Hi,
I have had tinnitus for over 10 years now. I do not remember how it started. I just know I first noticed it when I began meditating. I became aware of a low-pitched noise in my head. At the time, it was not very distressing.
Then in 2021, it got much worse due to several factors (not auditory). One notable cause was a prednisone taper. I developed eustachian tube dysfunction and could not tolerate the prednisone, which worsened my tinnitus. I also had recurring ear problems whenever I caught a cold, and it was very distressing.
A couple of summers ago, I used a tiller without ear protection, which caused another serious spike. Eventually, it calmed down—or maybe I just habituated to it.
A day ago, I went to a very loud concert, a shoegaze band, with foam earplugs. Up to this point, my tinnitus was only noticeable at night or in silence, and I was used to it. I thought I would be okay, but once I was there, I realized it was just so loud. I took breaks outside the venue and stood in the back, but it did not help much. I left early, but the damage was done. Now the noise is high-pitched and too loud to mask.
I cannot take prednisone because of the bad reaction I had before. I am just feeling really bummed. I have a busy weekend ahead, and it is hard to concentrate. Meditating, which used to help, now feels depressing because of the loudness in my head.
That is why I am here. So, hi. I just ask that if you respond to me, please stay positive. I am trying not to fall apart over this. I have small children who need me.
I have had tinnitus for over 10 years now. I do not remember how it started. I just know I first noticed it when I began meditating. I became aware of a low-pitched noise in my head. At the time, it was not very distressing.
Then in 2021, it got much worse due to several factors (not auditory). One notable cause was a prednisone taper. I developed eustachian tube dysfunction and could not tolerate the prednisone, which worsened my tinnitus. I also had recurring ear problems whenever I caught a cold, and it was very distressing.
A couple of summers ago, I used a tiller without ear protection, which caused another serious spike. Eventually, it calmed down—or maybe I just habituated to it.
A day ago, I went to a very loud concert, a shoegaze band, with foam earplugs. Up to this point, my tinnitus was only noticeable at night or in silence, and I was used to it. I thought I would be okay, but once I was there, I realized it was just so loud. I took breaks outside the venue and stood in the back, but it did not help much. I left early, but the damage was done. Now the noise is high-pitched and too loud to mask.
I cannot take prednisone because of the bad reaction I had before. I am just feeling really bummed. I have a busy weekend ahead, and it is hard to concentrate. Meditating, which used to help, now feels depressing because of the loudness in my head.
That is why I am here. So, hi. I just ask that if you respond to me, please stay positive. I am trying not to fall apart over this. I have small children who need me.
