If tinnitus is new for you, the early weeks can feel unsettling, and it can be hard to know where to start.
You might wonder if you’ll always have tinnitus, or for how long will it stay loud or annoying. Some people notice it and aren’t bothered but just want to understand what’s happening.
This short guide walks you through some practical first steps, and signs that are worth checking with your doctor.
Tinnitus can start suddenly, or appear gradually. You may first notice it in quiet rooms or when falling asleep, and it’s normal to feel concerned. Whatever the reaction, it’s important to know what do first when you experience tinnitus.
The early weeks
Tinnitus can arrive with no known cause. In some cases there is a medical reason, so if you would like to know more about causes of tinnitus, you can read more here.
In the beginning your brain treats tinnitus as something important to pay attention to. That’s why many people find it hard to focus on other things in the early days. For many people, the tinnitus settles as the the brain no longer treats the sound as a threat, which allows it to fade into the background of your awareness (Tunkel et al., 2014). This takes time and the time varies between people.
What to expect
The first few weeks are often the hardest part. For most people the sound becomes less demanding over time as the brain settles, even though some days are harder than others. A louder day is not a setback, and it doesn't undo the settling that's already happening. Give yourself time, and be patient with the ups and downs.
Your first steps
There are a few practical things that help in these early weeks.
See your GP: a medical check rules out any medical causes and allows your GP to decide if you need referral to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. Often this is to rule out a medical cause, and doesn’t assume anything serious is happening.
See an Audiologist: This is to determine if your hearing may be affected and to have a thorough tinnitus assessment.
Keep gentle background sound around you. Soft sound such as a fan, radio, quiet music, or nature sounds all work to distract your brain from the tinnitus and can help you to relax.
Prioritise habits for healthy sleep: Tiredness can make tinnitus seem louder, so a gradual wind-down at night can help you fall asleep. If you’re having trouble with sleep due to tinnitus, here is an article with some evidence-based sleep habits.
Reduce late night internet searches: there is a lot of great information on tinnitus out there. But some some can be alarming and not always based in evidence. If you read something you’re not sure of, feel free to contact me (Gabrielle, Clinical Audiologist) at the clinic: gabrielle@bluemountainstinnitusclinic.com.au
When to check with your doctor
Most tinnitus is not a sign of anything dangerous, but if you experience any of the below, it’s worth a visit to your GP (Tunkel et al., 2014):
Tinnitus in one ear only
Tinnitus that pulses in time with your heartbeat
Tinnitus that comes on suddenly, or with hearing loss or dizziness
Tinnitus often settles over time, but it’s important to see your GP to rule out any medical causes, and visit your Audiologist for a tinnitus history and assessment.
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