Tinnitus After Car Accident — I'm Drowning in the Noise

Hi.

I’m drowning in my tinnitus. My tinnitus has become unmanageable for the last month.
I have it 24/7 and it is loud.

I’ve been off work for 18 months due to a car accident and the return is hard.
The loud noise in my ears started right after the car accident.

I saw an ENT doctor. He told me to listen to an app and get used to it. I do have some hearing loss.

I played the purple noise sound and that helps a tiny bit.

I don’t know what to do next

 

Sorry to hear you’re struggling..

Did the airbags go off in the accident?
Did you hurt your neck?
Have they done a CT of your neck?
Have you seen a physiotherapist?

Stressing can make it worse for many as you probably know.

 

No, the airbags didn’t go off, however, my neck is injured in two places. I had migraines daily for over a year. They resolved that. I did have mild tinnitus. It is just extreme since I’ve gone back to work, mainly because the long term disability manager went against my doctor's orders, so I’ve had to disregard her request for me to work longer hours. She is ignoring me and my stress is high. I can’t sleep from the noise.

The physio is trying stuff, but nothing is working. I want to get a knife and cut my ears to stop the noise.

I don’t know what to do.

 

Hello Jo,

Sorry to hear about the struggle. I'm praying some resources on here can help you get through the madness. I've been seeing a chiropractor and on occasion a masseuse. I don't know how much it helps others but it does relax me a bit. Please hang in there. Your brain can overcome much.

 

I love this!

Yes, it is true. We are all stronger than we realise.

@Jo De, sorry you’re struggling. I think you know what one problem is here - your work. I think something has to change, because until you’re able to manage your stress, things are going to remain unstable. I know for certain, if I’m stressed, my tinnitus is definitely louder in volume.

Also, as I am sure you are aware, good sleep is crucial to managing tinnitus. Your body and brain both need a good rest.

Is there anyway at all that you can change the work situation?

And do you use masking to help get you to sleep?

Steph xx

 

The knife won’t work, they tried that in the 50s

Reduce stress for neck, both physical and psychological. Could posture at work change? Get a desk for standing / sitting?

Do some training. It could help relieve the stiff, stressed neck which sounds to be a part of your problem...

 

Can't you work at home? Remotely?

This sounds crazy, but maybe change jobs?

It's a radical move, but that would fix it...

 

Sorry you’re going through this. You’re certainly not alone. History repeats - many people have been through this and come out the other side. They say that the brain will eventually get used to the noise and filter it out, but it can take a long time. Not sure what line of work you’re in, but I’d second trying to work remotely if you can - employers have been much more open to this coming into the pandemic. Also try to take part in some activities that bring you joy, whatever those might be. I hope you find some relief soon.