Tinnitus Has Been Really Loud for the Past Week

[Aadz205]

Hi guys, I'm new here. I've had tinnitus my whole life and it never really bothered me too much; however, 3 weeks ago I went to a music festival and the music was very loud. When I got home my tinnitus was loud but when I woke up the next day it was fine and everything went back to normal.

Around 6 nights ago I rolled some tissues into balls and put them in my ear because the neighbours had told me there would be noise the next morning due to construction, so I thought the tissues would block the noise. I went to sleep with them in my ears and I woke up in the middle of the night due to my ears being in pain, so I took them out.

The next day it felt like I had a lot of ear wax in my right ear, and my right ear had a much louder tone of ringing than the other ear. I thought if I just removed the wax the ringing would go away.

3 days ago I got the wax flushed out, and now my tinnitus has gone crazy, in basically both ears, I've never had tinnitus this bad in my life and I'm becoming really anxious and depressed over this, day by day the tinnitus has been getting worse, ive lost all motivation to do anything, I try to keep mind off it but nothing works. I just want to break down in tears honestly.

I was wondering if that music festival and blocking my ears with tissues would have caused this, and I want to know if my tinnitus will return to its normal levels, because I seriously cannot live like this, I feel like puking because of how upset I am over this.

The doctor also said there seems to be some fluid behind my ear drums, but he said that doesn't cause tinnitus. Can someone please give me any info? Thank you

I am 20 years old of age as well if that helps

 

[dingaling]

Plugging the ears causes a temporary increase in hearing sensitivity and would explain the pain and it might just be an unlucky coincidence that it caused a spike in your T.

Presume your ears were flushed out properly with no bits of wax/tissue left behind?

The tinnitus will go back down if you can find ways to relax and reduce your anxiety (to it). Anxiety and stress initiates the body's innate "fight or flight" response and keeps the negative cycle of tinnitus alive

 

[Aadz205]

Plugging the ears causes a temporary increase in hearing sensitivity and would explain the pain and it might just be an unlucky coincidence that it caused a spike in your T.

Presume your ears were flushed out properly with no bits of wax/tissue left behind?

The tinnitus will go back down if you can find ways to relax and reduce your anxiety (to it). Anxiety and stress initiates the body's innate "fight or flight" response and keeps the negative cycle of tinnitus alive

Thanks for the reply. How long should this temporary spike last for? I have noticed I have been more sensitive to sound. I have also been extremely depressed and anxious these past few months. I must also say, I always play my music through my earphones and car moderately loud. I have stopped all of that today.

 

[fishbone]

Thanks for the reply. How long should this temporary spike last for? I have noticed I have been more sensitive to sound. I have also been extremely depressed and anxious these past few months. I must also say, I always play my music through my earphones and car moderately loud. I have stopped all of that today.

The abuse that our ears takes, for sure takes a toll on them. I highly suggest that you take good care of your ears and lay off the earphones and the loud car music. You already have tinnitus, these elements can simply annoy your tinnitus and make them louder.

In general, being exposed to loud sounds and being n loud areas can annoy the tinnitus and possibly raise the level/sound/intensity. Stress and anxiety is just as bad and can cause spikes as well. Try to avoid ALL loud sounds and try to keep your stress/anxiety in check......

The stress/anxiety alone can bring up horrible spikes and keep them going......

 

[dingaling]

Fishbone gives good advice and beat me to it.... AVOID HEADPHONES (for the forseeable future)

Can you do some CBT to address some of the issues underlying your anxiety and depression? Being in this state tends to magnify our problems and we dwell on them more

 

[Aadz205]

The abuse that our ears takes, for sure takes a toll on them. I highly suggest that you take good care of your ears and lay off the earphones and the loud car music. You already have tinnitus, these elements can simply annoy your tinnitus and make them louder.

In general, being exposed to loud sounds and being n loud areas can annoy the tinnitus and possibly raise the level/sound/intensity. Stress and anxiety is just as bad and can cause spikes as well. Try to avoid ALL loud sounds and try to keep your stress/anxiety in check......

The stress/anxiety alone can bring up horrible spikes and keep them going......

Thanks, it's now day two of no loud music and no earphones. How long do spikes tend to last for? Thanks again

 

[fishbone]

Thanks, it's now day two of no loud music and no earphones. How long do spikes tend to last for? Thanks again

Loud sounds and stress can contribute to the spikes. Even if we avoid loud sounds, the stress can bring on and keep the spikes going. I would suggest that you don't focus even on the spikes. Spikes can come and go but worrying about them can keep them there longer....

 

[robHing]

We are all Tinnitus sufferers. We understand your dire situation.
All replies provide good suggestions. Please hanging there... do not panic.
God bless you !

 

[Aadz205]

Loud sounds and stress can contribute to the spikes. Even if we avoid loud sounds, the stress can bring on and keep the spikes going. I would suggest that you don't focus even on the spikes. Spikes can come and go but worrying about them can keep them there longer....

Okay, thanks for your advice :/ I can't bear this ringing!! It's soo loud, especially when I'm at home I don't know
How I can function like this, I'm a student and I can't focus on my work or anything. My anxiety and depression has gone through the roof

 

[Aadz205]

Thank you

 

[Veronica]

@Aadz205 did the spike get better ?