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The
potential consequences of having Tinnitus can be
devastating for some and there are multiple ways in
which Tinnitus can impact an individual and his/her
life. Each of these dimensions can exist on their own
or feed into each other. A vicious feedback loop can be
created reinforcing the distress experienced by the
person with Tinnitus.
Emotional Dimension:
The
person with Tinnitus can feel a myriad of emotions.
These include feelings of depression, anger, resentment,
irritability, anxiety, fear, distress, panic,
hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, worry,
isolation and loneliness. Due to the potential changes
in the person’s life, grief reactions are experienced in
response to these losses; especially the loss of
silence. Some people feel that they cannot imagine
living the rest of their life with the ‘sound’ and
question the purpose and value of their life. It is
vital that if
you have any thoughts of suicide, that you will
immediately
contact a medical professional, therapist, go to the
hospital or contact a loved one who can help keep you
safe. Support and guidance on how to become less
overwhelmed is available and you do not have to go
through this alone.
Cognitive Dimension:
The
Tinnitus can impair concentration and memory due to the
intrusiveness of the sound and how it interferes with
the ability to focus and pay attention. An obsessive
preoccupation with the Tinnitus can lead to the
development of negative patterns of thought, attitudes
and beliefs about the Tinnitus. The negative content of
one’s thinking leads to increased distress and
interferes with effective coping.
Social Dimension:
People with Tinnitus can find themselves withdrawing
from previously enjoyed social interaction and
activity. Some might believe that family and friends
don’t always understand and decide that it might be
easier just to decrease contact rather than try to
explain a condition that has no visible signs of
discomfort. Avoidance behaviors can also come in the
form of sleeping more or ‘self-medicating’. Increased
isolation from people, places and things however will
only serve to create more time to ruminate, worry and
feel more depressed. Loved one’s of the person with
Tinnitus are impacted socially as well. They too will
experience losses due to their partner’s withdrawal from
them and aspects of their life together.
Occupational Dimension:
Sometimes the Tinnitus is a result of an occupational
accident as in the form of a loud explosion or constant
exposure to high levels of sound. There can be changes
in identity, role, income and employment when the
Tinnitus prevents the person from effectively doing
their current job or when the distress is so
overwhelming that their functioning and performance is
affected. Changes of this nature can affect a person’s
sense of purpose and self-worth and can contribute to
the development of depression.
Relationship Dimension:
Relationships can experience increased conflict and
strain due to changes in communication and interaction
with others in general. The tinnitus can feel like an
“intruder” in the relationship and resentment,
disappointment, and loneliness can be experienced.
Physical Dimension:
Stress is experienced by those with any chronic medical
condition and is a factor in exacerbating symptoms.
These symptoms could manifest physically in the form of
increased headaches, muscle tension and other somatic
complaints. Sleeping is disturbed for many as it is
either the only ‘escape’ from the sound, or it is a
‘sound nightmare’. Impaired sleep can lead to increased
irritability, anxiety and stress; again aggravating the
Tinnitus.
Spiritual Dimension:
No
one can ever be prepared for the tremendous impact,
disruption and despair that can be brought about by a
chronic medical condition. For some people, it can
create an inner struggle around beliefs and faith. You
may feel abandoned, angry and confused as you try to
search for answers to the “why” questions and try to
find meaning and purpose in something unseen and only
heard by you. |
