Setback

Hi, Robert,

Welcome! We're glad you found this site; it's a great place to come to discuss our mutual condition with others. I'm sorry you're having a setback right now. I certainly understand how it is; I've had tinnitus for many years, too. Mine got worse back in 2010 after taking an ototoxic drug. Before that, I had habituated to my tinnitus so that I hardly noticed it.

I know how difficult it is to deal with the increased noise, and especially the anxiety, when tinnitus gets suddenly worse, no matter what the cause. Since this spike has recently occurred for you, it may be that it will go back down to baseline level. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is try to stay calm (I know, I know --- it's not easy!), try to get some sleep, and distract yourself with activities and things you love to do. Also, it's possible you would benefit from a short course of anti-anxiety drugs, to get over the panic/anxiety that this has caused. I'd give it a couple more days to see if it settles down, and if not, try going to a doctor for a prescription. Others on this site have had more recent bouts of anxiety, and may offer additional suggestions.

Please do keep us posted on how you're doing!!