounds like rain or rivers are very soothing. The key thing at this stage is not to panic if possible. Your sleep may or may not be disrupted tonight. If you do wake up try to stay calm. Breathe deeply. Rest assured that things will get better .

[Happyrosie]

just to confirm, Sandjo, what perlcoder and doglover have said. Yes it’s hard because it’s new to you. Million of people have this and they habituate, but it does take time.

[777john]

I agree with what everybody has said, its horrible at first, and i know its hard to cope with and you think it wont improve but it will get better. the best advise i can give is to get some zopiclone to help you sleep through the nights and just let the tinnitus find its own level and if its still too loud then get some more help.

[PSK71]

hi there, I’ve now had somatic pulsatile tinntus for 10 months. I remember the first month really well and I feel for you, it’s a difficult time if it’s upsetting you. Some aren’t bothered and some are very bothered. I was the latter! Mine has some odd features that aren’t strictly relevant. I got meds to help me sleep initially because j was on 1-2 hours sleep per night which was torture and also makes the T worse. The worry, stress and huge overthinking that come with the initial onset are tough but you have to keep in mind that three are probably aggravating things. It’s a difficult loop to get out of but if you can, it can help you. Were you under a lot of stress or worry for a while when this started for you? Were you taking any meds that were new to you? Do you have hearing loss? And an important one, can you manipulate the tone and volume of your sound by moving your jaw back and forth, clenching your teeth or moving your neck around? Do you have a very sore neck / jaw that’s been around before this started or started with it?

If stress and worry is factor BEFORE your onset and is still now, watch Julien Cowen Hill on YouTube. Stay as far away from forums (this is ok) where it gets quite scary and it’ll stress you even more. Even the comments sections on YouTube vids are risky places if you’re prone to anxiety. Watch out for success stories online by people who’ve got better from T. Many many do. Watch Treble Health on YT for this. I found that these gave me confidence and make my symptoms less. Not all will agree with me but see for yourself

This might give you a boost in confidence especially if stress and worry have been an issue:

youtu.be/kE5xPlOnXMo?si=iRM...(Not working as expected?)

Good luck, stay positive, try and do your normal day to day stuff if possible and most crucially, try and accept that, if at least for a while, this is a problem that’s likely not going to vanish overnight. It may well go away with some time though, especially if you can get on top of accepting its here for now, trying not to be scared of it (easy to say I know) and making sure you get some good help. Also, I pray and meditate while praying and it can often reduce 7/10 T down to 1-2/10 T. Try it