Hi! Please Help Me Stop Letting Tinnitus Take Over My Life!

Hi! I'm Kirsty, 38, living in Oxford, mum to two beautiful girls, girlfriend to a Scottish chap over 300 miles away!

So it all started when I had a problem with my eustacian tube after a nasty cold. This was December 2016. Since then I've had tinnitus and a feeling on and off of a blocked ear. One that needs popping.
Not too bad, I guess you're thinking? Throw into the mix I have anxiety and suffer from panic attacks, and you have a bag of tricks! One of my main anxiety triggers is a blocked ear (oh joy!) so you can see where the problem lies.

I travel up to Scotland and my ears blocked because of altitude changes (I'm an awful travel companion) then after this the tinnitus is really bad. At night it's bad, and I can't be anywhere silence. The cliche that silence is deafening comes to mind!

I'm just looking for ways to get my life back, and supportive stories of people doing so. I don't travel anymore because I'm scared of the feeling, and I used to love traveling. It's taking over my life, I never stop thinking about tinnitus!!

So if you have any advice or POSITIVE stories to share to help me get my life back, I'd really appreciate it!

Thank you, Kirsty x

 

@Kjm1979

Hi Kirsty,
I am not familiar with tinnitus that was caused by ETD as I mostly give advice on tinnitus caused by "loud noise" which is the most common cause of the condition. However, I have written articles on coping with tinnitus that you might find helpful. I have written positivity documents that you might find useful. Please click on the links below.

I advise that you use sound enrichment at night instead of sleeping in a quiet room. Information on this is in the links below.

All the best
Michael
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/positivity-and-tinnitus.12060/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/staying-positive-with-tinnitus.12069/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-art-of-tinnitus.12066/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-mental-health.21978/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/from-darkness-into-light.22234/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/look-at-what-you-can-do-not-what-you-cant.20372/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-big-picture.19308/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/i-would-rather-be-happy-than-right.12084/

 

Hi @Kjm1979, Welcome.

If you are looking for positive stories, please look at the "success stories" section of this forum. You will find many stories of people who have either have their symptoms vanish, for have learned to habituate, either option allowing them to return to a normal life. If you are unfamiliar with Habituation, I heard it described somewhere (i wish I could find it) as turning your tinnitus into a pair of slacks (knowing that "pants" has a different meaning in Europe), you have them, but 99.9% of the time they are not in your conscience mind.

For dealing with silence, many people have had success with white noise machines, or sound machines. Please use external sound machines, headphones and earbuds can be dangerous and cause more damage. If you search this forum you will find a number of informative articles describing the potential dangers of using those devices.

One of our members (@Bill Bauer) has posted information stating that it clears up for most people in a number of months.

If you want information on Tinnitus itself, along with treatment options, habituation, and even headphones, search this forum for @Michael Leigh. He has a number of great articles with a TON of information that I would only do a disservice to by attempting to paraphrase.

This is normal. We all have been through that. The good news is that you are here now. As many have said, this forum is filled with caring, supportive, sympathetic, and compassionate people. Almost every member (some are here because of loved ones) suffers, or has suffered, from tinnitus. We understand what you are going through. And, the members of this forum are incredibly kind and generous. Despite their own struggles they will take the time to help others who are struggling.

Someone is always here; and if they are part of this forum they understand. You do not have to let this take over your life. You can beat this; it will either clear up in time, or you can learn to habituate. Either way, you will get through this and will be able to get your life back. And, we will be here to help. You will not have to go through this alone. When you feel you have no more strength to fight this, we will share ours with you.

Once again, fairly common (I certainly am amongst that group). All I can say here is it will get easier, and you have support here, which helps. There are a number of people whom I do not know (you know who you are ) who have been very supportive to me who, for all intents and purposes, is a complete stranger. The kindness you will find here is almost overwhelming.

So, try not to worry. We've got you. You have friends here and we will help you get through this.

I wish you the best; I hope you find all you need here, and please keep us updated on your progress. We want to help you when you need us; and would love to be able to celebrate with you when you get through this.

 

looks like Michael and I were responding at the same time again. .

@Kjm1979 , the links he provided are great, take the time to read them, you will be glad you did.

 

Hi Kirsty,
Welcome to Tinnitus Talk.
Tinnitus comes with lots of unwanted emotions that you are experiencing and that can be harder than the sound itself and put fear in to you in some situations.
On your better days try to push yourself in dealing with the feelings head on getting out and about and try things to help with ear pressure like a nose spray or antihistamine or suck a sweet or try steam inhalation.
Medication can help panic attacks and talking therapy.
You will be amazed how our brain adapts to Tinnitus building up its natural filter so not fixate on it or see it as a threat and start to develop times when you won't notice the sound and more time will follow.
Spikes will come and give us a emotional wobble but when you get to know how your tinnitus spikes comes and settle the panic will go and it just becomes a loud day but the better days will follow.
I was in a million pieces when got Menieres and tinnitus but you build yourself back up emotionally and realise life can go on even with naughty ears ..
Love glynis x

 

I wish this site had a FAQ section that would provide the link below
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/spontaneous-recovery-stats-over-70-recover-3-studies.21441/

 

I have prior history of anxiety and panic disorder too. I have ultra high pitch tinnitus and severe hyperacusis. I was in a mess with relentless anxiety and panic attacks. Even I was in a mess initially, I learn and copy success from others who have gotten better. It has helped greatly. Today I live a normal, productive and absolutely enjoyable life and I wrote my success story to share some helpful strategies. Check this out to see if it will help you. Take good care. God bless.

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