It’s been about three weeks since this started and I’m honestly on the verge of losing it haha. Does anyone else experience this? How did you manage in the beginning? I’m considering taking a leave of absence, but I’m in my final semester of law school, so I’m conflicted. I assume some people just push through it and I’m hoping I can do the same. I’ve already visited an ENT and an audiologist, so it’s really the mental side that’s wearing me down. I’m curious how widespread it is; research suggests 10-40%, though I find that hard to believe. Also, not sure if ‘disability’ is the right tag, but it seemed like the best fit.
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The ringing is definitely maddening at first, but trust me, your brain will eventually adapt and tune it out. Lots of people experience this, especially in high-stress paths like law school. You could try using white noise apps or a humidifier to give your ears something else to focus on while you study. Don’t give up on your final semester just yet; only take a leave if it truly prevents you from functioning.
I’ve had this my whole life lol. I actually grew up thinking everyone heard this. When it gets too loud, I just put on some background noise to drown it out.
My tinnitus usually flares up with infections, like a cough or fever. It’s the standard ‘tnnnnnG’ sound, but I can ignore it so it’s not a big deal for me. One time in 2019, I had such a high fever that I heard actual gibberish. I was terrified that night, thinking I was possessed or something lol. Luckily, it went back to the normal ringing and eventually resolved itself.
Is this the same thing people get from flying? I’m very prone to that ringing sound after a flight and it stays with me for days. It’s easy to ignore during the day with all the ambient noise, but it’s so annoying when trying to sleep.
I’ve had permanent tinnitus for about 3-4 years now. It appeared a few months after I lost hearing in my left ear. Unlike you, I didn’t pay much attention to it when it started and I still don’t. Occasionally, I even dance to the sound like it’s music. I suggest consulting Dr. Charlotte Chiong at Manila Doctor’s Hospital if you’re really worried. She’s an ENT, a hearing specialist, and the dean of UP College of Medicine.
Search for tinnitus flosser videos on YouTube to find a frequency that masks your specific ring. The Resound tinnitus relief app is also quite helpful. I’ve also found that using EarProMax helps keep my ears feeling more comfortable. Hang in there, OP.
I had it for a few years. When I finally went for a check-up, the ENT told me I was being way too aggressive with cleaning my ears. My husband hides the Q-tips from me now lol.
I shouldn’t have read this, now I’m focusing on the sound again.