25F New to the Club (Unfortunately): Begging for Advice and Support

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Hi everyone,

I am a 25-year-old woman and very new to tinnitus. It has been a little over a month since this started. I am devastated and looking for people who understand, because those around me do not. I have had two hearing tests this month, both normal. I have gone to many concerts, more than ten this year, and always wore Loop earplugs, but I guess it eventually caught up to me. I do not have any other preexisting conditions or symptoms. I saw an ENT a few days ago. They were helpful in offering validation and guidance about using earplugs, though I already know the typical prognosis and that there is no cure.

I feel so dejected and isolated. My tinnitus is loud and noticeable in quiet rooms but not as bad when I am out and about. I now hear a high-pitched tone in both ears, along with some background ringing. This morning, for the first time since it began, my right ear had a different tone and was slightly louder, which really scared me.

Over the past few weeks, I have made a lot of changes:

• No earphones or headphones
• No more concerts or loud environments
• Avoiding vacuums
• Wearing Loop earplugs in loud traffic and on public transport
• Using 3M Peltor X2A earmuffs when public transport is too loud or when Loop earplugs are not enough. I always keep them with me just in case of sudden loud sounds like ambulances.

I even downloaded a dB meter app. I have completely stopped listening to music, even though it used to be a huge part of my life. Everything is still so new, and I am feeling very depressed about how it is affecting my quality of life. I am trying to stay positive and remind myself that I still have my health and good things ahead, but it is hard. I do not want tinnitus to take over my life, yet I feel like it is making me more irritated and paranoid. I know I am not truly alone, but I still feel that way. I am terrified it will get worse despite my precautions. I get anxious about going to restaurants or stores that might be loud. Most of what I read online are horror stories, which does not help. I am trying my best to stay hopeful and give my brain time to adapt, but I feel like I am living in constant fear of it worsening.

I have an upcoming flight to visit family and friends I have not seen in a long time, and I am very anxious about it. I am asking for tips and tricks to manage flights, because I am scared it will make the tinnitus worse. I know I should probably avoid scrolling too much online, but I feel lost. I will definitely bring my Loop and foam earplugs, as well as the 3M Peltor X2A earmuffs. Do you recommend noise cancelling headphones too? My seat is closer to the front of the plane, and the flight is only two hours.

Thank you so much for your help. I would really appreciate it, as I am just trying to feel less alone.