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Today, I’m excited to share another powerful tinnitus success story, and for you all to meet Ellen – whose tinnitus nightmare began 24 hours after a high-dose flu shot. What followed was a severe spike unlike anything she had experienced before.
- A high-pitched, siren-like sound in both ears
- Nearly 4 days without sleep
- Extreme distress and anxiety
- Sound sensitivity (hyperacusis)
What should have been a routine medical procedure quickly turned turned her life upside down.
Habituation Relapse:
This was not the first time Ellen had experienced tinnitus – but as is often the case, the relapse was much more severe. To make things even more challenging, Ellen is a dentist – working daily in an office filled with high-pitched, triggering sounds.
She quickly developed hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) on top of her tinnitus as well, and everyday sounds began to feel overwhelming.
Her dishwasher sounded like a car engine roaring in her ears. Dropped objects felt explosive. Voices echoed uncomfortably in her ears.
This is something I see all the time in my coaching clients.
When the nervous system is in a heightened state of threat, it doesn’t just react to tinnitus – it can start reacting to everything.
When you can’t step away:
Showing up for her patients at work became a significant struggle. For someone in the middle of a severe tinnitus spike, this kind of environment can feel nearly impossible to tolerate.
But as is the case for so many people, stepping away from work wasn’t an option. So she showed up anyways – exhausted, overwhelmed, and just doing her best to get through each day.
Rapid Progress:
Within just a few weeks, Ellen began to notice meaningful improvements.
Her sleep improved, her anxiety lessened, and reactivity decreased.
Through a combination of nervous system regulation strategies, tinnitus-focused meditation, and consistent daily practice, Ellen was able to make rapid progress.
In just 74 days, she reached full habituation!
Her tinnitus dramatically lessened in volume, faded into the background, and stopped impacting her life.
This story is a powerful reminder that even when tinnitus is severe, sudden, and triggered by a medical event, relief is still possible!
In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:
- Ellen’s habituation relapse following a high-dose flu vaccine
- Tinnitus spikes and severe sleep deprivation
- Working as a dentist in a noisy and triggering environment
- Why sound sensitivity often occurs with tinnitus
- Nervous system dysregulation
- The strategies and protocols we used to help Ellen find relief
- The importance of achieving early wins
- Returning to normal life
If your tinnitus started after a medication, vaccine, or medical procedure, this conversation will resonate deeply.
Ellen’s story offers real hope to anyone experiencing tinnitus or hyperacusis after a vaccine, medication, or medical procedure, and shows that full recovery is possible.
Tinnitus and hyperacusis can feel extremely isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Click here to learn more about my 1-on-1 Tinnitus coaching program.
