Recent content by alwaysmasking

  1. alwaysmasking

    15 Months of Tinnitus with No Improvement, Except for Occasional Good Days in a Row

    I feel this deeply. I just had a stretch of good days, felt human again, and now it’s back to the usual routine. But those good days keep me going. It’s bittersweet.
  2. alwaysmasking

    Fear of Permanent Damage After Ear Irrigation Following Concert-Induced Acoustic Trauma

    No, it doesn’t mean it’s permanent. No one can truly say whether it will be or not, but there are plenty of stories of people who see improvement with their tinnitus over time. Sometimes the process takes a long while, so be prepared to wait it out. Develop coping strategies as best you can...
  3. alwaysmasking

    How a Furnace Gave Me Severe Tinnitus and What the Last 7 Months Have Been Like

    All signs point in a positive direction, @Sonia554! Hang in there, accept that setbacks can and will happen, and remember that you’ve got this!
  4. alwaysmasking

    Back After Seven Years: Struggling with a Three-Week Tinnitus Spike and Looking for Motivation

    I’m sure that if you give it enough time, you will see more gradual improvements. I’ve had tinnitus for almost six years, and I’ve experienced spikes that took a very long time before showing any signs of easing. Hang in there :)
  5. alwaysmasking

    Pulsatile Tinnitus Spike After Hairdryer Exposure at Hairdresser

    Spikes can last for quite a while. When you are in the middle of one, it is hard to believe that relief is possible, but very often it is. It just takes time. Please protect your hearing moving forward, and try to live your life as fully as you can, while staying mindful of possible triggers.
  6. alwaysmasking

    How a Furnace Gave Me Severe Tinnitus and What the Last 7 Months Have Been Like

    What the hell? That's insane. I'm so sorry you were victimized by that irresponsible kid. I don't even know what to say except: that was horrible. I'm afraid tinnitus is a waiting game. I sincerely hope it improves for you over time.
  7. alwaysmasking

    Breakup, Antidepressant Withdrawal, Work Stress and a Severe Tinnitus Spike

    You’re not alone, just remember that. We all understand, deeply, what you’re going through. You’re right that spikes will often calm down. The hardest part for me is accepting that tinnitus timelines are very long. Sometimes it can take years, but eventually I’m sure you’ll get there, as you...
  8. alwaysmasking

    Tinnitus from Long-Term Stress

    So sorry to hear that, @Wolfka. Wishing you a full and swift recovery! :)
  9. alwaysmasking

    I'm so sorry. 🫂

    I'm so sorry. 🫂
  10. alwaysmasking

    I worked today. T started off bad. But it seemed to level off throughout the shift, and now it's...

    I worked today. T started off bad. But it seemed to level off throughout the shift, and now it's much reduced... I don't need to mask at all. I've noticed this is a common trend. Days where I don't work usually means terrible T all day. Days where I work... I'm OK once I get back. This isn't...
  11. alwaysmasking

    Me too. Good luck with your classes; hopefully they offer a decent distraction :)

    Me too. Good luck with your classes; hopefully they offer a decent distraction :)
  12. alwaysmasking

    It sucks so much that we just never know what will make us worse or not. And then there's the...

    It sucks so much that we just never know what will make us worse or not. And then there's the whole issue of stressing out whenever we do try something new - 'cause then we listen obsessively and more often than not convince ourselves it's worse. I hope you continue to enjoy a quiet day here and...
  13. alwaysmasking

    About four months into a nasty spike. It began with an increase in my right ear beep (one of the...

    About four months into a nasty spike. It began with an increase in my right ear beep (one of the first sounds I heard back in 2020). The usual masking noise didn't work, so I started adding crickets on top. More bad days than good, and the bad days are bad. Started a new job; usually T is less...
  14. alwaysmasking

    I May Be Counting My Chickens — Hopeful Progress in My Tinnitus Journey

    Wow, what an inspiring story! You have much more mental resilience than I do, that’s for sure. Keep at it, we’re all rooting for you. :)
  15. alwaysmasking

    Am I the Unluckiest Person on Earth When It Comes to Tinnitus? My 6-Year Tinnitus Nightmare: How One Festival Changed My Life

    Congratulations on your better sleep. Here’s to more improvement! These things take time, so please hang in there, mon ami.