Frightened, Trying to Be Hopeful

[Allen Charney]

Hello fellow travellers and T sufferers. Mild tinnitus since my teen years; it didn't trouble me. Thought it was the frequency of the universe til my mid 20s when I discovered it was an actual syndrome. Went 4 decades with it in the background and not bothersome. About to turn 60 and have noticed hearing loss over the past year to two. In the past couple of months T's moved into the foreground, high pitch squeal that used to be quiet and in the background is now loud and intrusive and very much is impacting my quality of life. I've always been very youthful in outlook and activities, but this is coloring everything. Often get real anxious and panicky; it's relentless in it's omnipresence. Remind myself that I have a 14 yr. old daughter who needs me to hold it together. Have an audiology consult in a few days followed by an ENT consult. Lorazepam eases the anxiety but afraid in the long run I'll make the T worse. Also on 4 other meds prescribed within a couple week period starting about a month ago. Most interested in other people's experiences and what's helped, how y'all have learned to live with it and sustain a quality of life. Just beginning my journey with this unwelcome parasite, so trying to keep open-minded and positive. It ain't easy. Look forward to your feedback, input, support, sharing of your story. Wishing you relief from this curse.

 

[billie48]

Welcome. When T is new or when it hits a new level, it can cause much anxiety and panic. It is advisable to get masking ASAP so you won't be so anxious and fearful. Stress and anxiety are toxic to T. So try masking if you haven't done so.

Here is a TT thread with an audio player for many good masking sounds. It also comes with nice tips for new sufferers . If you have sleep problem, then check out the link there for a sleep thread too. There are also links to ATA & BTA with loads of more info. The more you understand tinnitus and how it works, the less fearful and stressful you are and which is good for T.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/panic/


(the icons on the left side give you instructions step by step)

There are many ways which may help to reduce or stabilize T.
Members here often recommend some good supplements, such as NAC, Magnesium, Zinc, B12, D3, etc., and reduce intake of salt, sugar, MSG, caffeine, alcohol etc. You may also want to help yourself to get more sleep. Sleep deprivation is one sure way to fire up T. Get some bed time masking such as a sound machine or a sound pillow etc., so you can fall asleep better.

Instead of sleep meds from the doctor, you can try natural alternatives such as Camomile tea, Hops, Valerian tablets, Melatonin etc. Check out this site on using natural herbs for sleep problem:

http://www.christopherhobbs.com/lib...alth/herbs-and-natural-remedies-for-insomnia/

A great way to help reduce your anxiety is to read up the success stories. They can give you hope that better days are possible with the right strategies or attitudes. Here are some samples:

My success story: The initial struggle was hell to me. I had ultra high pitch dog whistle T and severe H, and I was in a mess physically and emotionally. But now I live a normal and absolutely enjoyable life. I even wrote my success stories like many other members. How I turned around my struggle from darkness to light? Well it is a long story and I list many points plus some mental imagery exercises. So for brevity I provide this link to it and hopefully it will help you in some way. Take good care of yourself and God bless.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...w-i-recovered-from-tinnitus-hyperacusis.3148/

The most read success story 'Back to Silence' with a simple effective strategy:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/back-to-silence.7172/

Jade's success story with super loud T, louder than the 800-ton truck she drove and how she turned around by changing her attitude/approach:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/6-months-tinnitus-still-going-strong-but-so-am-i.3226/

Dr. Hubbard's success story, yes even the doc can have T:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/how-cbt-helped-me-live-again-dr-hubbards-story.4608/

 

[Allen Charney]

Thanks Billie. I had actually already read your story in another forum prior to your kind and supportive reply above. You deliver a powerful and important message that gives me considerable hope.