Did I Spike Myself at Work (a Library)? — In a State of Worry

[Fally]

So yesterday I went to work, I work in a library. It was one of the branches so it was super quiet because it's so small. It was so quiet i could hear my tinnitus (which is fine that's how I know it's quiet) anyway, I decided not to wear my ear plugs. I have been wearing them in the bigger library I work at cause it can get quite noisy. 2 weeks ago my tinnitus got worse which I think stemmed from being beside the street. Anyway I went about my 3 hours working in the quiet and helping customers. It never got loud or busy really. I got home and they felt a bit irritated. There was no fullness, no pain, nothing but they felt a little loud. Which i thought might be because I was tired or maybe because i had some salt. Plus my jaw was also hurting so I assumed it might be that (every time I open my jaw my right side of my mouth hurts)

Anyway i went to head to sleep and it was raging. I could hear it over the sound of my air con which normally I can't to a degree which just panicked me which I know makes things worse.

It's morning, now they seem a little calmer but I'm wondering if I've just made them worse by not wearing the ear plugs in the library which I know is stupid.

I am probably just being paranoid, but it's hard and frustrating because I love my job and right now in these last two weeks I feel like I can't do anything anymore.

 

[robHing]

I have no answer to your question.
In a very quiet room and not wearing ear plugs is pretty OK.
You need to get used to the unpredictable tinnitus.

 

[Fally]

I have had it for 6 years, noise trauma 8 months ago then last few weeks its just been extremely unpredictable and its causing me sever anxiety because of it. I honestly dont understand whats going on and its making it hard to function -sigh-

 

[PDodge]

I know the feeling. The randomness its what screws me up big time. I'm sure anxiety is playing a bigger role than a silent library

 

[Fally]

The randomness is the worst because you have zero idea what will make it spike. I am sure it is along with the fact ive been tried and sleeping not been great.

 

[PDodge]

Ya sleep is huge, last night I slept for maybe an hour. That night my ears were basically silent- which has not happened in a while, but just knowing it be worse when I woke up caused me not to sleep.

 

[Fally]

That sucks I didnt get to sleep till 1 and by that point i was beyond exhausted.

 

[PDodge]

Thanks I'd like to think I'm still "new" at T. really Jan 17 was when my issues started. I have a very close friend who's had it for +10 years, Still plays music, goes to house parties and is happy. He's my inspiration and I hope I can get there soon

 

[Fally]

For 2 years I had Habituated to it and had no issues could do everything without a problem. Then I was exposed to loud noise for about 15-20 minutes and bang it got worse. Then 2 weeks ago sound of traffic and work made it worse. I am at a point where i am now wearing my ear plugs everywhere bar home because its just too much. I am also in intense therapy because of it all. Its hard hopefully one day we can go about a some what normal life again.

 

[Smartone202]

For 2 years I had Habituated to it and had no issues could do everything without a problem. Then I was exposed to loud noise for about 15-20 minutes and bang it got worse. Then 2 weeks ago sound of traffic and work made it worse. I am at a point where i am now wearing my ear plugs everywhere bar home because its just too much. I am also in intense therapy because of it all. Its hard hopefully one day we can go about a some what normal life again.

The sound of TRAFFIC made it worse? Are you sure you're just not freaking out at every possible turn here?

I would first try and relax before anything else. Our stories are quite similar although instead of 2 years of habituation I had 14. Then I was on a dance floor at a wedding for all of 45 minutes and my life has since been changed forever and Tinnitus re-entered my life full force. The ringing has been annoying me since that night in July. It's terrible how heavy exposure for just a short period of time (just 15-20 minutes for you) can do enough damage, but this is what it is. I would suggest giving your ears a rest as much as you can, and remaining calm. When did this spike take place?

 

[Fally]

I think it was the traffic, honestly it could have been the massage i had 2 days prior when the the lady massaged my jaw / neck because it was hurting. Im wondering if it inflamed everything and thats why it went up along with the traffic and it just freaked out. (She did say i have tmj and need to get that looked at)

The first spike happened 2 weeks ago with what i told you above. The other one happened yesterday I noticed it last night it was much louder then ever.

I have been giving my ears a rest, i wear ear plugs when im going to and from work and now at work. Only time i dont wear them now is at home and i live in the bush so its super quiet.

 

[robHing]

Try to relax.
Anxiety will make T worse.

 

[Fally]

Oh i know its just hard relaxing for me is hard at the best of times always has been lol.