Getting louder :(

Masking that use to work doesn't anymore, and while I feel my reaction to hearing it is less, I'm sure it's louder that ever.

Not doing anything different and what I hate the most is that it isn't something anyone can help me with

 

My tinnitus fluctuates--often greatly. Sometimes, I believe there's a trigger; other times, I am clueless why I'm so loud. Right now, you're probably just experiencing a temporary spike. There doesn't have to be a reason for it, but it does not mean you're getting worse. You should settle back down soon. Just try something different to distract yourself. You might try some new masking sounds or doing something you really enjoy that will help keep your mind busy. It's great you no longer react strongly to the noise. That will help, but not reacting won't necessarily make you noise go down. Sometimes, I believe nothing but time will make it go away. Your brain has to get over itself--so to speak. But stay strong and remember you will calm back down. And make sure you're getting enough sleep and exercising. Both really help!

 

Thats just how the beast rolls! You need to soldier on. It loves the attention. In my experience it is not really helpful to look for things you have done to make it do what it does... But it is natural to do this in the early stages of having it.

My advice would be to indulge yourself in your work, your hobby, sports, or what have you.

 

I know how you are feeling. We just need to rely on that it will get better with time and we will learn to adjust to the sound. You could try to mask it with some other sound if that works better. I used to listen to a birds singing mp3 to cover my T, but at the moment I feel it doesn't help as well, so I have switched to waves/river sound and sometimes a fan sound. You should try out different sound, I'm sure you will find something that works for you.

 

I have been able to mask mine only partially since the last increment. But I guess you have to hear it to get used to it.

 

i am 3 weeks into a spike that has caused my tinnitus to go from mild to moderate, which i think is now permanent, all caused by normal everyday noise. knowing now that normal every day noise can cause increased tinnitus, is it only a matter of time until it turns severe?

 

I have to change my masking noise as it appears to stop working and doesn't mask anymore - I'm currently on a mix of crickets and wind blowing in the trees !

Also I find after a while the masking noise starts to annoy me !

I often think then it's louder but it's probably because we are thinking and focused on it ? Maybe ? But we all appear to have the same experiences so it's reassuring we are all the same

Cher xx

 

I have a combo hearing aid/masker. Sometimes when I use the masker mode it bothers me too, so I shut it off, and I just use the hearing aid portion, which helps more than the masker at times. It all depends on how my brain reacts at the time.

 

The first 3-6 months can be the hardest to deal with. So many things in your life seem to be changing during this period. Believe me it does get better. I know these words may seem empty now, but give it time.

Remember you are not alone in this, we are here for each other 24/7

 

If you own an Iphone or an android phone, try White Noise Lite. This is a great app. If you upgrade to the full version (cost me $2) on my Galaxy S4, you can import new sounds and mix them, altering the volume of each element until you get something that works for you. Tinnitus is variable and varying - however, your brain controls the volume - you have to perservere to regain control over your own brain. Get professional help if necessary. A mild tranquilizer like Ativan, will help when things are too much for you......from a MD with tinnitus - me!!