New to the Tinnitus Club — Here's What's Working...

Hi Friends,

I’ve been lurking on this message board for a few weeks now, but figured it may be helpful (for myself and maybe others) to join in the conversations. I’ve had bothersome Tinnitus for about 6 or 7 weeks now after seeing a local band at a loud bar. It was a fun night for sure, but when I woke up with ringing and hissing in both my ears, and a mild hangover , I knew immediately that something was very wrong. I specifically say “bothersome T” because I’ve had tinnitus since I was a teenager – I used to notice it when it was quiet in the evening before bed, but it never really bothered me much and it hadn’t affected my life at all over the last 15 years (I’m 31 now). But this time was different – I can hear it over almost anything (TV, road noises, etc.), except for the shower.

I went to an ENT who just told me to learn how to deal with it. Not the answer I was looking for – like many, I panicked and became overwhelmed with anxiety. Maybe it will go away, but probably not. Life has been extremely difficult and hopeless at times over the last month and half but I’m trying to stay positive, cope, and get on with my life. I’ve found these T messages boards to be both a blessing and a curse; the success stories and positive advice are incredibly inspiring and uplifting, but the stories of personal struggles can be scary too. I hope to add more to the conversation, share successes, and possible connect with some like-minded folks in my area. Of course there have been low moments, but for now, in the name of staying positive, I’ll end with a few things that have helped me so far.

• Talking with supportive family and friends – letting those closest to me know that I am struggling has been a tremendous help. And as a result, I have learned of other people with tinnitus. (I can’t believe how many people seems to have this condition)
• Positive conversations with people who have T and have conquered it. I met a friend-of-a-friend who has had loud T for 30+ years and he offered me this advice – “accept it fully, relax, and do everything in life that you would have done before T.” He seems to be living life to the fullest despite a bad case of T. That's hopeful stuff.
  
• Seeking professional counseling. Never in my life did I think I would go to a therapist (I’m too strong for that, right?) Turns out that it has been a big help, especially when I want to give my loved ones a break from my hearing about my issues.
• EXERCISE –for me that’s running, biking, and especially SURFING!
• Staying busy – when I’m fully absorbed in conversations or work projects I barely notice the T, even in a quiet setting. When I fixate on it, even in a loud environment, I can hear it over everything. The mind can really mess with you.
• A drink or two helps me take the edge off, but that’s probable not the best advice for everyone.
• The knowledge that I’m not alone (a big help).

I’ve actually had some points in the last 2 weeks where I barely noticed my T at all and thought I had habituated, but then it seems to spike up at times (or maybe it’s all in the mind, I don’t know).

Anyways, I sincerely wish you all well.

 

Thanks for your post Dude!

 

Hey washashore T is a on going battle but reading your post it does seem like you have a handle on it. At first its really debilitating but as time goes on the anxiety and depression seems to loosen up and we slowly get back to living life again. From my experience I've had T for 9 months and I look back at where I was and where I'm at now and I've come along way. I still have my bad days but I also know it won't last and the good days will follow. Biggest challenge I see is to stay positive in the very negative T world. Hang in there man it will be OK ...Lean on this board for support it helps immensely.
Stay Strong

 

Thanks Carlos - I appreciate the support of a fellow Bostonian. I'm hanging in there. It's been an up and down battle and I'm dealing with a spike in loudness today. Sometimes it's hard to tell if the T is louder or if I'm just stuck in a loop of mentally fixating on it. Hopeful that the spike will be temporary. Take care man! Go B's.

 

Washashore I think sometimes its both .....something gets us to focus on it and the loop begins....Distraction to me is the best medicine when the loop begins...Hope its short lived ...Yes go B's looking forward to the game tonight.