I Need Tips for My College Life w/ Severe Tinnitus

[Poyraz]

Hi All
Now I have been dealing with severe tinnitus for 4 1/2 months. I had to quit my college when I was just about to graduate because this thing led me be into really like really bad depression that suicidal thoughts were all over my mind. I'm still kind of depressed but I want to take my life back.

So I wanted to ask if anyone here got severe tinnitus when they were in college and succeed to graduate? Can you tell me how did you manage it?

Thank you.

 

[IreneO]

@Poyraz I'm sorry your tinnitus disrupted your college career. It's great that you're thinking of picking it up again - having stuff to occupy your mind will really help you get over this hump. There's absolutely no reason why you can't get back on track and graduate, but do make sure to get whatever help you need. And be kind to yourself. I'm studying at the moment and my powers of concentration/focus have definitely suffered compared to my pre-T study days. I'm learning that I can't procrastinate any more - I need to be a bit more organised and forward thinking, because I don't know when a spike or tiredness might sabotage my study plans. You'll find a way that works for you. Best of luck!

 

[Poyraz]

@Poyraz I'm sorry your tinnitus disrupted your college career. It's great that you're thinking of picking it up again - having stuff to occupy your mind will really help you get over this hump. There's absolutely no reason why you can't get back on track and graduate, but do make sure to get whatever help you need. And be kind to yourself. I'm studying at the moment and my powers of concentration/focus have definitely suffered compared to my pre-T study days. I'm learning that I can't procrastinate any more - I need to be a bit more organised and forward thinking, because I don't know when a spike or tiredness might sabotage my study plans. You'll find a way that works for you. Best of luck!

Hey IreneO
I'm glad you found ways to cope with your tinnitus. I think I am too weak to handle all of this. I really wonder what the future will hold in its hands.. Without a doubt, I really don't how long I can cope with this anymore..

 

[glynis]

You will get extra support in college and extra exam and study time to help you.
You have nothing to loose and I'm sure you will do fine...
Stay positive.....lots of love glynis

 

[Cityjohn]

Hi All
Now I have been dealing with severe tinnitus for 4 1/2 months. I had to quit my college when I was just about to graduate because this thing led me be into really like really bad depression that suicidal thoughts were all over my mind. I'm still kind of depressed but I want to take my life back.

So I wanted to ask if anyone here got severe tinnitus when they were in college and succeed to graduate? Can you tell me how did you manage it?

Thank you.

I was depressed before the tinnitus and have the same problem right now, I don't know what I'm going to do. I constantly have the chills in my spine like you get from nails scraping on a chalkboard, it's horrific. I've been exclusively studying neuroanatomy and tinnitus the past three months. Science for the good of all mankind just lost its appeal. Besides I went into astrophysics to find a way to leave with warp drive or signal aliens for asylum anyway.

I am going to force my body to finish this years courses. One thing that definitely motivates me is the ability to start a few businesses and the eventual paycheck, and therefor possibility to pay for stem cell therapy after I graduate. My partner and I both talked about doing this.

It also helps to realize that this wretched piece of sh#t planet did this to us, and the best payback is massive success said Frank Sinatra. I'm going to be the best with whatever handicap or torture I've got, and then I will decide who deserve what in this world, how and what research is done.

Bruce Lee put it differently, he said "don't pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a hard one."
We're stricken with the most terrible torture that anyone could be submitted to and we both can't imagine anyone being successful with it. That's the best reason you can possibly have to do it anyway.

Right now there are people working hard and without limits on finding a cure. You don't want to wake up cured one day without having the ability to pursue your passion and get a job in your field.

You can, and I think you will do it.

 

[IreneO]

Hey IreneO
I'm glad you found ways to cope with your tinnitus. I think I am too weak to handle all of this. I really wonder what the future will hold in its hands.. Without a doubt, I really don't how long I can cope with this anymore..

I just noticed the date of your onset. It's still very early and the early part is horrible and difficult ... but it WILL get easier with time. That much is certain. Don't worry about the future, it'll still be there when you're feeling stronger. And that will happen much sooner than you think!

 

[billie48]

Hi All
Now I have been dealing with severe tinnitus for 4 1/2 months. I had to quit my college when I was just about to graduate because this thing led me be into really like really bad depression that suicidal thoughts were all over my mind. I'm still kind of depressed but I want to take my life back.

So I wanted to ask if anyone here got severe tinnitus when they were in college and succeed to graduate? Can you tell me how did you manage it?

Thank you.

Welcome and sorry about your suffering with T while trying to study. At this initial stage of T suffering, it is normal to have these feelings for new T sufferers. The success stories are full of writers who suffered badly initially but eventually got better. Don't be too hard on yourself and don't despair either. Better life is still ahead despite the T darkness around you right now. We have been there and we understand your pain.

There are many members who have T while in college and manage to continue on after a brief interruption or go on to graduate. One such member is @AnneG who has written her success story. There are others too and below I list the links to their stories. These are young folks who have T and still studying. After the initial struggle, they do manage to study and get their degree. Some even going to medical school after T and so you should not be too worried about that. Don't panic and don't despair. It can get better. Give it some time and read the success stories to learn some insights. God bless.

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/came-back-to-say-it-really-does-get-better.6166/#post-66304

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/anybody-going-to-grad-school.7212/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-university-college-success.7997/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...m-taking-that-next-big-step.8865/#post-102687

 

[JasonP]

Hi All
Now I have been dealing with severe tinnitus for 4 1/2 months. I had to quit my college when I was just about to graduate because this thing led me be into really like really bad depression that suicidal thoughts were all over my mind. I'm still kind of depressed but I want to take my life back.

So I wanted to ask if anyone here got severe tinnitus when they were in college and succeed to graduate? Can you tell me how did you manage it?

Thank you.

I did not have it in college but I know what you mean. I have some suggestions that really helped me out. I am not just saying this. First thing, go get your hearing checked. If you have even mild loss, get hearing aids and have it manipulated to where as much tinnitus can go away as possible. You may need to go to a guy who is experienced in programming aids for tinnitus. In addition get them with maskers so you can turn them on and it can calm you down. If necessary get a extended audiogram and a hearing aid that goes up to 12khz instead of the usual 6khz to 8khz. Never get a 6khz hearing aid. Audiograms usually go to 8 khz but called around and ask if someone gives an extended audiogram that goes to 12.5khz or around there. An example of a 12khz programmable hearing aid would be the Siemens Pure Binax 7bx. There probably are others so call up a hearing aid specialist that knows what he is talking about and knows new technology. Also, it sounds like you are depressed and should go to a doctor about that if the hearing aids do not get rid of your perception of tinnitus and are still depressed. As for me, I started taking Lamictal for depression and had to titrate up slowly and am now on 200mg and feeling so much better. It is amazing the difference. Lamictal was energizing at first when I increased each dose but then I calmed down to it. It even seemed to take my tinnitus down a notch but it isn't known for that. I need both of these things though to help. Granted I don't know if Lamictal is the right med for you but it has helped me with depression. You will have to talk to a doctor about it. In addition you may want to ask your doctor about whether it is okay to use an occasional Valium or Xanax but you definitely do not want to take these long term. I will say that the hearing aids though have been a lifesaver for me.

 

[JasonP]

I was depressed before the tinnitus and have the same problem right now, I don't know what I'm going to do. I constantly have the chills in my spine like you get from nails scraping on a chalkboard, it's horrific. I've been exclusively studying neuroanatomy and tinnitus the past three months. Science for the good of all mankind just lost its appeal. Besides I went into astrophysics to find a way to leave with warp drive or signal aliens for asylum anyway.

I am going to force my body to finish this years courses. One thing that definitely motivates me is the ability to start a few businesses and the eventual paycheck, and therefor possibility to pay for stem cell therapy after I graduate. My partner and I both talked about doing this.

It also helps to realize that this wretched piece of sh#t planet did this to us, and the best payback is massive success said Frank Sinatra. I'm going to be the best with whatever handicap or torture I've got, and then I will decide who deserve what in this world, how and what research is done.

Bruce Lee put it differently, he said "don't pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a hard one."
We're stricken with the most terrible torture that anyone could be submitted to and we both can't imagine anyone being successful with it. That's the best reason you can possibly have to do it anyway.

Right now there are people working hard and without limits on finding a cure. You don't want to wake up cured one day without having the ability to pursue your passion and get a job in your field.

You can, and I think you will do it.

See my advice above because it might be able to help you out.

 

[RB2014]

Hi All
Now I have been dealing with severe tinnitus for 4 1/2 months. I had to quit my college when I was just about to graduate because this thing led me be into really like really bad depression that suicidal thoughts were all over my mind. I'm still kind of depressed but I want to take my life back.

So I wanted to ask if anyone here got severe tinnitus when they were in college and succeed to graduate? Can you tell me how did you manage it?

Thank you.

You can't let this stop you. Get your life back. Many of us have gotton to the point where it doesnt bother us anymore. You need to get there too. Once you do, you will realize there is nothing that can stop you. The first months are the worst, but then you adapt. Depression will only make things worst and it will make your tinnitus louder. Believe it or not you can have really loud T and still concentrate and do the things you love.
Right now you have a choice. You can either stay depressed and stay like this for many more months or possibly years, or you can start to take your life back. Either way you will end up at the same place(graduation), its just of matter of how long it takes you to get there.

 

[gcouger]

I have lot of experience with depression and tinnitus. Tinnitus isn't the problem. The two aren't linked in my case. I inherited depression from mother.

I have had tinnitus almost all the time for the last 4o years and never thought much about it. It comes from driving itractors with loud mufflers, hunting ducks with 160+ db shotgun and 357 Magnum with 3 inch barrel. I hear every time my heart beats. It just never let it bother me. I could always concentrate on something else hard enough it didn't bother. I am luck to have pretty good hearing at 72. I have started wearing hearing protection the last 10 years.

Tinnitus is worse on this group writing about it than it has been in years. It will be much better when I do something else. Telling someone not think about Tinnitus is like telling not the think about the pain in their finger after someone hit the finger with hammer but both of them actually work if you can do it. Your brain has almost unbelievable power if you can harness it.

Staying home being sick with Tinnitus almost assures it will get worse. Getting out or working at something you WANT to d0 is the best thing I ever found for depression, pain or anything else. I didn't include Tinnitus as its not a problem for me no matter how loud it gets. I know what it is and that is will get better or at least it has for the last 40 years. If it does keep me awake for a night or two its the best thing I can do for depression so that's no big deal.

Good luck with your life with Tinnitus. A hypnotist might help you get handle on concentration. It didn't for me but it has for some. I think I have take most drugs they give for Tinnitus for other problems the drugs may have changed the Tinnitus a little for a short time but not much and not worth the problems they cause.[I take them for something else.] Possibly the newer anti seizure drugs might be worth taking if they have a positive effect. They don't do much for me and I have taken Topamax for years.

Gordon

 

[billie48]

Thank you @gcouger for that positive message. If you can hear your heart beat with tinnitus, does that mean you have pulsatile tinnitus? Anyway you are obviously an old soldier battling and living with tinnitus for so long. Hopy you stay around to give more words of wisdom to the newer sufferers. Welcome again to TT.

 

[Kane Moffat]

I was in the exact same situation as you at university. I decided to suspend my second year as the depression and anxiety were out of control.

I have since seen a councilor and am much better- I strongly suggest you see someone about your depression/suicidal thoughts. I moved into my new flat yesterday with my friends and will be returning to my studies in September. You will be fine, trust me.

Just remember that there are thousands of people doing highly demanding professions such as doctors lawyers and even university professors that all have tinnitus!

I believe @Hope2015 just graduated. She might have some advice

 

[Hope2015]

Thank you @Kane Moffat for bringing me here!
Hello @Poyraz !
I am a student as well, I studied Economics for 3 years and in the second year of Uni I got tinnitus. Thank God this happened in the summertime so I kinda had some time to adjust. But..even in the first days when I got it I was during my finals and had 3 exams left, hard exams.. I thought it will go away and I just tried to study how I could to pass them.
I don't know how your tinnitus is but...mine is definetly a mess. It is reactive and comes from brain and ears. Some days are horrible when my anxiety is up and stress level, some days I am just able to ignore it.
I used to be the kind of student who would like to study in complete silence but things have changed now. I invented some tips in order to make it easier, first of all I always have my laptop turned on, so my sound will compete with the laptop's fan and I have something else to focus on, then I study in the kitchen sometimes because fridge sound kind of relax me and make eveything seem like before. I used to study for some reason in the kitchen even before so that is a "natural" sound for me.
Now I have 2 more years of Master in Economics.
It wasn't easy in the beginning, it is not easy even now but we have to do this. I have horrible days and then I have very good days.
Try to make your own space, confortable for you to study, use some "natural" mask, sounds that were there even before you got t and you were able to ignore them.
Make sure your stress and anxiety are under control. My head would go literally crazy under stress.
And before you start or continue anything take your time! No rush anywhere, meet your friends, talk to your family, go on a trip, relax. Give your body and mind a break from everything that is stressful.
Let me know how are you doing!
You can do this and in the end you will be so proud of yourself!