Post Tinnitus Stress/Anxiety

[Chandler Lewis]

Hello there all, I am happy to report that I believe my tinnitus was temporary and after 1.5 weeks it has subsided almost completely. I will take this as a big warning and be extremely careful with my ears for the rest of my life.

I have one concern that is bothering me though. I seem to still be stressing out about the tinnitus still being there, to the point that I will cover my ears, listen very hard, and think that I hear a ringing. Sometimes I do actually hear a very, very faint ringing in my left ear (my right ear is pretty much done ringing), but sometimes I'm not sure if I'm making it up in my head or if I actually hear something.

My left ear still feels a bit...empty I suppose. Not too much, but just enough for a hypochondriac like me to notice. I'm not sure if I actually may be sensitive to some sounds (higher pitched ones) because I notice some high pitched noises more than I used to (minimally). So now I am somewhat worried I may have hyperacusis (or is this just an effect of the tinnitus wearing off?).

How do I stop preoccupying myself and move on from the tinnitus without constantly worrying that it is still present, even when it is not, and is anything I described worrisome, or will it go away along with the full subsidance of the T.

Thank you!
Chandler

 

[Penelope33]

Live your life! Enjoy and good on you!

 

[Markku]

Fantastic news.

Might you be able to force yourself to move your attention elsewhere when you notice you are about to check whether it is still there?

Can you maybe have some very faint background music in your home that makes it impossible to even try to listen to the non-existent tinnitus?

You know how cancer survivors are oftentimes worried about the prospect of it returning. In a way the same applies to resolved tinnitus, I can imagine, at least for some people.

I'm not comparing cancer with tinnitus here, but what you are about to read is a good list of things how to overcome the fear of uncertainty.

The following (replace "cancer" with "tinnitus") is from cancer.org:

• Be aware that you do not have control over some aspects of your cancer. It helps to accept this rather than fight it.
• Be aware of your fears, but don't judge them. Practice letting them go. It's normal for these thoughts to enter your mind, but you don't have to keep them there. Some people picture them floating away, or being vaporized. Others turn them over to a higher power to handle. However you do it, letting them go can free you from wasting time and energy on needless worry.
• Express feelings of fear or uncertainty with a trusted friend or counselor. Being open and dealing with emotions helps many people feel less worried. People have found that when they express strong feelings, like fear, they are more able to let go of these feelings. Thinking and talking about your feelings can be hard. If you find cancer is taking over your life, it often helps to find a way to express your feelings.
• Take in the present moment rather than thinking of an uncertain future or a difficult past. If you can find a way to feel peaceful inside yourself, even for a few minutes a day, you can start to recall that peace when other things are happening – when life is busy and confusing.
• Work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now. Just remember you don't have to act "positive" all the time. Don't beat yourself up or let others make you feel guilty when you're feeling sad, angry, anxious, or distressed.
• Use your energy to focus on wellness and what you can do now to stay as healthy as possible. Try to make healthy diet changes. If you are a smoker, this is a good time to quit.
• Find ways to help yourself relax.
• Be as physically active as you can.
• Control what you can. Some people say that putting their lives back in order makes them feel less fearful. Being involved in your health care, getting back to your normal life, and making changes in your lifestyle are among the things you can control. Even setting a daily schedule can give you more power. And while no one can control every thought, some say they've resolved not to dwell on the fearful ones.

 

[Mark McDill]

Hello there all, I am happy to report that I believe my tinnitus was temporary and after 1.5 weeks it has subsided almost completely. I will take this as a big warning and be extremely careful with my ears for the rest of my life.

I have one concern that is bothering me though. I seem to still be stressing out about the tinnitus still being there, to the point that I will cover my ears, listen very hard, and think that I hear a ringing. Sometimes I do actually hear a very, very faint ringing in my left ear (my right ear is pretty much done ringing), but sometimes I'm not sure if I'm making it up in my head or if I actually hear something.

My left ear still feels a bit...empty I suppose. Not too much, but just enough for a hypochondriac like me to notice. I'm not sure if I actually may be sensitive to some sounds (higher pitched ones) because I notice some high pitched noises more than I used to (minimally). So now I am somewhat worried I may have hyperacusis (or is this just an effect of the tinnitus wearing off?).

How do I stop preoccupying myself and move on from the tinnitus without constantly worrying that it is still present, even when it is not, and is anything I described worrisome, or will it go away along with the full subsidance of the T.

Thank you!
Chandler

Great news Chandler; very glad to hear that!

The best antibiotic for the anxiety and fear caused by T is acceptance; just stop your 'fight/flight mode' by accepting that you had it, now it's gone.