Suicidal Two Months After Tinnitus Onset from a Child's Scream

[Annina]

Hi,

I really need some support. My tinnitus started at the beginning of May when my child was screaming. My right ear became blocked, and the tinnitus began. By that evening, it had stopped or quieted down so much that I didn't notice it.

A couple of days later, it started again and hasn't stopped since. Within a few weeks, it spread to my other ear. At first, it began to improve, or maybe I was starting to get used to it.

But then it became much worse. I couldn't sleep anymore, which made everything feel even more overwhelming. In the evenings and at night, it became unbearably loud. I also began to experience ear crackling and pressure. Then came the sensitivity to sound, and the tinnitus started reacting to external noise. Musical tinnitus developed, and new tones began to appear every day.

Now, two months later, the tinnitus is getting even worse. Sleeping like I used to no longer helps. I feel extremely anxious. I can't eat, and I'm unable to take care of my child. I've isolated myself in my room because sounds physically hurt my ears.

I avoid everything that makes noise, such as showering, doing housework, or even eating. The tinnitus increases with any sound. I can't go outside or drive anymore. Even flushing the toilet while wearing earplugs caused a spike.

I always wear earplugs when I leave my room, and I often wear earmuffs on top. Maybe I didn't protect my ears enough during the first few weeks. The problem now is that the tinnitus is so loud, wearing earplugs for extended periods is difficult.

I've tried Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Melatonin. I've also tried Nasacort, Dymista, and Cetirizine. None of them helped. When the tinnitus became unpredictable, these medications actually made it worse and caused spikes.

I saw an ENT specialist, and she said my ears look fine.

There was previous noise exposure, and my child's scream seems to have been the final trigger that set everything off.

I feel incredibly anxious and have lost hope.

 

[Sydnears]

Can you get to a doctor, or at least do an online consultation? You need medication to help calm your anxiety. It is undoubtedly making the tinnitus worse, and you are spiraling. You can get help, and you can make it through this.

Everyone here is rooting for you. Keep posting.

 

[Kam75]

Hi @Annina,

Sorry to hear about what you're going through.

Two months is really not a long time. Your situation may very well improve in the coming months if you continue to protect your ears when needed.

It is important never to expose yourself to loud noise again once you have tinnitus, because your ears remain more vulnerable for life.

Very disabling tinnitus can become more manageable over time, even after years of isolation. I know what I am talking about—I have been there.

It is also important to try to stay as positive as possible, since depression obviously does not help the situation.

I do not know the details of your life, but if you have a child, you likely have a husband as well—hopefully someone who can support you.

Try to remind yourself that there are people in more difficult situations. It might help you put things into perspective.

For example, I am 34 and have had tinnitus since I was 21, even though I always protected my ears at parties with custom-made hearing protection. I will probably never have a wife or children because I am forced to live in complete isolation.

There is always someone worse off.

Take care of yourself, think of your child who needs their mother, and trust that you will feel better in time—I truly believe that.

 

[hey]

Hello @Annina,

I'm sorry you are going through all of this. The fact that it has only been two months is actually a good sign. It means there is still a chance for things to improve or for you to get used to it.

The best advice I can give is to protect yourself from any sounds that hurt or bother you. This is different for each person, so it will take some time to figure out what works best for you.

Some people also try steroids early after an acoustic shock, but it does not help everyone. A few people have even felt worse afterward, although that is rare.

You are not alone. Stay strong. We understand what you are going through.

 

[Marcuso22]

In my opinion, it sounds like you are experiencing emotionally triggered tinnitus, where you have become hyper-focused on what is happening with your ears. It also seems that you may be overprotecting your ears, which can potentially lead to worsening hyperacusis.

You want to gradually expose your ears to ambient sounds. At night, when everything tends to feel louder, it can help to listen to white noise, pink noise, or another type of background sound at a low volume, or to play gentle meditation music while you sleep.

The scream probably did not cause additional acoustic damage to your inner ear, but the experience may have triggered something to go off track in your auditory system. This is very likely temporary and treatable through sound therapy, along with learning about the cycle of stress-induced tinnitus and coping strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

You might also consider seeing an audiologist who can test your hearing up to 16 kilohertz.

 

[henkess]

Have you tried 500 mg of Magnesium? It helps me. It is a high dose, but it makes things a little better. I think this is just a spike for you. Try to rest your ears, and I believe it will improve soon. It took me three months to recover after a dog barked in my ear outside.