By Barry Keate
Barry Keate, has lived with tinnitus over 40 years and has published 150+ research articles on numerous aspects of tinnitus. He is an expert on the condition and a well-known advocate for those with tinnitus.
(Askar Abayev/pexels)
Managing a life with tinnitus can sometimes make connecting with the people around you feel difficult. Between the exhaustion that comes with sleep interruptions, the stress and emotional toll of hearing a ringing or hissing 24/7, and newfound sound sensitivities, social gatherings can be the last place you want to be.
Having tinnitus doesn’t mean you need to hide away from society or decline invitations out of places; it just means that how you connect looks a little different. Thankfully, there are many ways to connect with the people around you, even when you suffer from challenging symptoms. Below are some of the best strategies and tips for maintaining social connections with your loved ones. With a supportive social network, and some small adjustments for your tinnitus, a fulfilling social life is possible.
Let Your Loved Ones In
After receiving a diagnosis, it is important to let your loved ones know you have tinnitus. While you don’t have to advertise your condition to the world, letting those close to you know about your tinnitus and the symptoms you experience can help them plan activities and gatherings that do not aggravate your condition.
When people around you know about your struggles, they can also help you learn to better cope with your symptoms. The people who surround you are the people who will be able to listen to your successes and trials with your tinnitus and make sure you don’t have to walk the path alone. When you feel supported, you feel connected.
Advocate for Yourself
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself when you are in crowded spaces, such as restaurants. There is nothing wrong with asking to sit in a quieter part of a restaurant or asking if the staff could turn the music down on the sound system while you are there. You would be surprised how accommodating people can be if you simply ask.
More than just asking venue staff to help you with your symptom management, make sure to speak up for yourself with your friends, family, and coworkers, too. If your social circle is planning an event and wants to go somewhere that may not be as enjoyable for you, say something. They may be willing to change their plans so you can be included and have an enjoyable time.
Invest in Hearing Protection
We’re not saying you should wear noise-canceling headphones every time you leave the house, but noise-dampening ear plugs or even just plain, inexpensive foam ear plugs in loud venues such as concerts or nightclubs may prevent your symptoms from becoming aggravated.
Tinnitus from loud noise can be made worse by continued exposure to extreme sound levels, so protecting your hearing properly can help in slowing the progression of your disorder. A tinnitus diagnosis doesn’t mean that you have to leave behind your love of concerts or live sports; it just means that you need to manage them differently.
So, the next time your friends or family want to go to a headlining concert, festival, or stadium, remember to pack your earplugs.
Keep an Eye Out for Accessible Alternatives
In the age of accessibility, more options than ever cater to the needs of those with sensory issues, including hearing loss and tinnitus. If you and your loved ones want to go to the movie theater, you may find that the loud sound system does not agree with your tinnitus or that the background noises make it difficult to focus on the speakers. At many movie theaters nationwide, more accessible showings are becoming available, featuring subtitles or lowered volumes.
Beyond movie theaters, there are lots of accessible alternatives to activities that may affect your tinnitus. If you and your loved ones keep an eye out for them, you can plan many incredible outings that bring you closer together without harming your hearing further.
Become an Active Listener
When you are in loud or crowded environments with lots of background noise, it can be challenging to focus on the social interactions you are having. It can feel lonely if you cannot participate in conversations fully or if people are upset that you aren’t “listening hard enough.”
Practicing active listening habits, like holding eye contact, asking questions, and nodding or shaking your head. These actions not only show the listener that you are engaged in the conversation but also helps you to focus on their voice and not the sounds around you. It can help you hone in on the conversation without being as distracted by the noises around you.
Find a Support Group
There are many networks and communities out there, both online and in-person, that are full of individuals who suffer from tinnitus. These spaces can be great for connecting with people in a similar situation to you, and many organized activities are accessible to everyone in the group. You may find that you feel more seen and heard in these groups and that understanding can help you feel more comfortable and confident when approaching outside social opportunities.
Give Yourself Grace
Tinnitus can be a burden mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is essential to give yourself space for relaxation and time to recharge. During social events, taking a few minutes to sit in a quiet space may help you feel less overwhelmed or have a quiet day after a big night out. Although seemingly inconsequential, taking time for yourself can help you better cope with your tinnitus symptoms and be more prepared for your next opportunity for connection.
It is also important to properly care for your body so that you are ready for social events with your loved ones. Eating the right balance of vitamins and minerals or investing in a tinnitus relief supplement may help relieve your symptoms and help you prepare for your next social gathering.
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