Struggling with Tinnitus: Seeking Answers, Support, and Hope — Considering CBT

[ivy0308]

Hi, I'm 30 years old and struggling with severe tinnitus. It's a high-pitched ringing sound. I've been to the ER, urgent care, and an ENT, but they only performed quick evaluations and referred me to an audiologist. My hearing test came back normal. I requested an MRI/CT scan because I've been dealing with tinnitus for over four months, but my primary doctor and ENT declined, saying there's no issue with my ears and they don't know what's causing the tinnitus. They suggested I see a dentist.

The dentist didn't examine me thoroughly and only recommended removing my wisdom teeth, even though they aren't painful. I don't grind my teeth either, as far as I know. I feel stuck with my medical care. I'm paying a lot for insurance through my employer but getting no real answers.

Tinnitus Spike
When it first started, I was terrified. After researching more about tinnitus, I learned it's not harmful, so I tried to manage my emotions and focus on sleeping. At first, I couldn't sleep for two nights, but now I can if I have a fan and music playing. I can't be in a quiet room or car anymore because the ringing is too intense.

I've had to stop going to my usual massage place because the soft music there isn't enough to mask the sound. I was doing okay for the first three months, but after a stomach upset that caused vomiting (and using a lot of Pepto to recover), my tinnitus spiked again. Now, I sometimes wake up from dreams with the ringing and feel anxious. I must turn on the music a bit louder to cover the ringing and to back to sleep for few hours. During the day, the anxiety of tinnitus sound even makes my hands shake a bit sometimes.

Struggling to Find the Cause
I don't know what's causing my tinnitus. I haven't been exposed to loud noises, and I haven't had any ear infections. I've considered TMJ, but I don't grind my teeth, and my dentist hasn't identified any issues. About a month before my tinnitus began, I went through a traumatic relationship issue. While that's resolved now, the tinnitus still remained. I've been left with health anxiety, especially when the tinnitus spikes.

Emotional Impact
I'm feeling emotionally overwhelmed and somewhat depressed. The medical system has been a huge disappointment. Please send me a hug and keep me in your prayers.

Considering CBT
I've had a consultation with NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic about their CBT program. John, the consultant, seemed very knowledgeable and experienced, and their refund policy is reassuring. However, I'm hesitant because it's a brain training program, and I'm unsure if it will work for me. I still don't know if my tinnitus is caused by physical or mental factors.

 

[JayRock857]

Hello @ivy0308,

I've been dealing with this for a long time, and I can tell you it does get better. It takes time to adjust, but you will. I was on this forum about eight years ago, and back then, I was in a really bad place because of it. I ended up hospitalized and put on medication.

Right now, I'm not doing as well again because, unfortunately, I kept using headphones repeatedly, which caused mine to flare up. My noisy neighbors played a part in it too, but at the end of the day, I have to admit it's my fault. I'm trying not to blame myself, but I should have known better than to harm my own hearing.

If you want, you could consider medication to help you cope. That's what I did. I've also seen an ENT, but honestly, she wasn't much help. I'm not sure if they have any new treatments now, but it's worth looking into.

Anyway, I hope yours improves, just as I'm hoping mine does too. We've got to stay positive and strong.

Take care.

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum, @ivy0308. I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering so much from tinnitus. Since it's relatively new for you, you're going through one of the most challenging stretches of the journey. You're not alone. Many of us have experienced the traumatic early phase when tinnitus first begins.

In my case, the cause was unknown, though I suspect it might have been triggered by exposure to a faulty smoke alarm about a month before the onset. Stress can also contribute to tinnitus. When mine started, I was overwhelmed, especially since severe hyperacusis followed the ultra-high-pitched tinnitus. I found myself in full panic mode, often waking up in distress. At that time, I relied on Ativan and Prozac to manage the panic attacks. It truly felt like a nightmare, and I believed I'd never regain a good quality of life.

But here I am today, living a full and enjoyable life. I even wrote a success story, From Darkness to Light, where I share many strategies that helped me recover. Feel free to check it out; it might offer you some useful insights.

In the meantime, try engaging in relaxing or leisurely activities to distract your brain from focusing on the ringing. Live as normally as you can, even if it feels challenging. Masking sounds can be very helpful, and there are plenty of tinnitus apps with sound generators available now. If you use these, opt for a Bluetooth speaker instead of headphones.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is another great tool. I researched it and applied the techniques on my own. You can find plenty of resources about CBT through Google, YouTube, or even AI search platforms.

Most importantly, stay positive and patient. Improvement often comes with time. Your tinnitus may fade, or your body might adapt, making the ringing less intrusive. Be hopeful and kind to yourself. Take care, and I wish you the best in your recovery. God bless!

 

[FellowSufferer]

Hi, I'm 30 years old and struggling with severe tinnitus. It's a high-pitched ringing sound. I've been to the ER, urgent care, and an ENT, but they only performed quick evaluations and referred me to an audiologist. My hearing test came back normal. I requested an MRI/CT scan because I've been dealing with tinnitus for over four months, but my primary doctor and ENT declined, saying there's no issue with my ears and they don't know what's causing the tinnitus. They suggested I see a dentist.

The dentist didn't examine me thoroughly and only recommended removing my wisdom teeth, even though they aren't painful. I don't grind my teeth either, as far as I know. I feel stuck with my medical care. I'm paying a lot for insurance through my employer but getting no real answers.

Tinnitus Spike
When it first started, I was terrified. After researching more about tinnitus, I learned it's not harmful, so I tried to manage my emotions and focus on sleeping. At first, I couldn't sleep for two nights, but now I can if I have a fan and music playing. I can't be in a quiet room or car anymore because the ringing is too intense.

I've had to stop going to my usual massage place because the soft music there isn't enough to mask the sound. I was doing okay for the first three months, but after a stomach upset that caused vomiting (and using a lot of Pepto to recover), my tinnitus spiked again. Now, I sometimes wake up from dreams with the ringing and feel anxious. I must turn on the music a bit louder to cover the ringing and to back to sleep for few hours. During the day, the anxiety of tinnitus sound even makes my hands shake a bit sometimes.

Struggling to Find the Cause
I don't know what's causing my tinnitus. I haven't been exposed to loud noises, and I haven't had any ear infections. I've considered TMJ, but I don't grind my teeth, and my dentist hasn't identified any issues. About a month before my tinnitus began, I went through a traumatic relationship issue. While that's resolved now, the tinnitus still remained. I've been left with health anxiety, especially when the tinnitus spikes.

Emotional Impact
I'm feeling emotionally overwhelmed and somewhat depressed. The medical system has been a huge disappointment. Please send me a hug and keep me in your prayers.

Considering CBT
I've had a consultation with NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic about their CBT program. John, the consultant, seemed very knowledgeable and experienced, and their refund policy is reassuring. However, I'm hesitant because it's a brain training program, and I'm unsure if it will work for me. I still don't know if my tinnitus is caused by physical or mental factors.

Hi Ivy,

Sending some virtual hugs to you stay strong and I'm sure you will get through the acute phase

Try to distract yourself for now and not be in quiet rooms and you will be amazed at the progress. Also if you can hear it at nightime a fan can help like I use a YogaSleep Dohm Uno.

 

[Luman]

Hi, you gave a good explanation of your situation.

I would recommend CBT for tinnitus. NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic sounds great. About seven years ago, I went to Dr. Hubbard in NYC, who has tinnitus and is a pioneer of CBT for Tinnitus. He now has an online 8-week program.

Good luck, and I'm sure that you will be fine.