modernfollies

Hi, my name is Sara. I first got tinnitus in April of 2012 after a head cold that blocked my sinuses and ears. My drive to work included a descent from a 1,500 foot mountain, but because of the head cold, my ears were unable to equalize the pressure changes. I had pain in both ears and after the second day noticed a ringing as well. I went to the ENT who discovered that my eardrums were being sucked in due to the negative pressure. I was told to try and pop my ears gently. I got my left ear that day and finally popped my right ear three days later. The ringing got better but did not dissipate. The intensity of my tinnitus has oscillated quite a bit in the three plus years that I've had it, and unfortunately has gotten worse (concerts-even with ear protection, airplanes and allergies) though I'm definitely better skilled at handling those changes. I do think anxiety and stress are major factors in the causes of tinnitus, as well as spikes in increased loudness, pitch, etc. Learning to manage my emotions and fears has helped me greatly, not only in dealing with my tinnitus, but also other aspects of my life. It most certainly is a day-to-day challenge, some days my tinnitus can take up 95% of my thoughts, others maybe only 30%. Most everything I do, however, I do make considerations on how it will impact my tinnitus, and if it’s too much a risk, like a concert, loud movie or bar, I will decline. I'm hopeful for a new method in treating tinnitus, but in the interim, I try to do the best that I can in managing it. It empowers me to know that some day I will be able to view and treat my tinnitus as an objective reality, instead of imbuing it with all these negative and reactionary emotions. If I take a moment to focus attention on my tinnitus, I can hear it almost everywhere, even with masking, with the exception of the shower and certain outdoor activities. I can still work, so I'm thankful for that, and I know that if it does get worse again I am creative enough to work within those limitations and still be happy. Good luck to everyone out there struggling, it really is a mental game, so stay strong, go to therapy as soon as possible and if you need prescriptions drugs short term, don’t hesitate. Drinking and doing other drugs isn’t a helpful way to manage your stress long term. If you can't afford therapy, there are meditation apps and anxiety apps that I would highly recommend checking out.