6 Month Update — It's Been Good and Bad

Hi everyone -

I haven't posted in these forums in ages, though I would occasionally pop by to read threads. I wanted to give a 6 month update - I read here that this is when most will consider their tinnitus to be chronic.

While I never considered myself fully habituated and often noticed my T, I still had a solid 3 months ish where the T didn't really affect me. I could sleep without xanax, I was able to live my life, be happy, see my friends, go to work. Some spikes but I would be able to get through them. Some days I could actually sleep without using the white noise machine, and sometimes the T was barely noticeable. It was a good time and I felt my life moving in a positive direction.

I started dating someone recently, one of the fears I had when T first started was that I wouldn't be able to date. It's been nice, though it's not all rosey, the T definitely affects me as a partner as I can't go out to many places and mostly stay at home. She's been open and honest about that affecting her, and her worries about being able continue dating someone with my lifestyle.

A month ago my T started to spike and affect me again.. And a week ago I got another ear infection (which is going away) but new sounds have appeared on that ear.

I really wish I could've posted a more successful/positive update, but lately I feel like I've regressed back to the fearful state in my first few months of T starting. I'm a sidesleeper and I used to be able to sleep on my right side as the sounds were minimal and a constant tone, but now it's the most annoying kind of inconsistent, fluctuating noises that sound like morse-code, so I'm unable to tune it out or get used to it. Anyone have experience with this kind of T? I'm nervous of not being able to adjust to it.

It's incredibly frustrating to have this set back. I'm back in homebody mode, in fear of spiking this further. I do notice that it's starting to consume me again, but I hope with proper rest, meditation and exercise I can get through it and return back to a happier state.

 

Hey @Ludvik ,

Sorry to hear your new T challenges. I heard the right thing window for T being considered chronic was 12 months from my ear specialist; maybe I got that wrong.

May I ask, when did your gf disucuss with you openly about her worries? Was this before the past month when your T changed?

My T seems to change on a daily basis btw: I am managing to ignore it 90% of the time though sleeping remains a challenge.

Mf

 

Hey @Mettafort thanks for responding!

The 6 month number is just something I see pop up quite a bit here on tinnitustalk, but there are those who have also experienced T disappearing years later so it's definitely not always the case.

My T seems to change on a daily basis too, it can be loud in the morning and soft at night, or the opposite.

The girl and I discussed this pretty early on, as I know it can be a deal breaker. I wanted to date someone that can accept I can't do a lot of things normal couples can do, and she was willing to try and see if this dating lifestyle could work for her. I can understand if it ends up not working out, T does mean a change in lifestyle, and finding a partner compatible with that is part of the change.

I'm happy to hear you can ignore it 90% of the time, your T seems to be new - I hope that if you take care of yourself and protect your ears it will fade and go away!

 

What sort of activities are you referring to? With plugs, a lot is possible.

 

Hi Rubenslash,

Well going to concerts, pubs and movies are definitely no go. I did try a movie with ear plugs, it still spiked. (Lego Batman, was hilarious!)

Certain cafes and restaurants I can do, but some get super loud and spike my T even with ear plugs. I feel like my recent spikes has been caused partly by being a bit more adventurous and trying to go out again, and just being unlucky with place choices.

My housemates and I had a housewarming party, I had to bail out of my own housewarming cause it got too loud haha - luckily I could go back to her place and have a quiet rest of the night.

My T is sensitive unfortunately, doesn't take a lot to affect it. I've been watching TV and playing games a lot, but you can only do that for so long - I've been looking at the hobbies thread to see what kinds of things people in our condition like to do.

 

Your ears need a long period to heal. Try to keep away from the things that could cause the infection to return and stay away from fast fool. I heard onions and garlic are anti inflammatory and good for the ears. Give your ears months to heal after the tinnitus reduces. Above all prayer works wonders. You'll be fine.

 

I believe few get rid of their T after having it for two years. It is still possible to get better after 6 months.

 

@Ludvik
What caused your T initially ? Ear infection ?

 

Tinnitus doesn't require a change in lifestyle. Protect yourself when it's warranted, otherwise don't let it stop you from living your life. You aren't going to be alive forever.

 

It started off with an ear infection, was super mild though. After some loud noise exposure it got bad.

 

Good news @Ludvik that you have been making progress. Try not to worry about the setback as this happens with tinnitus. Six months is nothing in tinnitus terms. You are making progress and that's all the matters. Believe me you will come out of this victoriously. Regarding the dating situation. Try not to feel too crestfallen, it happens. You'll find the right person that cares about you and vice versa and the tinnitus will recede into the background, because you are making progress just take things easy.
All the best
Michael

 

Thanks @Michael Leigh I really appreciate that.
There are a lot of setbacks, but you're right - emotionally I am making progress. Even though I still have bad days/weeks I'm generally doing better than I was in the first few months, and its something I should remind myself of.

How is your tinnitus these days - did you find yourself getting more used to it as time passed? I'm definitely learning to be more patient. My mum recently mentioned Er Long Zuo Ci Wan to me, and after a bit of googling I actually found your thread on it. Are you still taking this?

 

Hi @Ludvik
My tinnitus is manageable although It still reaches severe levels but I'm still able to cope. When necessary I take my clonazepam to calm it down. I still take Er Long Zuo Ci Wan as I'm a believer in it. I buy mine from ebay now.

Try to look at the positive things in your life and focus on them when you aren't feeling your best.
Take care
Michael

 

Thanks Mike, will do.

 

Hi @Ludvik sorry if I ask but did your new tones go away? I ask this because this evening I started to ear an eeeee sound during my spike

 

Hey Matt, the new tones are still there but thankfully I have gotten used to them as well (and they have reduced in volume a little). It's very anxiety inducing to get a new tone, these days I try hard to tell myself that it'll settle down, and if it doesn't I'll just get used to it.

It's hard to think positive, but I'm trying to practice it like its a skill, or muscle.