Going on 4.5 Years with Tinnitus

I've had tinnitus for about 4.5 years now. Dealing with it went with ups and downs, I've had good periods that lasted for months in which I've been able to handle the tinnitus well. Currently I'm battling a particularly bad spike since the start of February that has caused me to start noticing some new sounds. It's causing me lots of anxiety and I feel like I did when the tinnitus first started, but I hope it will get better over time.

I visited this forum a lot when I first got tinnitus, and also for the past few weeks. I think it would be helpful for me to talk with other about their experiences. I'm still a student in my early 20's and the tinnitus is making me afraid of the future. I have quite a lot of sounds in my ears. Left I have a high pitch hiss combined with very high pitch squeal. On the right I have a lower rumble and a whistling noise.

 

Do you have noise sensitivity, pain from noise, jaw face irritation, any form of what is vaguely called hyperacusis?

Lots of tinnitus sufferers have this and don't talk about it.

 

I think my recent spike has caused me to become more more "paranoid" of sounds, since I don't know what caused it. (which is very frustrating). I have not exposed myself to loud noise so I think it might have something to do with stress. I have been working quite hard lately. The period before the spike started I had been doing well for several months, and was able to ignore the tinnitus most of the day.

Sounds don't hurt my ears, but they do annoy me as if I am more easily irritated by sounds. I recently visited my doctor and an ENT because I was experiencing lots of anxiety concerning my ears. I had a hearing test (up to 8kHz) which was normal according to my ENT. He checked my ears as well and said "everything looks perfectly normal". Apart from the noise irritability, I have been experiencing occasional ear fullness and stabbing pains which last from several minutes to hours (I had this already before the spike).

I do have occasional pressure/irritation around my jaw area (sides of my face, below the temple). I'm a known teeth clencher and grinder, which I saw a specialist for about 2 years ago but not much help unfortunately. They said the tension was most likely due to stress, and I got a mouth guard to wear when sleeping (which I don't use anymore, maybe I should start again).

 

Do you know what may have triggered your tinnitus ? I’m a student as well, and this is my final year of collage before I go to university and I’m struggling to focus...I am worried about my grade and everything . it’s only been for a week for me and I’m terrified right now since I’m new to this.... I’ve been to countless Gp and hospitals but they just give same answer “just wait and it might heal eventually” I’m so scared right now and I don’t know how this will lead my future.... I’m just worried about my mom so much.. I’ve caused so my stress on her since my tinnitus. I still have to refer my Gp to EMT but I think they will probably do nothing as well. All I can do is prey to god... how did u cope last few year, I feel like I’m about to die in my first week.

 

I understand what you are feeling right now. I went through the same thing. I know the only thing you want right now are answers but unfortunately I don't have them, nobody does. You need time to adjust. In the meantime you can try to mask your tinnitus with rain noise or nature sounds. Those work pretty well for me, however they do not fully mask my tinnitus. Also try to avoid loud noise in general, I have a pair of earplugs on me always and I wear them when I feel like the sounds is too loud. This is not often, but it gives me some comfort to know I have them when I need them.

Concerning my spike, I have no idea what has caused it. It might be stress and some accumulated hearing loss over time or maybe something with my neck/jaw. Tinnitus can be very unpredictable which is very frustrating, I am currently also feeling like I did back when it just started as I am afraid that it will get worse from every sound I'm hearing. Currently I just try not to think about it that much and put on some soft background music or nature sounds. Try to get your mind to focus on something else. Try not to freak out every time you hear the sound, adjusting your reaction is very important. It will be hard in the beginning but in time you will manage. Also be sure to get an appointment with your ENT, they will probably not be able to help you but it's good to rule out anything more serious than hearing loss.

 

Just to add something that might comfort you: my tinnitus also started when I was 19. Regardless of the tinnitus I still managed to get my bachelor's degree in engineering and am currently working on getting my masters. Tinnitus is not life ending! You will be able to continue eventually.