Much Louder Tinnitus Tonight... Input Please!

Hi I'm still new (2 weeks). Suddenly tonight the volume of my tinnitus is really high/loud. I took a nap this afternoon (unusual) but I haven't slept much recently. I was only asleep for 20 minutes and woke up much louder.

Any advice?

Also I switched to a new pillow last night, could that matter? I know it sounds crazy, I feel crazy. I am scared with this new louder volume.

I guess no one can help me but do these unexplained "spikes" go down? Any suggestions for coping? Thanks.

 

Normally, they do.

It makes sense to never assume that what you are hearing now will be what you will be stuck with. Temporary spikes can last for over 3 months. So you can assume that a spike is permanent only if there is no improvement for 2-3 months.

Try to ride it out.

 

@Bill Bauer Thanks this is all kind of surreal. Its hard not to react (emotionally) to loud increase. Plus, its harder to screen out, obviously. Especially with no "real" cause. Well, one more aspect of this to get used to. Ugh...

 

Have you been using any sound enrichment?

 

I feel the same way. My life has been surreal for over 16 months now...

 

@Julryan
After about 3 weeks from my initial tinnitus onset, mine started spiking when I woke up during the night or if I had a nap. If I wake before around 3-4 hours after I first fall asleep, then I will probably have louder tinnitus until I go back to sleep.
I don't nap anymore. It's a shame, because I loved having a nap every now and then!
I think this is somehow related to my sleep cycle. If I can go back to sleep then it settles down when I wake again in the morning.
If I can't go back to sleep, then I take a benzo. This only happens very occasionally.
Maybe this is the case for you too, I don't think it's unusual.

 

@Julryan ,
Tinnitus changes in sound and strength for no reason and usually changes back so try stay relaxed when this happens and off load stress and try make sure you get enough sleep.
love glynis

 

What you are feeling and going through is 100% normal. The first 3-6 months can be quite a bumpy road. Your tinnitus can fluctuate and many things can happen. In regards to sleep and napping, I and many have the same issue. We take a nap or get some rest and wake up with louder and roaring tinnitus. This doesn't happen every time, but it does happen at times.

I have yet, to get an answer or reasoning as to why this happens.

You NEED to hang on tight and just let time do it's thing. Tinnitus CAN be a long road and journey, take it day by day. Focus on today and don't think about tomorrow.......

 

I bet you the nap is the cause. I intentionally avoid all naps because I wake up with my T quite noticeably worse. It's a strange thing. Yet sleeping in the evening usually helps my tinnitus.

 

T is just soooo weird. Im not even a napper but with no sleep at night... Thanks for responses everyone!! - no more naps!