Tinnitus My Life-Long Ball and Chain?

[Joanna Ash Bowie]

Hello,

I came across this forum just now as basically I've got a flu like lurgy at the moment and have noticed my tinnitus is much worse than usual. I'm not yet 27 and I had what you'd consider a 'nervous breakdown' back in January 2016. I was off work for 3 months + and was having severe panic attacks multiple times during the day and night. I remember not sleeping for two weeks when it first happened and then the panic attacks were relentless.

It seems that ever since that event from January - April of last year I've had constant ringing in my ears. I had a brain scan and appointments with the doctor this time last year but they weren't able to provide me with answers. I have a history of personal trauma and suffer with anxiety but the tinnitus only began last year. I was holding out hope that it would one day dissipate and go away or my brain would tune it out but, probably because I have flu at the moment, it just seems unbearable. I used to love listening to the trees blow outside and falling asleep to peace and quiet but that seems a distant memory now I haven't had quiet for over a year.

I have learnt to grin and bear it over the past year or I've started to anyway but sometimes I just long for even one night of peace and quiet... sometimes it really just gets me down

Thanks for reading x

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. It seems in your case that your tinnitus is stress/anxiety related. But there are many other things that can trigger T or make it worse, including but not limited to drug reaction or side-effects from ototoxic drugs, ear wax build-up, ear or Eustachian tube infection or ETD, ear drum injury, fluid build-up in ears feeling pressured or fullness, sinus infection & congestion especially with a bad cold, TMJ, TTTS, high blood pressure or blood circulation problem, loud noise exposure or acoustic trauma/shock, head trauma & injury, neck injury or muscle problems, hearing loss, Meniere's Decease, barotrauma from sudden change of air pressure such as during landing & taking off on flights especially with blocked nose causing failure to balance the pressure changes, slapping of the ears, deep grief for the loss of loved ones, untreated sleep apnea, extreme, extended stress, anxiety & panic disorder, etc., etc.

If your T is stress related, then perhaps taking some natural supplements which can calm the nerves or give you good sleep will be good for your T. you can try natural alternatives such as Melatonin, gaba calm, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Hops, Catnips, Passion Flower, Chamomile, Lavender, Kava, etc. You can do google search or check Amazon.com for each of them to know how people review these products, and see if you can take them as a supplement. Check out this site on using natural herbs for helping to sleep or to calm the nerves. Take care. God bless.

http://www.christopherhobbs.com/lib...ealth/herbs-and-natural-remedies-for-insomnia /

 

[Kolisar]

Hello @Joanna Ash Bowie , and welcome.

I agree with @billie48, and there are many examples in this forum of people for whom stress and anxiety exacerbates their tinnitus. I am very sorry that you are struggling with tinnitus, anxiety, and panic attacks. As you read the posts of others here you will find that anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are quite common among tinnitus sufferers. I also want to commend you on having the correct attitude towards your tinnitus in that while you, and most fi not all tinnitus sufferers, would prefer to be rid of the infernal ringing, you are making the effort to get used to it (habituate) while seeking options to help alleviate or, preferably remove, the symptoms.

Many people here have found that maintaining a positive attitude has helped with the process of habituation. For example, billie48 wrote his success story demonstrating how positivity helped him habituate.
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...w-i-recovered-from-tinnitus-hyperacusis.3148/

@Michael Leigh wrote the following, excellent post on the importance of positivity:
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/
and the following on negativity and tinnitus
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

Michael also has a number of excellent posts on tinnitus in general, including a wealth of information on habituation, coping mechanisms, and even possible treatments. I would highly recommend seeking out his posts as they have helped numerous members of this forum as I am sure they will for you. The following is a good place to start: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

And as you just came across this forum, please read through the "Success Stories". You will see many people who have both struggled with tinnitus and have learned to habituate. It is possible and I am certain, because you already have demonstrated the right attitude, that you will be able to do so.

Also, as you read though this forum you will discover a few other things that, I hope, will help with any anxiety you are feeling associated with you tinnitus.

First, you are not alone. Almost every member of this forum suffered from tinnitus (there are a few who have joined seeking help for others). We understand the torture that tinnitus can be. I have found (and others here have as well) that people who have not experienced tinnitus, or experienced it for a significant period of time, have difficulty understanding just how debilitating it can be. We do. We understand what you are going through. Take advantage of that if you need to.

Second: this forum is filled with caring, compassionate, and sympathetic people who not only understand what your suffering, but are willing to help and provide support when you are struggling, despite the fact that they themselves may also be struggling. This is the most generous and supportive community that I have come across online. And, with the number of very supportive members you are all but assured a response and support when you need it.

I wish you well and hope you are able to find what you need here. Please keep us updated on your progress.