I am new to this Tinnitus adventure, but already have had quite a ride that resulted in these experiential realizations that I wrote down for myself as a daily reminder. So these are just some thoughts of encouragement I wanted to share....
If after seeing a doctor you realize that are in for a long haul with tinnitus, hear this: do NOT despair! I have a moderate tinnitus, and I can say from my own experience that once you get to know your new constant companion (the phantom sounds in your ears), you may discover that this ugly beast is actually a friendly prince in disguise. There are three compelling reasons for me to think this way and I hope that you will realize them too.
1. The basic fact about human nature is that we are highly adaptable creatures. Research shows that even people who got permanently paralyzed neck-down go back to their baseline level of happiness after a period of adaptation. Yes, tinnitus can make a big impact on our lives, but if quadriplegics can regain their baseline level of well-being, it should not be too hard for people with ringing in their ears! In short, have faith in your inner resources! You are not alone in this: your body, your brain and subconscious are all working with you to adjust to the new condition. To give you an example of this naturally given coping device: as I am writing these sentences about tinnitus, I am not aware of my tinnitus at all! It is only when I stop and think about it that the sound pops back into my consciousness. Because of the natural selectivity of our attention, we get constant reprieves from our bothersome condition. Knowing that we are not completely trapped is that state can be seen as a kind of mercy. Also, if you examine the texture of your tinnitus sounds, you will probably notice that they come in waves as opposed to being truly constant. At least, it's my observation.
2. In addition to natural neurochemical adaptive processes, there are helpful mental tricks/skills that we can learn. First, I tell myself that this level of noise in my life is not abnormal, but my new normal. I remind myself that there are about 50 million people in the US who have tinnitus, so this condition is in fact a new reality of modern life (for environmental factors, lifestyle, whatever reasons). I just accept the fact that this is my new daily experience and make myself at home with it. I relax with it. It is when we compare our new situation to how things used be or could have been is when we tend to panic and succumb to the feelings of doom. The more we obsess and agonize about tinnitus, the worse it tends to get. The second related trick is to do things that will help you with your anxiety in general, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, meaningful hobbies, good company, antidepressants. Here is a third trick. Famous Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote about "the bells of mindfulness": whenever he hears the phone or bell tower ring, he is reminded to go back to the practice of attentiveness. If you are not into Buddhist meditation, you may choose to think of the sounds as a call to prayer or thanksgiving instead. My tinnitus is a persistent reminder in my head to be a better person and to appreciate all the good things in my life. In fact, I feel grateful to my condition for helping me to become more resilient, less petty, and more compassionate to others. I have a proud realization that I now belong to a group of people who embraced their suffering and are no longer afraid of it. Better yet, what may initially feel like suffering may turn into an overall positive experience. It's a new joy I discovered – the joy of growth and strength I never knew I had. As a result, I am not just coping and getting by, but leading a fuller, more enjoyable life. I am not just humbled by my condition, but also uplifted and energized! I use my tinnitus as an alert mechanism to focus my attention on things that truly matter and bring me authentic joy. In other words, I see my condition as a gift. And, honestly, if someday my tinnitus suddenly stops, I will be quite disoriented. I will probably even miss my unlikely teacher and friend.
3. However, this does not mean that we should stop looking for a cure. Hopefulness and energy that you may be able to gain from the above-mentioned realizations and practices should inspire you to take action. By trying different specialists and methods, you might be able to identify an underlying cause and work out a treatment plan that will objectively lessen the symptoms or even make your tinnitus go away completely. In the meantime, you can work on adapting to your new situation, discovering your new potential, and leading a quality life.
With much respect and love to all my fellow Tinnitus Adventurers!
If after seeing a doctor you realize that are in for a long haul with tinnitus, hear this: do NOT despair! I have a moderate tinnitus, and I can say from my own experience that once you get to know your new constant companion (the phantom sounds in your ears), you may discover that this ugly beast is actually a friendly prince in disguise. There are three compelling reasons for me to think this way and I hope that you will realize them too.
1. The basic fact about human nature is that we are highly adaptable creatures. Research shows that even people who got permanently paralyzed neck-down go back to their baseline level of happiness after a period of adaptation. Yes, tinnitus can make a big impact on our lives, but if quadriplegics can regain their baseline level of well-being, it should not be too hard for people with ringing in their ears! In short, have faith in your inner resources! You are not alone in this: your body, your brain and subconscious are all working with you to adjust to the new condition. To give you an example of this naturally given coping device: as I am writing these sentences about tinnitus, I am not aware of my tinnitus at all! It is only when I stop and think about it that the sound pops back into my consciousness. Because of the natural selectivity of our attention, we get constant reprieves from our bothersome condition. Knowing that we are not completely trapped is that state can be seen as a kind of mercy. Also, if you examine the texture of your tinnitus sounds, you will probably notice that they come in waves as opposed to being truly constant. At least, it's my observation.
2. In addition to natural neurochemical adaptive processes, there are helpful mental tricks/skills that we can learn. First, I tell myself that this level of noise in my life is not abnormal, but my new normal. I remind myself that there are about 50 million people in the US who have tinnitus, so this condition is in fact a new reality of modern life (for environmental factors, lifestyle, whatever reasons). I just accept the fact that this is my new daily experience and make myself at home with it. I relax with it. It is when we compare our new situation to how things used be or could have been is when we tend to panic and succumb to the feelings of doom. The more we obsess and agonize about tinnitus, the worse it tends to get. The second related trick is to do things that will help you with your anxiety in general, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, meaningful hobbies, good company, antidepressants. Here is a third trick. Famous Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote about "the bells of mindfulness": whenever he hears the phone or bell tower ring, he is reminded to go back to the practice of attentiveness. If you are not into Buddhist meditation, you may choose to think of the sounds as a call to prayer or thanksgiving instead. My tinnitus is a persistent reminder in my head to be a better person and to appreciate all the good things in my life. In fact, I feel grateful to my condition for helping me to become more resilient, less petty, and more compassionate to others. I have a proud realization that I now belong to a group of people who embraced their suffering and are no longer afraid of it. Better yet, what may initially feel like suffering may turn into an overall positive experience. It's a new joy I discovered – the joy of growth and strength I never knew I had. As a result, I am not just coping and getting by, but leading a fuller, more enjoyable life. I am not just humbled by my condition, but also uplifted and energized! I use my tinnitus as an alert mechanism to focus my attention on things that truly matter and bring me authentic joy. In other words, I see my condition as a gift. And, honestly, if someday my tinnitus suddenly stops, I will be quite disoriented. I will probably even miss my unlikely teacher and friend.
3. However, this does not mean that we should stop looking for a cure. Hopefulness and energy that you may be able to gain from the above-mentioned realizations and practices should inspire you to take action. By trying different specialists and methods, you might be able to identify an underlying cause and work out a treatment plan that will objectively lessen the symptoms or even make your tinnitus go away completely. In the meantime, you can work on adapting to your new situation, discovering your new potential, and leading a quality life.
With much respect and love to all my fellow Tinnitus Adventurers!
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