To think there's no way on earth you can 'ignore' tinnitus?

[ILikeToBeBesideTheSea]

Had sudden tinnitus start 3 months ago, cause not found. Various different noises in each ear/head. Seems to change volume throughout the day and pitch also fluctuates. I've been told over time you can get used to it and tune it out, how can I do this when it's changing so much all the time? Feeling low and so down that this will be with me for life now. I just can't believe something so random exists!

I’ve had it for 20+ years and was given hearing aids on the NHS that play white noise (I do have mild hearing loss but not enough to require aids) slightly louder than my tinnitus.
It’s mainly a problem when it’s too quiet or I think about it, like now. I don’t wear the aids all the time, just when it becomes overwhelming.

I can normally tune mine out but I am able to completely tune everything else out If I’m concentrating on something - drives my partner mad. I’ve heard that practicing mindfulness can be really good so I’ve got a couple of books that I’m reading just now (one by ruby wax which is good for beginners) and does help me get to sleep when doing the exercises.

Similar to another poster, I've had it as far back as I can remember, so I suppose mine isn't out of the ordinary for me, hence it generally doesn't bother me. If I think about it I become aware of it/when it changes pitch sometimes I take more notice of it, but generally I don't think of it at all. It can bother me if I allow it to (let myself get in a stew about it), so now I try to do other stuff and distract myself if I start overthinking or hearing it too much.

I know a few people who have developed it in adulthood and I think from speaking to them that they are more bothered by theirs. Generally, popular solutions seem to be audio books/podcasts/always having some level of background noise that helps drown it out. I do think it's one of those things that you gradually learn to live with, though.

It used to be intrusive for me but I barely noticed it anymore (until I see tinnitus mentioned somewhere).

It's sort of like playing The Game.

I've not read the full thread and I know you didn't ask this but have you had your b12 levels checked? I randomly was reading a few days ago that low levels can cause tinnitus

I can completely empathise with you. Mine started after I stopped working snd was home alone. Initially it was low pitch abc I thought it was the sound of silence. It then became so overwhelming. I really thought I’d lose my mind. I’d be so upset that I would just cry. Since having my hearing aids and listening to podcasts casts, videos etc in day time it’s not so bad and at night listen to the Calm app

Best thing was some CBT from the audiology dept at royal Surrey. Please see if there something similar by you. Very helpful

You do get used to it. I can’t say I can ignore it but I’m more accepting of it. Occasionally I just can’t hear anything other than the tinnitus so I do tell my family when this is happening so they know why I may not follow/hear what they’re saying.

It’s a horrible thing but you can get used to it. Know you’re not alone.

Best of luck to you.

You can ignore it. Honestly you can. I’ve had it for 30 years. And it’s very loud.

When it first appeared it drove me mad and kept me awake at night. I was 17.

After a month or so I decided the tinnitus was a friend whispering in my ear.

It’s louder than ever now, after various operations. But ever since then I’ve felt comfortable with it.

I've had tinnitus all my life so I tune it out pretty easily for the most part and actually would miss it now if it disappeared overnight, but it becomes far, far worse when I need my Vitamin B12 jab, so in absence of any other indentified cause I would get yourself a test for B12 deficiency, OP.

Oh, I see someone else just mentioned B12. Yes, it's definitely a thing.

Also had it for 30 years after head trauma, and you do get used to it. It drove me mad to start with (literally caused me distress to the point of mental illness), so I do sympathise. You just tune it out eventually. Takes 6-12 months I would have said, but it’s a gradual process so things will improve as time goes on. I found listening to music or the radio took my mind off it. I still sleep with (deliberately boring) podcasts playing, to “turn my mind off”.