I know that my tinnitus has been so loud before it hurts my head and the only solace I have for one is I know it can only go so loud, secondly I know have better days and that it will settle down, and then I take it one day at a time and breathe. That's all I can do. I share the sentiment that if others could only be inside my head for a day they would know. I take comfort in knowing that my primary doctors husband has tinnitus and understands, as well as my therapist who undertstands the "noise". My faith is a strong influence in my life so that helps me not to throw myself off a cliff but I've had my tough days, as many on here have, and I know that I am doing the best I can. I know how tough it is to "accept" this noise and it does not work for everyone, but for me accepting it has made it less intrusive and it has made me not notice it as much and I have tinnitus 2.5 yrs. I am also strong because I am in menopause which I dont expect people to know about, but it is based in hormones, which has made me feel totally out of sorts. But I found that after 2.5 yrs. Im still here, Im still breathing, and I have gotten through the worst of time and it has taught me strong coping skills. I do hope that you get the break you need. I've gone two weeks with it being intrusive and I always seem to pray for a low day and it comes and for that Im thankful. Stress will only make it worse, it's kind of like a hamster wheel that's hard to get out of and will lead to listening for it, rating it's sound, thinking about it, and the vicious cycle continues. You have to dig deep for what helps you to cope during these days. Many need meds, others dont, it's very personal that way. We each do what we feel is best for us as individuals and not what the consensus of people tells us to. I used to try a lot of meds but I fare better taking nothing and accepting my tinnitus than I do taking meds. The only thing I take is Ambien for sleep, not so much for the tinnitus anymore, but because I generally dont sleep. I took it for tinnitus at first though but I find I can nap through the noise and better ignore it than before. Hugs and best wishes, Judy

I'm sorry Lesley, I think I'm heading into a loud spell. The last really bad one I had was in January and to be honest after days of suffering I finally just started to eat sleeping pills and xanax....not a good answer but you did ask;)
Hope tomorrow is better.
Sue

Ricepaper, I sent you a personal message. If you get a chance I hope you read it. John

Judy, understand the hormone stuff thats about the time my t kicked in. I don't take meds either & know there will be quiter days, its just getting to them
Sue, hopefully it won't get too bad for you this time.
Hugs to you both
Lesley

Ricepaper, Never mind on the PM. I see you read it. I did reply to your's though.

The first thing I ask anyone who is struggling so much is 'how long have you had it?' and 'have you tried masking?'

If you have had it for a relatively short period of time it is good to keep in mind that habituation does eventually occur. At different times and rates for different people, but our brains are designed to habituate to permanent ever present changes.

If you haven't tries masking with white noise yet, it would be greatly advised to give it a try. It doesn't work for everyone, but it does for most, and for some it works extremely well for both short and long term relief.

I've had this for 2 years and I'm struggling still....why can't some people habituate easily? Some seem to get t and within a few months they are coping very well, can't hear it unless they listen....I hear mine loud and clear. The old refrigerator example....yes I got a new refrigerator and I noticed the new noise for about a week, yet this noise in my head I still notice 2 years later. Very frustrating, lately I've been having too many adult beverages to cope. That's not a good answer but I'm running out of ideas here. Masking doesn't work when it's loud/shrill, it does work on a medium day but I don't really need to mask on a medium day....the days I could really use relief is when it's loud and shrill. Well just venting, thanks.
Sue

Suera, I'm sorry the road to habituation has been so long for you.

I know I can't understand how hard it's been for you or how many things you've tried to make it easier, but the only answer anyone can give is that you just have to keep plugging away at it and trying new methods or put in more serious mental work at finding new ways of thinking about it.

I assume you've long ago tried the approach of just trying to ignore and not think about it and give it time (which is the first thing anyone should try), so the only thing left is continuing to be proactive until something clicks.

I am a huge advocate of masking with white noise as a long term treatment, although I do understand it doesn't work for everyone. You may very well be one of the people who can't get relief with this method, but if it is that bad for you, it at least couldn't hurt since you'd be suffering anyway. Unless you find the white noise makes it worse for some reason, but that doesn't seem likely.

When I say long term I mean use it constantly during your quiet alone time, whether your T is particularly bothering you or not. The idea is to get your brain so accustomed to hearing something that you will eventually be more able to keep the T subconscious.

Other than that keep trying to think outside the box. Try positive association whenever it bothers you most, watch a favorite movie or listen to a favorite song or have an absorbing chat with someone or eat your favorite food. The brain is so complex and there are so many ways to trick it, you just have to find that trick.

You imply that you are drinking pretty heavily, trust me this will only make it worse. I was a pretty heavy drinker myself before the T, but I quickly found that I had to give it up if I really wanted to recover. Dealing with the hangovers and withdrawal and depression that are associated with too much drinking are the last thing you need and the stress will almost certainly make the T worse. The only thing I drink now is an occasional glass or two of red wine and that's fine, just please stay away from the liquor and excess.

Ricepaper, Sent you a pm about sending you the masking CD. It's ready to go but just need more info to mail it to you. Thanks! John

I quiet mine with drugs--Trileptal and for a time Pramipexole. I also have TRT generators--mixing the "shhhhh" noise in with the screech helps to calm me and helps me to be able to even ignore it some. You can get gens online for about $350 each.