Lessons Learned with My Tinnitus

I wanted to post something as I have been feeling better the last month.

I started to develop tinnitus in January, and went full time in March. It’s been the worst experience of my life. But I’ve finally found some relief and wanted to share it.

First of all, believe others who tell you that your quality of life will return. From inquiring I’ve learnt that many people suffer from tinnitus and live a normal life. Never lose hope, never!

Secondly, fix what’s broken in your life. I believe tinnitus is tied to stress. If your going through a divorce, or like me getting dumped on by a long term girl friend, get out. If you already suffer from depression, tinnitus will be much harder. And that’s when it get dangerous. I had suicidal thoughts for months. Get help. See a therapist. Fix what’s broken in your life.

Thirdly, your health. Scrutinize any meds you're taking, and consult with your doctor if you really need them. I thought my tinnitus was from all kinds of possibilities then I realized my diabetes was out of control. Ac1 = 11. Duh! I now eat perfectly clean, no junk, and am back exercising. Address your primary health problems if you have any. My ringing is much less now but worse when I eat poorly.

After 6 months my tinnitus is still there 24/7, but I am feeling happiness again, have regained my confidence, and can function.

Treat yourself well, and you will feel better.

 

I am truly happy for you.

How bad is/was your tinnitus and what noise do/did you hear?

My quality of life has disappeared. The one thing i cherished in life was silence, and that has gone. How is it possible to truly relax when there is no possibility to be quiet?

 

I hear cicadas, probably between a 3-6, out of 10. Both ears, 24/7.

But once I got a hold of my anxiety, I felt better. Recently I dropped Celebrex for my arthritis and it helped. As did my getting blood sugar down. I just focus on my primary health problems. Anxiety being one of them. Avoid stress.

 

Good advice Jim. "Control the controllables" is a quote I'll always remember from this site.

 

That is golden advice. That is what I have been saying. You are right also that anxiety does make T appear worse. So that is why I advise people to try to stay positive and calm as much as possible to stay off the limbic nervous system from taking over which can make T appear more acute and worse, as in fight or flight mode you limbic system is trying to zoom in on the ringing to alert you of the 'danger' to prepare you to fight or flight.