Newbie

[Newbie71]

Hello

New tinnitus sufferer for about 3-4 months now. My worse fear has come and I’m terrified and depressed. I know people that have died and others that have been ruined by the dreadful affliction.

[Happyrosie]

Hello Newbie. Tinnitus certainly isn’t fun. If you think about it as an affliction the worry will grow and grow.

So you’ve got to be better than the T.

Have you read the British Tinnitus Association website? There are lots of helpful hints there on how you can help yourself.

Your doctor may be able to reassure you about your fears too.

Please please don’t t let it take over your life. It’s a very common ailment, and you are not alone.

[Newbie71 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks Rosie for your reply. It’s all still relatively new and I’m praying it will go. Had the tests and MRI and my hearing is going so they reckon that’s it. I’ve seen it ruin lives and I am adamant it will ruin mine.

[daverussell in reply to Newbie71]

Acceptance is key and overtime you will habituate. Your brain needs to readjust. Tinnitus might not go completely, but you will learn to ignore it; a bit like a whirring computer or the fridge.

You're not alone.

[Happyrosie in reply to Newbie71]

Please please Newbie don’t make up your mind that it’s going to take over your life. It does NOT have to ruin your life. As I said, and Daverussell too, you will gradually get used to it.Do you live in the UK? If so, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence has guidelines for doctors on how to help you. Your GP may not know about it, so you can tell him/her of it’s existence and whether s/he or a member of his or her practice is interested particularly in ENT and anxiety. He/she will want to help you.

[Newbie71 in reply to Happyrosie]

Rosie

I was on sertraline and I’ve read on here that may have been a cause? I’ve now stopped to see if it helps. I’m struggling with what/how/when at the moment. Today I woke up and had peace all day until about 30 minutes ago and it started. I read a fellows account on here about just retraining your brain and telling yourself it’s not real. For some reason it may have worked up to a point? As you sufferers will know. That if its quiet and I’m hoping it’s getting better then it’s like a Damocles sword hanging waiting. Maybe that’s how it will be forever?

[Ross81]

Hi Newbie I’m in the same position I’ve been struggling the past 5 months with Tinnitus you’re not alone. The first few months for me were definitely the worst but hang in there as your brain will, in time, accustom or habituate to the noise, it does get better.Do a little research and learn about the condition, listen to the positive stories and don’t focus on the doom and gloom scaremongering tales.

There are many free sound therapy apps available as well as albums on YouTube if you’re having trouble sleeping; one of the hardest things of living with tinnitus is sleep or lack of it so give these a try!

Speak to your GP again if you’re seriously depressed/anxious, I know how anxious the condition can make you wondering if it’ll get worse etc...

The BTA helpline is very helpful too, wish you all the best

Ross👍