Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound when no external sound is present – a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, humming, pulsing or hissing, or any combination of these.
Sufferers may hear it in one or both ears. It may be present all the time, or off and on. Though there is no known cure for most cases, many people learn to manage it.
Sumayyah’s (not her real name) tinnitus came about after repeated exposure to noise while playing squash in an enclosed glass court. It sounded like a gunshot going off near her right ear each time she hit the ball. She had no idea it was damaging her hearing until it was too late.
She was initially very upset as, ironically, she was trying to increase her physical activity to reduce stress and get in better shape. Now that she had constant ringing in her ear, she was even more stressed than before.
She eventually decided that being depressed was not helping, so she reached out for help. She contacted an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. After a positive diagnosis, she obtained helpful literature and resources, including a support person who had the condition to talk with over the phone.
The first thing she had to do was let go of her fear so she could relax and deal with it more constructively. She also learnt she had become clinically depressed, so she sought professional help.
She was prescribed medication to relieve lack of sleep, loss of appetite, difficulty letting go of negative thoughts, and loss of interest in things she used to find pleasurable. She received counselling to help her stop focusing on the negative aspects of the condition.
Sumayyah firstly learnt to see tinnitus as more neutral than negative, then as more positive than neutral. She now realises it is like a stress meter in her head: when her stress is too high, her tinnitus is loud. It becomes a reminder that she needs to slow down, breathe and relax.
It also reminds her that she needs to take better care of herself and not push herself so hard. Her tinnitus does not bother her when she is engaged in positive activity, exercising, or fully present in her life.
She is sharing her story as it concerns the crucial choices people face every day – those with chronic pain, disabilities, addictions or terminal diseases. She says people must accept the reality that they are powerless over certain things and find peace and serenity. Her condition is a reminder to be grateful for life.
Sumayyah says if one hears a sound that doesn’t go away, a hearing evaluation is recommended. She encourages people to reach out to others who share the same experience.
She also advises patients with tinnitus to perceive the sound as being the “energy of life”, and to use this energy to make the most of every day.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life after that. Feel free to email [email protected] to share your story.
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