Chrissy, there are many threads on TT about ear protection and handling noise. The main thing is not to get to over anxious about them. Sounds are a part of life, including loud sounds. Now don't go stand in front of speakers at a concert or anything like that but the advice is mostly common sense. Carry some ear plugs with you all the time. If it seems to loud, then it probably is. Just go to the bathroom and pop in the plugs. You can use cheap foams ones or get a pair of Etymotic ER-20 which many people seem to like. Or better yet, spend $$ and get some custom molded ones for your ears.
The main thing is not to over protect your ears- don't wear them too much or it will make you more anxious and paranoid. I wear them at sporting events which are very loud now days, some movies but not most any more and any event which is loud likes a children's concert or something, otherwise I don't bother or worry about it.
It is still very new to you and it takes time to adjust. Being scared is normal. We all went through it. The future is unknown. It may go away, it may not. Either way, you will be able to live a normal life again. There are many, many of us who thought that we could not again and found out that in time, we could. So will you. It is a tough fight. Might be the toughest you have ever faced up to this point. People are resilient. You are resilient. You can do it! There will be good times and bad times with tinnitus. When times are bad, just tell yourself that good ones are just around the corner again.
Even if it doesn't go away, have hope. There are more treatments in the pipeline then every before. It is only a matter of time. Time seems to be the key. Things really do improve in time. When something is new like tinnitus, it is disturbing. Then after a time it gets a little better. Then in more time a little better yet. They are baby steps but you will keep moving forward. Slowly work in to the things you used to do. Go out with friends, go to a movie, join a sports team...
I got a subscription to audible.com and listened to eBooks on my phone. That really helped me. I got a white noise machine and placed it next to my bed for 1.5 years. I volunteered at local charities and helped others. I realized there are many people far worse off than me and they seemed to be OK. I stayed busy to keep my mind off of T. After a while, my mind mostly stayed off of T.
Keep up the good fight. We all share in your struggles and successes. Take care.
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