Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

Steph1710
@lanterns&coffee hey, hey my lovely. 16 is a very young age - you have a great chance of your T disappearing or fading to a point that you'll no longer hear it. Wanna know something? When I first developed T, I wanted to die. I could never imagine living the rest of my life with a sound I could never escape from. BUT fast forward two years & now I go nearly a whole day without giving it a second thought!
Steph1710
However, it takes some work to get to that point. Firstly, stop monitoring it. I mean it. Trying to listen to changes constantly doesn't help distract you from it. It can make it worse. Secondly, busy yourself. Even though you can still hear the sound, and you're still thinking about it, just continue going out and doing everything you were doing before this happened.
Steph1710
I know it's hard, but this is one of the best ways to overcome this beast. I remember going out and feeling so dead inside. But eventually, that feeling subsides because you begin to be distracted by other things which take your mind off the T for a few seconds. Then over time those few seconds become minutes, and then hours.
Steph1710
Thirdly, tell everyone about your T. Honestly, this has made it a lot easier for me to come to terms with. Everyone new I meet, I let them know about it. Even if they don't care. You'll be surprised at how many people tell you they have it too - then instantly, you don't feel so alone in all this. Fourthly, protect those ears! Carry a little case of good ear plugs on you at all times.
Steph1710
I also carry over ear protection in my bag too because you never know when you're gunna have to double protect! Having lots of protection will also make you feel more comfortable with going out and about. Over time you'll also get used to wearing earplugs around people.
Steph1710
It can be embarrassing at first, but when people come to understand (which is why you need to tell people about your T) then wearing protection won't be embarrassing anymore. I know people have probably already said you have to give it time, but they're right. Time is a healer both mentally and physically. When I first developed T it was a 9 out of 10 - I heard it over everything.
Steph1710
Two years later, as I sit in a silent office typing this, I can barely make my T out unless I really listen to it. Some days it is still louder than others, but I'm not trying to fight the sound anymore. Having tinnitus is now apart of me, & although acceptance is hard, it has definitely helped me come to terms and move past the anger and fear I initially had towards it.
Steph1710
Obviously, I would jump at the chance of a cure, but in the mean time, coming to terms with it, is a very good move towards healing. So give it time, distract yourself, carry on doing what you were doing before all this, and let everyone know how shit it is. AND - protect, protect, protect!