Let's Talk Tinnitus

Habituation to tinnitus is a long journey, and it’s important to have good guides along the way. Caris is one of them. I’ve gotten so much out of listening to her perspectives on tinnitus in the last few months. She’s very good at communicating the fact that tinnitus is not medically threatening, is extremely common (up to 30% of the general population), and most importantly, is something that can fade into the background, if you just learn to let it. Of course this last part is not easy, but it can be done. When I think back to the total despair I was in during the first few months of this condition, I am astonished by how far I’ve come. It rarely bothers me now, and I’m noticing it less and less. It is very important to get out of the “quick fix” mindset, and Caris is very effective in taking the fear out of having tinnitus. Thank you, Caris!

I’m an artist living in Portland, Oregon and became affected by severe tinnitus in October of 2022. I was in a desperate place and searching for connection, support and messages of hope for my condition, which the medical community was unable to provide. I first found Caris on Instagram through a search on #tinnitus. Her page, @the_tinnitus_cookbook came up and unlike other resource sites about T, her messaging was optimistic, honest and compelling. I felt encouraged by the fact that this young person was looking for positive methods of coping with severe tinnitus. Beyond that, it is compelling to see someone overcoming a very challenging chronic condition by leading a fulfilling and productive life in spite of it. It makes me feel like I can, too. I am really happy Caris decided to start this pod, a natural next step for the community she is building. I look forward to listening to future episodes!