tinnitus

[Peroni1070]

hi I developed tinnitus and it’s really getting me down ! Can’t stop thinking about it creating anxiety feeling I’m loosing control is this normal amongst others ?

[Notreve7766]

Hi Peroni1070

Yes this is a normal reaction to Tinnitus. It’s so important to try and calm yourself. A lot easier said than done I remember but Tinnitus feeds off attention.

Someone explained to me early in my journey that our reaction to Tinnitus as a fight or flight type reaction to perceived danger but the noise can’t be identified externally so the response takes a while to calm down.

In all probability this will pass if you can get yourself calm and try and take your mind off things.

Book in with your GP to get checked out but Tinnitus is very rarely due to anything serious

Stay off google there is nothing helpful there and lots of plonkers trying to sell magic pills.

[Peroni1070 in reply to Notreve7766]

thank you for the reply that’s really kind of you to take time out and help. I wish I could just brush it off but it’s taken over my life at the moment I tell myself it will become easier but it’s very draining mentally! I get to point I’m going to scream and then my anxiety calms down it’s quite scary

[Notreve7766 in reply to Peroni1070]

I remember feeling the same way. Walking was probably the most effective thing that worked for me. If I was talking to me back then the most effective advice I could give myself is to stay positive. Challenge negative thoughts and remind myself that this will pass, I will be ok, I know you’re scared but you will get through it.

Be kind to yourself. You are having a tough time. Try and find an activity that takes your mind off it the most. Gaming with music in the background worked best for me

[Peroni1070 in reply to Notreve7766]

Once again thank you for being so kind been very hard today really loud noises from ears all day with no let up I got an app on my phone that played Forrest calming music which definitely relaxed my anxiety

[Ray200]

You'll read on this site something called habituation. You'll become habituated to tinnitus. If I was asked to define that, I would say that it is forgetting what it was like not to have tinnitus. Which means you don't have to do anything to get there. It happens. Rather like traffic noise, it's there but you have better things to occupy you rather than concentrating on it.

[Peroni1070 in reply to Ray200]

Hi Ray thank you for taken time to reply have been telling myself all day to stay positive and focused got an app that plays Forrest music which calmed my anxiety I’m getting the feeling I have reached the highest point of tinnitus noises are so loud hopefully now I’ve recognised what’s happening it will settle

[Ray200 in reply to Peroni1070]

I've had basic grade tinnitus for 16 months and still remember the distress when it came. This site has been of tremendous help in coming to terms with it. And you do. Your brain is on your side there. From here, I've learnt how widespread the condition is which reassures as what I would think is the norm is thinking it's just yourself.

[Peroni1070 in reply to Ray200]

Crazy how all of a sudden this takes over you life ! What I have worked out it’s the anxiety that needs to be stabilised

[Happyrosie]

adding to what’s been said. The website of Tinnitus UK gives a cool and clear description of tinnitus and how you can help yourself.

[vincentchan]

From cbt tinnitus book

Just think B instead of A

244

Living Well with Tinnitus

1

A.

Tinnitus makes me feel tired, as I cannot sleep well at night. Tinnitus is a terrible disease with no cure!

B

I am lying down and con despite hearing tinnitus. This is the second best compared to a deep sleep. Resting helps to energise me. Even if there is no cure, I can still live well with tinnitus

2

A Tinnitus affects my sleep and concentration. Hence it reduces my efficiency. I can no longer be in control at my workplace.

B

I can concentrate on my tasles most of the time. I can do whatever I need to do despite the difficulties caused by tinnitus. This makes me feel strong.

3

A.Tinnitus invades every aspect of my life and makes me feel useless.

B.

Tinnitus is present most of the time and is a nuisance Regardless of tinnitus, I can do whatever I need to do. This makes me feel useful.

4. A I make lots of mistake coz of my t

B.

I can do most things as well and accurately as I used to before I had tinnitus. It may take me slightly longer to complete my tasks. It is OK to double check my work for accuracy. My performance is intact despite tinnitus.

5

A.

Tinnitus is like a fog that affects my performance.

B.

I can see, hear and think even when I hear tinnitus Loud and clearly.

[mrgreentea]

I have also had tinnitus for many years. What has worked for me is listening to classical music playing in the background all day while I am working.

One note - when I had a hearing test yrs ago, it made the tinnitus far more prominent - it took a few weeks before it wasn't so loud for me. I wasn't not too happy about that. It's the reason I really don't want to get another test to get fitted for hearing aids.

Best of luck!

[YellowFiesta]

Hi Peroni1070,

I developed tinnitus in January 2023 and for the first 3 months it was a real struggle. As is common I couldn't sleep and the tiredness then adds to the stress and it starts to take over.

I tried a number of things and was not getting any better. Having been to the GP they advised having my ears cleared of wax just in case that was causing it. Unfortunately the earliest appointment on the NHS was 6 months away so I ended up going private. Having had the ears cleared I was then allowed a hearing test. When I had this done the audiologist explained what tinnitus was and that I would have to learn to live with it by not giving it the attention it was looking for. She pointed to a heater that had been going all the time I was in the room and asked me had I noticed the noise from it. When I said no she said that is what I had to do with the tinnitus. I have learnt from that and it is now just like a background noise that I only hear at odd times during the day and when I do I'm able to switch it off by giving something else in my mind the priority.

I'm sure everybody is different and some will take longer than others to be able to live with tinnitus but you should get there in the end.

Wishing you all the best on your journey through it.