A Little Advice?

Hello all

The ringing started in one ear about a week ago as I was going to bed. I don’t listen to loud music and very very rarely even wear headphones, so I just don’t know the cause. I had a bit of a stressful time about 6 weeks ago and feel like this could possibly be the reasoning behind it?? Has anyone had any experience of this? I realise everyone is different and there’s no ‘rules’ when it comes to tinnitus, but a bit of support and guidance would greatly help.

Thank you,

Laura

 

HI @Mossy453 Laura

I have a feeling you have been reading the posts in this forum and it's good that you do. Since you don't use headphones regularly which is a common cause of tinnitus due to high volume levels and don't listen to loud music, the onset of your tinnitus could be related to stress which can cause the condition. Try to relax although it's not easy and try to avoid quiet rooms especially at night, by using sound enrichment. More about this is explained in my posts below by clinking on the links.

Please don't try to fix anything or go anywhere for private medical consultations. The best treatment for tinnitus in the early stages, is to do nothing. The ear is a very delicate and sophisticated organ so leave it alone.

All the best
Michael

PS: earwax build up can also cause tinnitus, so if it persists it might be a good idea to get your ears checked at your GP surgery. If you do have a build-up of wax, and ear irrigation or microsuction is advised. Please apply olive oil eardrops to each ear 3x a day for 10 days before having the wax removed, this is very important. I advise that you do not go to private high-street clinic to get this done.


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

 

Thank you Michael. I really appreciate your prompt and informative response.

In your experience is stress related tinnitus a temporary thing? I’m just worrying myself more and more that it will get worse, which i know also isn’t helpful!

Thank you,
Laura

 

Like Michael Leigh advised, it might be worth going for check-up to your physician to make sure that you don't have wax build up or an ear infection. Do not let the wax be removed right then and there though! First apply some drops to soften the wax up and then return after a week to let it be removed (depending on the plug, I would recommend with a curette, but microsuction and irrigation are also options). If these underlying causes are treated, T will more likely than not disappear as well.

I would not be a 100% sure that it is stress induced. In any case, I would try to spend as little time as possible listening to it or checking if it has changed. Always have some background noise around you, even at night. There's a possibility that the T will have disappeared the next time you find yourself in a silent room by accident, if you haven't thought about it for a while and have been spending time doing activities that bring you rest and peace.

 

Thank you again Mellow7. I should have said that did go to the GP and she checked my ears saying there was no wax at all and it all looked healthy, which was disappointing!!

Will take all of your advices and try not to listen out for it.

Thank you x

 

HI Laura,

My tinnitus was not caused by stress but I have counselled people with stressed related tinnitus. You have had the tinnitus for a very short while so you need to give it time and hopefully it will go. Try to use sound enrichment during the day and especially at night as I've mentioned in my posts. Please click on the links below and take your time, and read the posts which you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael

PS: If you are getting overly anxious and stressed due to the tinnitus, have a word with your doctor, as something may be prescribed to help you relax.


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-ent-doctor-and-hearing-therapist.24047/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-negative-counselling.26669/

 

Perhaps you could do a hearing test to get a baseline on your hearing. GPs just look at your ear with an otoscope, which is a very basic test that can only rule out obvious things like infections/earwax/etc...

 

I didn't know that stress could actually be a "cause" of Tinnitus. I'm positive for me that stress makes it worse, so I do everything I can to reduce stress.

If you have only had it for six days then that alone could be a big source of stress. Just do your research and avoid foods, beverages, etc. that can make it worse. For me too much aspartame can really cause a spike. So I cut the diet drinks to almost none. I don't overdo salt anyway, but salt is supposed to be bad for it.

And absolutely don't waste a nickel on anything advertised online, TV, etc. as a cure. It is all a fraud. I'm sorry to say that there is no cure.