Tinnitus Update
I received a lot of emails on my recent post about tinnitus. Thank you for the kind words of support.
What is different for me this time around compared to when the tinnitus first emerged three years ago? I do not have the same intensity of emotional response to the condition. Is the condition challenging? At times, you bet it is. Last night, I awoke around 3am and I was shocked at the intensity of the ringing noise in my head. However, I was able to control the “fight or flight” response and I resumed sleeping. Three years ago, I would have been overcome with anxiety and nausea. Three years ago, I did not sleep at night.
The process of habituating to the condition seems to be going faster this time as well.
No question that it has been a setback in terms of quality of life. It is hard to describe just how terrible the condition can be when it is present in the conscious mind.
But for those who did write to me, I am doing fine and I am coping much better these days.
Richard I have had tinnitus for years. The only way to get rid of it is by getting hearing aids. I had a hearing disability anyway. I have had them for 5 years and I would not leave home without them.
Take care.
Hi Kip,
I have had my hearing tested and I have no issues with hearing. In my particular case, the tinnitus is not related to hearing loss — although for many people, the two are related. I am habituating to the tinnitus more quickly this time around and I am starting to get back to “normal”. Normal meaning that I do not perceive the tinnitus most of the time.
Both you and I know how troubling this condition can be… pleased to hear that your aids are working well for you.
I just recently started experiencing the constant buzzing-hum of tinnitus. I’m determined to make it go away at this point and am waiting on an ear exam. As a music teacher, I really don’t want to “live with it”. I understand that studies have been done that find improvement with melatonin or botox treatments. I’m going to be exhausting all the possibilities. I would really like to be able to sleep again – I hope things are going well with you, Richard *HUGS*
Hi Kimberly,
Tinnitus does not go away however the brain will gradually adapt and, for most people, the perception of tinnitus will diminish. Usually to the point where it is not a material factor. That is what happened in my case although it did re-emerge in March of 2010. Not sure why. But now, it is simply not a factor in everyday life.
My wish is that the same will happen for you. When tinnitus first emerged, I was quite despondent and it was a trying time for me personally. There was little in the way of hope. But let me assure you that there is hope and for most people, tinnitus fades away over time.