A few days ago I randomly got tinnitus out of nowhere and I didn’t understand what’s up. An hour or so ago I finally understood/learned what’s happening to me and read up on tinnitus and I’m devastated. I’m only over 20 and having this for the rest of my life as it becomes worse is heartbreaking to me. I was already overly sensitive to certain noises and am in love with music but with tinnitus I lost something precious and permanently gained somethimg that I just will need to live with. I’m heartbroken and scared. I know I will learn to accept it within a week as my brain processes this new experience but right now I just feel gutwrenchingly horrible. Especially so when I was already having some other physical and mental health issues that I’m unable to cope with and this adds to the burden. I need some advice on how to live with it and some comfort in knowing of other people going through the same. Thank you. :(
(I don’t live is US if that matters in any way.)
I’ve had tinnitus for a number of decades. The least useful thing is people telling you that it’s only in your head and it’s a phantom noise. Tinnitus has been recorded previously and it does not exist as just a mental issue. It is a real and physical thing.
I sleep with a humidifier, the small fan makes just enough white noise where it helps to drown out some of the ringing. I also gave up on my standard headphones and primarily used bone conducting headphones now to prevent further problems. Also, unfortunately, I no longer ride with the windows down in my car because the constant pressure changes make my ringing go off the rails. That used to be one of my favorite things to do in the winter.
With minor adjustments it doesn’t make things go away, but you can help to manage the symptoms. I still have tinnitus, even as I sit down and write about this. However, it comes and goes and not everyday is full of squealing and no day is completely quiet, but hopefully you’ll find some comfort in the middle.