How it’s worse now.

I had learned to tune out the noise in my ears and focus on the real world. But that seems harder now. Perhaps that’s because there’s more damage, or maybe it’s just because my brain is focusing on other, more pressing matters. Either way the noise is louder than I remember it being before, and it does drive me nuts!

It definitely seems worse when I’m stressed and fatigued. There are times that due to my light and noise sensitivity I need to lie down in a dark, quiet room. But when you have tinnitus this is when those bells really stand out. With no other noise to focus on those bell ringers in my head have a party!

What can help?

When you have a brain injury, sleep is even more vital than ever. But for me that’s when I have to work harder to drown the bells out. So I find it useful to listen to something quietly so I have something else to focus on. I usually go for either guided meditation, or a sleep hypnosis track. Not only is this a different noise, they both help me to relax. It has been shown that stress has a negative effect on tinnitus sufferers. The last thing you need is to be stressing about how you can’t sleep because those stupid bell ringers don’t know when to have a day off!

There are other options out there as well, such as downloadable apps that emit white noise. I’d rather put music on, but it might be good for you.

Probably the best advice I can give you is to make sure you stay hydrated and don’t have too many stimulants. Alcohol and caffeine both can be responsible for dehydration and they can disturb your natural sleep cycle.

One of the best things about hearing, is being able to talk to your friends. But with a brain injury having a conversation can difficult for many reasons. We need that contact, so read my suggestions in How to enjoy a conversation after brain injury.

This post is sponsored by Auris Ear Care Ltd. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.