No Apparent Reason for My Tinnitus — It Causes Me Panic Attacks and Anxiety

[Mrsclairet]

Hello everyone.

I started with tinnitus last Friday, for no apparent reason. It's continuous hissing ringing in my left ear.

I had a bit of hope when the doctor said it could be an ear infection but when my ear was looked at there was nothing wrong. This made me anxious thinking I have it for life.

I'm suffering panic attacks and anxiety and last night when I couldn't sleep again despite playing white noise, I just wanted to die to get some relief. Please someone tell me it gets easier. X

 

[MindOverMatter]

@Mrsclairet - sorry to hear this.

Did you have a lot of stress lately that may triggered the onset of your tinnitus?

Normally these things tend to get better. It's early for you, so try not to worry too much. Worrying and catastrophic thinking will only make it worse - as your brain will tune on to it and give tinnitus to much attention.

 

[Diesel]

Hi. It gets easier.

 

[Mrsclairet]

@MindOverMatter, hi, thank you so much for replying.

Yes I have had a lot of stress. A close family member was arrested for a serious allegation in January and we are waiting on outcome of that. Then there has been the usual work pressures, family dramas, and on the day of the tinnitus starting I found out my father in law has prostate cancer. My husband thinks I'm just dealing with too much stress.

I can often tune out the ringing during the day but have had big panic attacks. I don't know enough about the condition to understand it. I just feel very frightened that life won't be the same again.

Thank you for listening, sorry for the drama.

 

[Mrsclairet]

@Diesel, thank you. I hope so. Xx

 

[MindOverMatter]

@Mrsclairet, stress is a common factor for tinnitus related issues. If you can get this under control, you will feel better. Seems like the sum of everything you've experienced lately has been just too much to handle.

 

[Mrsclairet]

@MindOverMatter, that's what I am hoping.

I did have an allergic reaction in January to some in-ear headphones, which cleared up with acetic acid drops. I wondered if it was to do with that, like a delayed reaction, but I just don't know.

When the tinnitus gets really noticeable, I have a panic attack, and they are so frightening.