Teresa Garratty: The 10 stages of Tinnitus

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A lot of people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives (both deaf and hearing), for some it’s not really a huge problem but for others its like being tortured for information that you would gladly give up if only you knew what the hell it was they wanted!!

For those who have yet to experience the wonders/horrors of tinnitus, I’ve compiled a *highly scientific list demonstrating the 10 stages of the affliction.

*Not actually scientific at all, there is NO SCIENCE HERE!

Due to popular demand (4 people), you can also view the list in handy futuristic vlog form (don’t forget to turn on subtitles if you need them!), because reading and crap drawings are for old people.

Read or watch at your leisure/peril!

1. Shock

You will notice some kind of weird sound coming from somewhere…

2. Denial

You’ll try to ignore it, hoping that it will stop…

3. Searching

It won’t stop, so you’ll go on a hunt for the weird sounds origin…

4. Anger

You will become angry.

5. Blame

You’ll try to blame the noise on a number of outrageous things.

6. Acceptance

Eventually, you will consider the fact that what you’re hearing could be tinnitus.

7. More Anger

But that will just make you even more angry.

8. Fear

At some point you’ll over-think things and scare yourself.

9. Desperation

You will become desperate and try anything to make the noise stop.

10. Defeat

You will give in and decide that you will just have to spend the rest of your life haunted by a random infuriating sound that can never be identified…and then it stops! Totally at random. Because tinnitus is super annoying like that.

Hope this list helps!*

*It probably won’t.

Read more of Teresa’s articles for us by clicking here.

Teresa is a freelance film maker, photographer and full time cynic. At school, she was voted “Most likely to end up in a lunatic asylum”, a fate which has thus far been avoided. Her pet hates are telephones, intercoms and all living things.