Acoustic Trauma (Someone Wolf-Whistling Near Me) Induced Tinnitus: Is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Worth It?

Louise 17

Member
Author
Jan 16, 2025
3
Tinnitus Since
2025
Cause of Tinnitus
one off sound trauma
Hi all,

I've had tinnitus for four weeks following a one-off trauma incident (someone wolf-whistling near me). Initially, I brushed it off during the Christmas period, self-medicating with alcohol and sleep meds. However, in the new year, I began to despair as it started affecting my sleep and showed no signs of going away.

I went to an ENT doctor and had an ear and pressure test. My hearing is still above average, so there's no damage there. Unfortunately, they couldn't do much else for me since I have no other medical issues. They recommended therapy, which I have to fund myself because it's not covered by insurance.

I'm planning to do just one session because I can't afford long-term therapy. I hope to talk through what's happened and how it's affecting me. I assume they'll explain what's happening with my ears and suggest coping strategies—most of which I'm probably already doing, like practicing good sleep hygiene and listening to soothing sounds.

For those who've been to tinnitus therapy, is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
 
My "therapy" was a complete joke. It cost $175 for a 50-minute session, and all she basically said was, "Think positive thoughts." She was supposed to be a CBT therapist, but it was a total waste of my time and money. It's shameful that they charge so much for such worthless drivel.
 
Thank you for your response. I feel the same way—it doesn't seem worth my time to hear advice about things I'm already doing. The only potential benefit I can see is venting to someone, but I worry that might just make me ruminate even more.
 
Alcoholics have Alcoholics Anonymous meetings they can attend, for fellowship and support. People like us with ear issues need something similar. A place we can meet up, face to face, and help one another get thru this ordeal.
 
Hi all,

I've had tinnitus for four weeks following a one-off trauma incident (someone wolf-whistling near me). Initially, I brushed it off during the Christmas period, self-medicating with alcohol and sleep meds. However, in the new year, I began to despair as it started affecting my sleep and showed no signs of going away.

I went to an ENT doctor and had an ear and pressure test. My hearing is still above average, so there's no damage there. Unfortunately, they couldn't do much else for me since I have no other medical issues. They recommended therapy, which I have to fund myself because it's not covered by insurance.

I'm planning to do just one session because I can't afford long-term therapy. I hope to talk through what's happened and how it's affecting me. I assume they'll explain what's happening with my ears and suggest coping strategies—most of which I'm probably already doing, like practicing good sleep hygiene and listening to soothing sounds.

For those who've been to tinnitus therapy, is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I would just sit tight and give it time. In 6 months, this will probably fade away.
 
Thank you for the responses. I've been working on trying to sleep naturally and stay calm. I was using Night Nurse to knock myself out but no longer need it. I've been using Lavender Kalms for those moments when anxiety gets to me.

I read about Magnesium Glycinate and have started taking it. I also stopped vaping, which I was doing because of stress, but it probably wasn't helping. I'm generally trying to lower my blood pressure due to all of this.

I'm usually a very fit person, and I'm not sure if it's a placebo effect or actual healing, but the severity of it has decreased. It's not noticeable during the day or during quieter periods with the TV on. Here's to waiting and hoping for continued improvement.
Alcoholics have Alcoholics Anonymous meetings they can attend, for fellowship and support. People like us with ear issues need something similar. A place we can meet up, face to face, and help one another get thru this ordeal.
I agree. I've found a group near where I live that meets quarterly, which I hope will be beneficial if my symptoms linger.
 

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