I am 17 with tinnitus, will it get better?

[Sqaudako]

Almost a month ago, I woke up from a bad dream about T getting louder, and it's always stuck with me. I used to have T before, but it didn't bother me as much as it does now. It prevents me from sleeping, and I'm scared to wake up because of it. I find some days it's easier to cope and others not so much. I feel like I can't go out and do my life because of T. I tried to talk to my friends about it, but they don't seem very supportive and understanding. Does it ever get better?

[romford5]

Hello SqaudakoTry not to panic not sure if you have been to the Doctor's please do as it might be a ear infection you might get a referral to ENT dept who Will check your hearing if you have already done these well done and if it is tinnitus there's things you can do to help.At night Tinnitus always seems louder the more you concerntre on it the louder it seems so you have to try to hibernate it you can get sleeping apps which help I use various sounds basically your brain starts to listen to the app pushing the Tinnitus noise into the background this Will help you sleep remember a quiet Room is a breeding ground for Tinnitus even during the day always have noise I've said Tinnitus is the bear on your back don't let it beat you get on with your life you're young you Will beat it I'm confident you will also if you like music headphones aren't a good Idea please refrain..best wishes

Marcus.

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Sqaudako, a lot of what you're discussing is about tinnitus but moreover your fears about it, about it getting worse, about being afraid to wake up.

The common link there to me, as a layperson, would be anxiety and if you're not already being supported with this issue, I think it might be worth exploring with a qualified counsellor or other professional who can work through these thoughts and emotions with you.

Charities like Young Minds are a good option for resources which can help in this situation. Once your anxiety or thoughts about tinnitus are different, you may notice that the tinnitus too isn't affecting you as much as it is currently.

[RKAUF]

Hi, I got tinnitus when I was 19 (I'm now in my 40s). I totally relate to friends being unsupportive as no doubt they'll want to go out to loud pubs/clubs/concerts and you're worried about exposing yourself to noisy environments. My advice is to take tentative steps and wear decent hearing protection if trying to go to these places, and try not to go into a shell and stop going out. The sound and pitch of the tinnitus will change over time. You could also try contacting a support group in your local area if you live in the UK: tinnitus.org.uk/support-for...

[PTNewbie]

I can relate to the distress you’re feeling. Keep talking, go to the doctor and see if you can be referred to ENT. In the meantime there’s things you can do to help with the psychological impact - there’s a great app called Oto, it’s CBT based (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and can really help to alleviate the distress and /or anxiety. This is the thing with tinnitus the more you think about it or worry the more you notice it. You WILL be ok, or does and can get better even if that’s from a perspective of coping and learning to live with it x