Persistent Tinnitus Spike from Horrible Loud Argument and Stress

[Rust]

Hi all,

So, 4 weeks ago I had a terrible, (several hour long) argument with my partner. It resulted in me getting extremely stressed and upset.

What stressed me out so much was the fact I know the anxiety/stress can make my tinnitus worse, and because she refused to stop arguing (despite me pleading not to) it made me even more stressed. I felt trapped.

Immediately afterwards, after multiple hours of horrible arguments and shouting, my tinnitus felt a lot louder.

I wasn't too worried at first, as my tinnitus has spiked in the past several times after stress and a bad argument, and it has always returned to baseline within a week or two max.

This time my tinnitus is louder than a usual stress spike, and it has not got better at all in 4 weeks. I'm now very worried that this argument was simply too much stress/anxiety and it has caused a permanent spike.

It's worth noting that a bout of severe anxiety started my tinnitus many years ago – but only mildly. Noise exposure made it much worse.

I keep telling myself that the spike will subside in time, though if it hasn't improved in a month maybe it's now permanent?

What do you think? Does anyone have any similar experiences of this with anxiety and stress?

Thanks as always,
R

 

[Rust]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this spike?

 

[GBB]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this spike?

Take NAC and Magnesium. I've seen @Bill Bauer mention spikes can last 3+ months.

 

[MindOverMatter]

@Rust

It definitely will get better if this is a stress/anxiety induced tinnitus spike. Time is a healer. But it is essential to use techniques to calm down your mind, and try not to use energy on negative thoughts. An argument like this is often negatively loaded, and your mood will be down and tinnitus go up - temporary. But once you get back in control, it will slowly get better.

 

[Rust]

Take NAC and Magnesium. I've seen @Bill Bauer mention spikes can last 3+ months.

Thanks, I am. No change though.

 

[Rust]

@Rust

It definitely will get better if this is a stress/anxiety induced tinnitus spike. Time is a healer. But it is essential to use techniques to calm down your mind, and try not to use energy on negative thoughts. An argument like this is often negatively loaded, and your mood will be down and tinnitus go up - temporary. But once you get back in control, it will slowly get better.

Thank you for the reply. That's what I thought too, though it hasn't got any better in almost 5 weeks. I have never had a spike last this long, making me think it is permanent.

I am trying to stay calm and not engage in negativity, the first few hours after waking are the hardest.

I hope you are right, I will give it more time and report back.

R

 

[valeri]

Hi all,

So, 4 weeks ago I had a terrible, (several hour long) argument with my partner. It resulted in me getting extremely stressed and upset.

What stressed me out so much was the fact I know the anxiety/stress can make my tinnitus worse, and because she refused to stop arguing (despite me pleading not to) it made me even more stressed. I felt trapped.

Immediately afterwards, after multiple hours of horrible arguments and shouting, my tinnitus felt a lot louder.

I wasn't too worried at first, as my tinnitus has spiked in the past several times after stress and a bad argument, and it has always returned to baseline within a week or two max.

This time my tinnitus is louder than a usual stress spike, and it has not got better at all in 4 weeks. I'm now very worried that this argument was simply too much stress/anxiety and it has caused a permanent spike.

It's worth noting that a bout of severe anxiety started my tinnitus many years ago – but only mildly. Noise exposure made it much worse.

I keep telling myself that the spike will subside in time, though if it hasn't improved in a month maybe it's now permanent?

What do you think? Does anyone have any similar experiences of this with anxiety and stress?

Thanks as always,
R

For me stress is a killer, it just makes everything worse.

I had a very horrible argument with my mother on 30 August and I seriously thought it will be the end of me, that's how upset I have been and how much it affected me.

You will be better once your anxiety settles down, I'm not sure if the argument resolved the problem or it's still eating you on the inside!?

 

[Nadia231]

Hi Rust,

I'm on the same boat. Have had tinnitus for 3 years, then habituated to it. 4 weeks ago, sudden spike in the middle of the night with ear fullness and hyperacusis since that day...

The first day of the spike I tried to stay calm telling myself it will go down... But after 4 weeks I am starting to think it is permanent, and it is freaking loud in both my ears.

Obviously, the anxiety is not helping, but I can't help it. I went to a private ENT to see if I could get something prescribed or something that would help it go down to my baseline level... But it was a waste of time as usual: 'there is nothing we can do'.

I really hope you get better.