To know what it feels like to have tinnitus, an incessant phantom sound in the ears, you must first ask, “What does it sound like?” People have variously described their tinnitus noise as:
- Beeping or buzzing
- Chirping or crickets
- Dial tones or hissing
- Ocean waves or pulsing
- Rattling or ringing
- Roaring or screeching
- Shrieking or static
- Whining or whooshing
Tinnitus ranges in severity from mildly irritating to truly distressing and can be intermittent or constant. Some people hear a single noise while others experience an ever-changing menu of sounds. In some cases, different sounds combine to create a symphony of discord.
At Hearing Associates of las Vegas, we believe no one with tinnitus should have to go it alone. We stand ready to assist you with the latest tinnitus management tools. First, though, let’s talk a bit more about what it feels like to have tinnitus.
Tinnitus Has Many Side Effects
There are numerous side effects of tinnitus, not least of which is fatigue. It can be exhausting straining to hear over tinnitus noise. This is exacerbated by the fact that the ceaseless internal din makes it hard to sleep. Other common side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Concentration problems
- Depression
- Irritability
Tinnitus Can Make You Feel Alone
Having tinnitus can also make you feel very isolated. It’s a hidden ailment, so people are generally unable to perceive you are suffering. You may also feel like nobody understands your plight because many people don’t know what tinnitus is or have little grasp of its detrimental impacts.
With this in mind, we suggest you have your spouse or other loved ones listen to samples of tinnitus sounds we’ve included on our website. This can help make your condition feel more real to them. It can also help your family better sympathize, understanding when you need extra rest or when your tinnitus makes you feel down.
Some people with tinnitus are also helped by talking with others who have tinnitus, benefiting from the perspective and camaraderie. The American Tinnitus Association has a support list of fellow tinnitus sufferers willing to communicate with you via telephone or email.
Tinnitus Can Make You Feel Hopeless
While there are a number of management tools and techniques, there is no cure for tinnitus at this time. This can lead a person suffering from tinnitus to conclude that their situation will never improve. The despair can be especially acute during times when a flare-up renders your tinnitus louder and more acute.
There’s no magic remedy that will make tinnitus go away, but we have many ways we treat tinnitus at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas. These include counseling, relaxation techniques, sound therapy and hearing aids, many of which come equipped with built-in tinnitus management tools.
Tinnitus Can Make You Feel Overwhelmed
We all get overwhelmed by the challenges of life. There may be times that your tinnitus leaves you feeling like you’re at your wit’s end. During these periods, we urge you to be kind to yourself. Take a nap. Call in for a much-needed sick day. And reach out to your hearing instrument specialist.
At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we’ve created the first Tinnitus Relief Studio, located at our Summerlin office. When things get rough, patients can make appointments for a 30-minute getaway in this spa-like oasis. It features low lighting, no distractions, and a zero-gravity massage chair.
Now you know more about what it feels like to have tinnitus, it’s time to learn what it feels like to have your tinnitus alleviated with the help of caring professionals. If you’re ready to stop letting tinnitus run your life, contact us to make an appointment.
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