Hello all. I've had noise-induced T for about 6 months now. I'm 38 years old and grew up playing in loud bands, going to loads of concerts, and listening to heavy metal blasting in my headphones. I wore earplugs 95% of the time I was at band practice or at concerts but I did major damage with headphones. What really did it was when I accidentally set off an alarm at my new job. I did not have right code and I spent 10-15 seconds unsuccessfully trying to turn off an incredibly loud alarm. 10 months after that incident my T came on full blast and I haven't been the same since. The following is my experience with T so far:
The worst part was the anxiety. Wow. That was rough. It is like a switch in my brain that I couldn't turn off. My heart would pound and my chest would tighten up. I couldn't relax and my mind was scattered. I was OK during the day but it made sleep very difficult. I was a zombie for the first 3-4 months. A turning point for me, besides finding this forum, was a prescription for xanax (0.5mg) that served as a 'panic button' for when the anxiety got really bad or I needed help to turn off my mind so I could sleep. Just like many of you, I would much prefer to avoid medications, but I have to say that xanax brought me back down to earth and reduced my anxiety enough to make sleep possible, which made the T much easier to deal with. I view xanax as merely a tool that I will use for a short time and then put down once I no longer need it. It's not a perfect situation, but it makes sleep 90% easier for me. I only ever use it at night and am not concerned with addiction. I am concerned that I will become dependent upon it, so I go without it every third or fourth night to see if I can sleep without it, which is ultimately my goal.
Also this forum, Success Stories, has saved my life. It's so comforting to know that there are other people suffering the same as I am and have overcome it. Thank you. I wish you all peace and relief.
Lessons I've learned with regard to T:
1. Throw away your headphones or earbuds. They can do damage, evening when listening to talk radio quietly. I wish I had used more common sense in this regard while growing up.
2. Don't be afraid to try a temporary prescription to help reduce anxiety, especially in the beginning stages. This helped me immensely. Of course use common sense and work closely with your doctor if you choose to go this route.
3. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are important. Help and support from friends and family are vital.
4. Meditation and focus directly upon T helped me quite a bit. I faced it head-on and became familiar with it, which reduced my fear and anxiety and helped me habituate. This is the best thing you can possibly do.
After 6 months, my T is still there, but my anxiety has reduced by maybe 75%. Habituation is a hard road, but we can all get there. I look forward to returning to a normal life as soon as possible. I am going to take a break from this forum and try to not think about T at all for a little while. Peace to you all!
The worst part was the anxiety. Wow. That was rough. It is like a switch in my brain that I couldn't turn off. My heart would pound and my chest would tighten up. I couldn't relax and my mind was scattered. I was OK during the day but it made sleep very difficult. I was a zombie for the first 3-4 months. A turning point for me, besides finding this forum, was a prescription for xanax (0.5mg) that served as a 'panic button' for when the anxiety got really bad or I needed help to turn off my mind so I could sleep. Just like many of you, I would much prefer to avoid medications, but I have to say that xanax brought me back down to earth and reduced my anxiety enough to make sleep possible, which made the T much easier to deal with. I view xanax as merely a tool that I will use for a short time and then put down once I no longer need it. It's not a perfect situation, but it makes sleep 90% easier for me. I only ever use it at night and am not concerned with addiction. I am concerned that I will become dependent upon it, so I go without it every third or fourth night to see if I can sleep without it, which is ultimately my goal.
Also this forum, Success Stories, has saved my life. It's so comforting to know that there are other people suffering the same as I am and have overcome it. Thank you. I wish you all peace and relief.
Lessons I've learned with regard to T:
1. Throw away your headphones or earbuds. They can do damage, evening when listening to talk radio quietly. I wish I had used more common sense in this regard while growing up.
2. Don't be afraid to try a temporary prescription to help reduce anxiety, especially in the beginning stages. This helped me immensely. Of course use common sense and work closely with your doctor if you choose to go this route.
3. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are important. Help and support from friends and family are vital.
4. Meditation and focus directly upon T helped me quite a bit. I faced it head-on and became familiar with it, which reduced my fear and anxiety and helped me habituate. This is the best thing you can possibly do.
After 6 months, my T is still there, but my anxiety has reduced by maybe 75%. Habituation is a hard road, but we can all get there. I look forward to returning to a normal life as soon as possible. I am going to take a break from this forum and try to not think about T at all for a little while. Peace to you all!
