Help...

Hi my name is Rich. I'm 19 and I just realized I have tinnitus. I'm not a very stable person. I have depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorder, suicidal, and I guess now tinnitus. I have been a mess since. I haven't been able to accept that its my fault. abusing my hearing listening to loud music and playing the guitar. It's my fault! It;s my fault and now I feel like this is the last draw. I just havent been able to calm down for the last couple days. I know its uncureable and I'm freaking out. Don't know what to do. I need to see a doc but the thought of having this forver is making me want to give up.

I know this sounds all grim but if you saw me now you'd see the desperation. I need help. I don't know how else to put it.

 

Hi Rich and Welcome!

We are a supportive group. This is a good start for you. Hang in there .... WE care!

What have you been doing if anything for your other emotional conditions? Some drugs actually cause tinnitus. Can you list them? We will let you know if they are a possible cause for your tinnitus.

 

I sent you a "private message" please check your inbox. Tinnitus can be caused by many things- even a vitamin b12 deficiency. B12 shots can helpc with that. Dont freak out. Have you haad a hearing test- how do you know the tinnitus is caused by loud music?

 

I wont lie. I havent been to a hearing doctor yet and no one has said to me, YOU HAVE TINNITUS. but its just one of those things you know. I have had ringing in my ears for I guess years but it was always so minimal never thought much of it. about two days ago suddenly I feel its gotten louder and my ears kinda hurt. irratation. i think it was because a couple day prior I was once again using headphones louder then I should have and I think thats what did it. It was just that last draw. I've been listening to loud music for years so thats why I think this is what it is. ugh.... every time I swallow my ears like pop. I dont need another torture device.but the worst thing it once again, its my fault.

@calin The only drug I'm on is Zoloft since January. 50mg. I hardly drink and havent had any caffine in awhile. i just drink water and pineapple juice. I personally can only think of one thing that could have done this to my ears and thats headphone usage.

 

I see. thanks.

Di you look up the side effects of zoloft yet for tinnitus?

 

I actually have and I'm stopping my dosage. My pescriber is saying it should go away in a few days but at the same time I'm also showing other uncommon symtoms of sorts. I'm not sure if this is a mix of things and I am going to an ea rdoctor to get down to the details on what could be causing this damn ringing and irratation.

 

ok then... You are in control of that part at least.

Let us know what the ear doc says! ok?

 

I will. Thank you.

 

One of the best ways to cope with tinnitus is to find some type of white noise that brings you relief. I use the Moses-Lang cd from the Oregon Tinnitus Center (503.494.7954). It is the only white noise I've found with high pitches, and that's what masks my tinnitus.

I think it is a good idea to take some type of benzodiazepene, such as Xanax, until you have a handle on things. Also, Ambien is good for helping to sleep. I have been taking it for years.

I know it's hard to stop blaming yourself, many of us on this site feel we've done something to cause our tinnitus, but self-blame makes anxiety worse. Self-kindness is the best medicine.

The initial stage is always the hardest. It will get much better.

 

Ok well... update on little ol me. I went to the ear doctor today or well yesterday cause it's morning now. (haven't slept... nerves) This is the third doctor I've seen since this crazy sudden Tinnitus scare. The first two doc's (the one from the ER and my clinicianal doctor) saw no issues or damage in my ears with a otoscope. Well the ear doctor saw nothing as well. This made getting a hearing test a must. My ear doctor was able to set me up to have a hearing test the same day, today. The results were interesting considering... My hearing is apperently "excellent." No hearing or inside ear damage from the three tests that they did for my overall hearing test. Great news of course but this once again asks the question, why do I have ringing and ear irratation? Even my ear doctor doesn't really know. The best bet we have is once again the Zoloft. I've been off it now for a little less then a week so apperently I need to give it a few more weeks to get the Zoloft out of my system then see what happens. If it doesn't go away then he recommended I see a neurologist. Now I have my thoughts on what's gonna happen next and well, I'm not thinking very positive. It's like I cant be please my thoughts.

So for anyone that has the knowledge to answer, is it possible to have Tinnitus but not have hearing loss or damage? Now obviously when I mean Tinnitus I mean more then just a night at a concert.

 

Thanks Head Honcho. Just wanted to say thanks now cause this will take me awhile to comprehend it without my mind clouding my judgement. Not just read it.

 

Markko,
I'm trying to forgive myself for getting tinnitus. I blame myself many times. I have bipolar disorder since I was a teenager but it wasn't diagnosed until I was in my thirties. When I was in my mixed state I would crank up the music. I also worked in noisy work environment. Just recently listening to my son's drumming. I was in a depression for two years. The loud noises didn't bother me for some reason. I kick myself all the time for not protecting my hearing. I really thought his closed door would be okay but I was wrong. I also thought I was not going to be affected by loud noises. Inorder to have peace of mind I have to forgive myself for what happen. I can't control my illness and unfortunately I had some scrapes along the way. I try to look on the bright side. I have a intact marriage, I have two wonderful grown children and they love me very much. I am still needed in their lives. I didn't get myself into terrible debt during my manic episodes. What is worst? Money problems or tinnitus? Learn how to love one self and keep living life to the max. I'm not going to limit myself to enjoy life. Count your blessings and have a good time.