Stress Induced Tinnitus for 6 Weeks, 16 Years Old — What Should I Do?

[Kenneth345]

For the last 6 weeks I have had tinnitus. My tinnitus is low and mostly in left ear. As far as I can tell, my tinnitus is because of stress.

Just a couple of days after I got it, I went to the doctor and he said I shouldn't worry, and that it will most likely go away. Since then I have been very careful around sound. It has become somewhat lower, but I think it's only because I have stopped with caffeine. Also if I am influenced by nicotine, it is impossible for me to hear my tinnitus.

I have recently read that you should ask for steroids as soon you get it. But I don't know if it is too late for me now. Right now I am just really anxious and wondering what to do so it hopefully goes away.
I am extremely grateful for any advice

 

[Julien87]

Tinnitus is "just" a symptom in your case. I believe you should focus on your stress/anxiety issues instead of the tinnitus itself. Have you already seen a specialist in that area? Maybe sophrology could help a lot.

 

[Kenneth345]

Tinnitus is "just" a symptom in your case. I believe you should focus on your stress/anxiety issues instead of the tinnitus itself. Have you already seen a specialist in that area? Maybe sophrology could help a lot.

Not seen a specialist in tinnitus yet. But are you saying if my tinnitus is just a symptom of stress, that it will go away if i become relaxed?

 

[Julien87]

I do not know, but i think it can be the case yes.

 

[Kenneth345]

I do not know, but i think it can be the case yes.

Okay, do you think i should ask my doctor for steroids, or is there no point? I'm clueless for what to do.
Thank you for your help

 

[Julien87]

Why steroids?

 

[Kenneth345]

Ive heard it can be a cure, but i have know idea really

 

[jjflyman]

Okay, do you think i should ask my doctor for steroids, or is there no point? I'm clueless for what to do.
Thank you for your help

Sometimes people take steroids for T caused by acoustic trauma, but it is debatable if it helps or not. In your case you indicate there was not an acoustic trauma to cause your T, so steroids are not needed (it would help with inflammation caused by the acoustic trauma)
I have had severe T 2 times in my life, both times from acoustic trauma (loud power equipment, and loud concert)
The 1st time (12 years ago) it took almost 2 years to fade away, this time it has been 18 months and it has faded around 90%. Both times the T was screaming loud. I did not take steroids either time.
It sounds like yours is quite mild, and your not sure how you got it. It could be from stress, medication or even taking certain supplements.
If I were you I wouldn't do anything about it and give it time to sort itself out. Most likely it will just fade away over the next few weeks/months.

 

[Kenneth345]

Sometimes people take steroids for T caused by acoustic trauma, but it is debatable if it helps or not. In your case you indicate there was not an acoustic trauma to cause your T, so steroids are not needed (it would help with inflammation caused by the acoustic trauma)
I have had severe T 2 times in my life, both times from acoustic trauma (loud power equipment, and loud concert)
The 1st time (12 years ago) it took almost 2 years to fade away, this time it has been 18 months and it has faded around 90%. Both times the T was screaming loud. I did not take steroids either time.
It sounds like yours is quite mild, and your not sure how you got it. It could be from stress, medication or even taking certain supplements.
If I were you I wouldn't do anything about it and give it time to sort itself out. Most likely it will just fade away over the next few weeks/months.

thank you, im 70% sure it's from stress but could be due to headphone use although i don't have it so high. I've began to have moments where my tinnitus is completely or almost completely gone, so i think it's starting to go away

 

[housemzk]

I would give up using headphones for awhile as an added measure to tackling your stress issues.

 

[jjflyman]

thank you, im 70% sure it's from stress but could be due to headphone use although i don't have it so high. I've began to have moments where my tinnitus is completely or almost completely gone, so i think it's starting to go away

That's great news. There are a lot of members on this forum that got their T from headphone use, so if I were you I'd stop using them or be really careful with them.

 

[CricketsGalore]

I'd avoid steroids or at least read up on them - look at "ototoxic drugs" and make sure you don't take anything on that list. I have a sinking feeling that one or both of the drugs an ENT prescribed actually might have CAUSED my T - it happened fairly soon after taking them. Turmeric and Omega 3s will relieve inflammation wonderfully, and no risk.