It's Leaf again. I'm doing better, but I have another problem I don't know what to do about. My dad really wants to take me to see the Star Wars movie, but I'm afraid that the loudness of the theater might make my tinnitus worse. I'm ok now but if it got worse I don't know if I could handle it. I am even thinking of hurting myself or making myself sick so I won't have to go, I'm that afraid. If I just tell him I am afraid to go he will be upset with me and try and convince me to go anyway. -Leaf
And I know itās really important to him so I feel really guilty about it. I just donāt want to take any chances because I donāt want to go back to feeling like I have to kill myself. -Leaf
Hi Leaf, sorry for the late response!
Iām glad to hear that you are doing better :)
I know you sent this message in a few days ago, so is there any update on the situation? Did you end up going to see the Star Wars movie, or did you talk to your dad about how youāre feeling? Please, whatever you do, donāt hurt yourself just so you wonāt have to go. Itās not worth it. There are other less harmful ways to deal with this situation, so letās brainstorm some ideas together!
What about telling your dad you donāt really like the movies and that youād prefer to watch it at home when it comes out? Does your dad know about your tinnitus? Can you do some research and show him that movie theaters can make tinnitus worse, and explain to him that you really want to go but because of that you canāt? Maybe that way he will realize it isnāt personal.
What about wearing a pair of earphones: I read that that can help dull the noise but youāll still be able to hear what is going on.
Here are some links I think can help you:
http://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/going-to-the-theatre-movies.1046/
http://www.icanlivewithmytinnitus.com/?p=131
http://tinnitussupport92262.yuku.com/topic/11868/The-cinema-and-tinnitus#.Von0t1J4wQ0