Don't Despair, You Can Get Past This — My Journey with Tinnitus and Adaptation

[NickJones48]

Hi,

I am a guy in my mid fifties who developed constant tinnitus a few years ago, probably from deejaying loud club music in my twenties. When I realized it was not going to go away, about a month in, I felt intense depression and despair. I had tried every trick to block it out, but nothing worked. I was really down and even briefly thought about checking out for good. But I did not, of course, and I want to share my journey since then.

Six to nine months in, my body and brain just found a way to adapt. Now, for about 80 percent of my waking hours, I hardly notice it. When I do tune into it, I remind myself that it is not that bad and that I can cope. It probably has not gotten quieter (who can really tell?), and it is still very noticeable when I am trying to sleep, especially if I am not extremely tired. But over time, it became my new normal. Almost all of us, I think, eventually learn to accept what becomes normal in our lives.

As it happens, my best friend developed tinnitus a year after I did. He was really struggling for a few months, but now, a couple of years later, he is coping just fine, just like me.

So my message is this. Yes, it will feel horrendous at first. But keep going, my friends. You will learn to live with it, and eventually, it will become just a minor part of your life. You will overcome the shock and loss. Stay strong and positive.

One last thing. I do get spikes from time to time, but they always settle back to my usual not too bad level within minutes or a day at most.

 

[DamagedJoe]

Hi,

I am a guy in my mid fifties who developed constant tinnitus a few years ago, probably from deejaying loud club music in my twenties. When I realized it was not going to go away, about a month in, I felt intense depression and despair. I had tried every trick to block it out, but nothing worked. I was really down and even briefly thought about checking out for good. But I did not, of course, and I want to share my journey since then.

Six to nine months in, my body and brain just found a way to adapt. Now, for about 80 percent of my waking hours, I hardly notice it. When I do tune into it, I remind myself that it is not that bad and that I can cope. It probably has not gotten quieter (who can really tell?), and it is still very noticeable when I am trying to sleep, especially if I am not extremely tired. But over time, it became my new normal. Almost all of us, I think, eventually learn to accept what becomes normal in our lives.

As it happens, my best friend developed tinnitus a year after I did. He was really struggling for a few months, but now, a couple of years later, he is coping just fine, just like me.

So my message is this. Yes, it will feel horrendous at first. But keep going, my friends. You will learn to live with it, and eventually, it will become just a minor part of your life. You will overcome the shock and loss. Stay strong and positive.

One last thing. I do get spikes from time to time, but they always settle back to my usual not too bad level within minutes or a day at most.

I can't believe these stories. How can you accept that this is how the rest of your life should be? Right now, posts like this just make me angry—nothing personal.

 

[Fazdoll]

I agree, these stories are absolutely horrifying. You'll have an awful life and never experience restful sleep—but don't worry, you'll get used to being in despair for the next 30 years! I can't. I just can't.

 

[Jupiterman]

Could you please describe your tinnitus, @NickJones48?

 

[Luman]

I can't believe these stories. How can you accept that this is how the rest of your life should be? Right now, posts like this just make me angry—nothing personal.

I can accept that for the rest of my life I will likely have tinnitus, but I do not hear it the majority of the time because I have habituated to it, as is the case for most people with tinnitus. When I notice it, it is not particularly bothersome. Protecting the ears from further damage is important.

Good luck.

 

[Mark F.]

I agree, these stories are absolutely horrifying. You'll have an awful life and never experience restful sleep—but don't worry, you'll get used to being in despair for the next 30 years! I can't. I just can't.

Well said!

 

[withintention]

because I have habituated to it, as is the case for most people with tinnitus

I don't think that's true; it depends on the case.

I had mild tinnitus before an acoustic trauma gave me severe, louder-than-everything, constant tinnitus. I think it's great that some people can habituate and move on, but I don't think I can ever habituate to mine at the level it is now. Could anyone habituate to a tea kettle going off in their head all the time? I don't think it's possible.

But I can accept it and try to find a way to enjoy life despite it. What other choice is there besides ending your life? So that's the path I am on. I am trying to get used to it and find contentment and joy in life regardless.