In context it is not a major issue, I realize, but I would greatly appreciate any advice if people have the patience to read this through.
As background, I have a hissing noise, more on the left than the right but present in both ears, that tends to cycle. One day it is intrusive, one or two days it is moderate, and then one day (thankfully) it is literally not there at all.
The main difficulty is listening to music, even at modest volume. On days when the hiss is intrusive to begin with, music spikes it even higher, and given my love of music this is very frustrating. On days when it is moderate, the effect varies, but typically it spikes enough to make listening not worth it. On days when it is quiet, listening does not seem to trigger it at all.
Several years ago I became frustrated and stopped listening to music altogether. During that period I barely noticed the hiss and was able to stop paying attention to it. Recently, I decided it was ridiculous to live the rest of my life without music, so I began listening a little again at very modest volumes. Without anticipating it, I found myself right back in the same "reactive" pattern as before. I know that in context this is minor compared to what many are going through, but it remains frustrating.
One additional fact is that I am highly obsessive and anxious, and I have many psychogenic symptoms. If this is another one, it would be no surprise.
And one final fact: it is only when I am focused on music that it becomes an issue. If someone else has the TV on, even at a loud volume, it is much less of a problem. This clearly suggests an attentional component.
I would welcome any thoughts on whether this is truly worthy of being considered reactive tinnitus, or if I should simply add it to my list of stress and anxiety–related issues and deal with it as such. From my perspective, it matters because the question is whether I should give up music again, or continue listening as tolerated and perhaps use some sound enrichment alongside it. Thank you kindly for any thoughts.
As background, I have a hissing noise, more on the left than the right but present in both ears, that tends to cycle. One day it is intrusive, one or two days it is moderate, and then one day (thankfully) it is literally not there at all.
The main difficulty is listening to music, even at modest volume. On days when the hiss is intrusive to begin with, music spikes it even higher, and given my love of music this is very frustrating. On days when it is moderate, the effect varies, but typically it spikes enough to make listening not worth it. On days when it is quiet, listening does not seem to trigger it at all.
Several years ago I became frustrated and stopped listening to music altogether. During that period I barely noticed the hiss and was able to stop paying attention to it. Recently, I decided it was ridiculous to live the rest of my life without music, so I began listening a little again at very modest volumes. Without anticipating it, I found myself right back in the same "reactive" pattern as before. I know that in context this is minor compared to what many are going through, but it remains frustrating.
One additional fact is that I am highly obsessive and anxious, and I have many psychogenic symptoms. If this is another one, it would be no surprise.
And one final fact: it is only when I am focused on music that it becomes an issue. If someone else has the TV on, even at a loud volume, it is much less of a problem. This clearly suggests an attentional component.
I would welcome any thoughts on whether this is truly worthy of being considered reactive tinnitus, or if I should simply add it to my list of stress and anxiety–related issues and deal with it as such. From my perspective, it matters because the question is whether I should give up music again, or continue listening as tolerated and perhaps use some sound enrichment alongside it. Thank you kindly for any thoughts.
