What Is the First Thing to Do When Tinnitus Begins?

[Paul10]

Hi all, I posted about my T in the intro section. It's been about 7 weeks since I've had it and it's changed quiet considerably over that time.

Right now, it's the ultra-high frequency (15-17 Hz or so) that is really destroying me.

I had my hearing checked twice and it is apparently very good. I've had a long history of untreated depression/anxiety so I can only assume that this is down to stress.

I was just wondering what the first thing some would think should be done with T brought on my stress?

My entire body is tense/teeth clenched all the time. Getting through the day is very difficult and if it wasn't for my family there's a good change I'd not be here. I have an appointment this week with an audiologist (already seen an ENT, but he just fobbed me off after a few minutes. He just had a quick look in my ear, nothing else, no other checks).

Really don't know what to do at this point, it's like a laser shooting into my brain. Any initial tips would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Also should mention, because of the high frequency, I find it impossible to mask, aside from maybe the shower. It cuts through every natural noise unfortunately

 

[volsung37]

Unfortunately we all have to go through this fight or flight response at the beginning. Usually lasts 8 to 10 months. Then the body calms down and you can relax.
There is nothing that can be done medically bar a few checks to see if you have earwax or acoustic neuroma.

 

[Paul10]

Thanks @volsung37 , I'm really hoping I get through this 8-10 months. I've read so much info that I don't know where to begin!

 

[Samantha R]

@Paul10
I have had tinnitus for 7 months, and I'm doing better.
Things started to improve for me when I was able to get on top of my sleep. I started taking Mirtazapine/ Remeron and I felt so much better because I could sleep finally!
I'm almost ready now to stop taking it.
You mention untreated depression and anxiety. I think it's essential that you get on top of this as well. This might be with traditional AD's, or natural ones (I am going to start L-Tryptophan once I am off the Remeron).
You could also try mindfulness and CBT. I've found the CBT sessions to be very useful, I've really benefited in general and
not just in terms of the tinnitus.
Also, try not to monitor your tinnitus, I know you can hear it above everything, but try to not give it attention. I stopped going to a quiet room to listen for it, and I am so much better for it.
I now go for small periods without having it on my mind, early stages of habituation I hope!

 

[devonlee]

The first thing that I did when I joined this forum was starting to try to find out the frequency of my tinnitus, the volume, the severity, what made it worse ect. I'd wake up every morning and check if my tinnitus was still there. Fun fact, it was.
I stopped doing all of that. It only brought more attention to my tinnitus.
I can go a long time now without worrying about it as a result. I don't time how long that is either. If I started to measure that I would just get frustrated if the times got to be less and less.
I really have found that the less obsessing I do about things related to my t, the less control t has over my life.

You'll find what can be an overwhelming amount of information regarding things people do or medications that they take to decrease their t but really you have to do whatever works for you. All t is so different.

 

[Bidyut saha]

You could also try mindfulness and CBT. I've found the CBT sessions to be very useful

Hi samantha@ could u pls explain me wht is CBT u tried. Thx

 

[Rubenslash]

Hi samantha@ could u pls explain me wht is CBT u tried. Thx

Here you have it in French: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychothérapie_cognitivo-comportementale
And another tread about CBT: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/cognitive-behavioral-therapy.1648/

 

[Paul10]

Thanks all; I've started AD's @Samantha R and am finding my sleep is at least better because of it. That's something! @devonlee you're definitely right about the overwhelming info. T seems so unique to the individual, just have to find what works. Hopefully something does. Good luck!!

 

[Tom Cnyc]

if it is changing, it will likely continue to change. the intensity of mine has gone down a lot over the first 10 months. yours likely will to.

the remainder, you'll get used to. I'm still working on that part.

 

[Bidyut saha]

Here you have it in French: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychothérapie_cognitivo-comportementale
And another tread about CBT: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/cognitive-behavioral-therapy.1648/

Thank u

 

[Paul10]

if it is changing, it will likely continue to change. the intensity of mine has gone down a lot over the first 10 months. yours likely will to.

the remainder, you'll get used to. I'm still working on that part.

Thanks, I appreciate that; I'm seeing a tinnitus specialist now. Positivity really does seem to be a common theme with success stories.

 

[Nick07]

I like to have a music playlist going in the background. That way my mind is more likely to latch onto to the song than the tinnitus. Trying to mask it never worked. I even tried a shower sound.