MemberA question that usually arises when tinnitus spikes or increases over time is how best to cope? I often reply to emails and talk to people on the telephone asking the same question.
In my opinion, it is imperative that a person with intrusive tinnitus always uses sound enrichment especially at night with the use of a sound machine by the bedside or attached to a pillow speaker even after they have habituated to their T. During the day one can listen to low-level non-intrusive music such as classical playing in the background. Any music is acceptable but newbies shouldn't use it at night as it draws the Brain's attention and can delay the habituation process.
I have talked to people that have stopped using sound enrichment after they have habituated thinking all is now well, only to find their T gradually becoming intrusive again. Anyone seasoned to tinnitus knows the importance of using sound enrichment. Of course we are all different so this doesn't apply to everyone.
Equally important as sound enrichment is to learn and adopt a positive outlook on life. Many of us know this isn't easy but I believe it is possible to do. I hope my posts: Positivity and tinnitus, and Staying positive with tinnitus will help steer a person's thoughts in the right direction and try not to think that their life is doomed and won't improve because it certainly can.
It doesn't mean a person mustn't ever feel negative about their T just try not to make it consume your whole life. So how does a person stop themselves thinking negative all the time about their T? I have been asked this even after people have read my two posts and I can understand that.
I usually advise people to print out: Positivity and tinnitus and Staying positive with tinnitus, and keep them close to hand and refer to them whenever they feel negativity is taking a hold. Becoming positive with tinnitus is a discipline and takes time to achieve it's not something that happens overnight.
Something else I advise people to try to do is to think: What I'm able to do with tinnitus, instead of thinking what my tinnitus prevents me from doing.
Over time the thought: what I'm able to do with tinnitus, will gradually start to make an impression on the subconscious mind and you'll be able to let go of negative thinking. Life will start to become easier and you'll surprise yourself with the things you're able to do with relative ease that previously might have been difficult. Your tinnitus will be pushed further into the background and cease to become so important in your daily life.
Michael
In my opinion, it is imperative that a person with intrusive tinnitus always uses sound enrichment especially at night with the use of a sound machine by the bedside or attached to a pillow speaker even after they have habituated to their T. During the day one can listen to low-level non-intrusive music such as classical playing in the background. Any music is acceptable but newbies shouldn't use it at night as it draws the Brain's attention and can delay the habituation process.
I have talked to people that have stopped using sound enrichment after they have habituated thinking all is now well, only to find their T gradually becoming intrusive again. Anyone seasoned to tinnitus knows the importance of using sound enrichment. Of course we are all different so this doesn't apply to everyone.
Equally important as sound enrichment is to learn and adopt a positive outlook on life. Many of us know this isn't easy but I believe it is possible to do. I hope my posts: Positivity and tinnitus, and Staying positive with tinnitus will help steer a person's thoughts in the right direction and try not to think that their life is doomed and won't improve because it certainly can.
It doesn't mean a person mustn't ever feel negative about their T just try not to make it consume your whole life. So how does a person stop themselves thinking negative all the time about their T? I have been asked this even after people have read my two posts and I can understand that.
I usually advise people to print out: Positivity and tinnitus and Staying positive with tinnitus, and keep them close to hand and refer to them whenever they feel negativity is taking a hold. Becoming positive with tinnitus is a discipline and takes time to achieve it's not something that happens overnight.
Something else I advise people to try to do is to think: What I'm able to do with tinnitus, instead of thinking what my tinnitus prevents me from doing.
Over time the thought: what I'm able to do with tinnitus, will gradually start to make an impression on the subconscious mind and you'll be able to let go of negative thinking. Life will start to become easier and you'll surprise yourself with the things you're able to do with relative ease that previously might have been difficult. Your tinnitus will be pushed further into the background and cease to become so important in your daily life.
Michael
