4 months with tinnitus, struggling, aibu to think I should be coping better by now?!

[ILikeToBeBesideTheSea]

I've been better the last few days than I was when it all first started but I'm having a 'spike' and feeling very down that this is it now for the rest of my life. I feel like I'm existing, just going through the motions. I miss hearing nothing/quiet, so much.

I sympathise with you, I've had tinnitus for years. What caused yours, if it's not too nosy to ask? It's quite normal to feel upset about it, especially if you like peace and quiet. I try to distract myself with dvds, music, books etc.

@PainterInPeril I have no idea what caused it, just woke up with it. It's just days like today when I go for a nice walk outside and it's just there fizzing away so it's all I can think about. It's sucked the enjoyment out of everything.

I've had it for most of my56 years. It's horrible.
I don't cope well with complete silence. I always Need the radio or tv on, all the time.
At quiet moments, I have somehow learned to filter the sound out. It doesn't last long though.
You have my sympathy.

@1Morewineplease Do you think about it/notice it much? What caused yours if you don't mind me asking? It's hard not knowing why I have it!

@ILikeToBeBesideTheSea Do you have hearing loss too? My hearing was never great when I was young, and it's just gone downhill from there. I need to collect hearing aids from hospital soon. I've been told they will help reduce the tinnitus. My gran had it too. She used to say that you just have to get on with life, and not to focus on the noise too much. I always thought that was rubbish advice but I've found that is exactly how I'm trying to cope with it. Accept it, be calm about it, try to ignore it. Learn to adapt if you can. Sending a hug of solidarity!

@PainterInPeril No hearing loss, or anything abnormal on examination. Just one of those things apparently! I'm hoping I'll accept it easier with time but still very much feeling sorry for myself most of the time. At least it isn't life threatening I suppose, just mental health threatening!

I'm glad you still have your hearing. That's something at least. You'll find your own ways of coping. Occasionally it might be shouting a grumpy 'shut up!' when it's really bad. (That probably works better if you're at home alone!) Mostly it'll be keeping busy, that can help. Xx