All relationships can be difficult at times, but they should not be destructive to our well-being. Learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season with this free resource, “Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships.”

l

My Hearing

January 24, 2013

If you are looking for the Valentine’s Day Tips for Misters, click here.

It’s been almost a year since I’ve experienced silence. My left ear never stops screeching. Ringing. Hissing.

The noise screams so loudly sometimes I’m completely baffled others can’t hear it.

It’s also been almost a year since I was able to hear someone whispering into my left ear. Or carry on a normal conversation in a noisy restaurant. Or understand what people are saying if I can’t see their mouths.

Due to a scuba diving accident, with resulting ear surgery, I experienced severe nerve damage in my left ear.

The doctors have explained the noise isn’t actually in my ear. All the pitches of noise I can no longer hear constantly fire signals to my brain. So without God’s healing touch, the screaming isn’t going away.

I hear it when I’m trying to fall asleep.

I hear it when I’m trying to concentrate.

I hear it when I’m in a meeting.

I hear it when I’m in conversation.

I hear it all the time.

Yes, this stinks. It really does. I won’t get all Pollyanna on you and minimize the frustration and aggravation of it all.

But I refuse to get stuck in the depressing quicksand of what I’ve lost. Tucked within the crevice of a loss usually a gift can be found.

My gift?

The realization that little everyday things need to be noticed. Appreciated. Celebrated.

Silence is a common thing.

But silence is a glorious thing I never appreciated until I didn’t have it.

What other glorious, common things do I need to grab hold of today, and with a heart full of thanks say…

“Yes! This! I notice, God. I see, God. I recognize Your fingerprints of provision all over this God. And I’m so very, very thankful.”

I’m excited and thankful today to announce the Unglued Devotional blog tour!

I have come to know and love the hearts of the ladies who are joining me on the tour… and as it turns out, they have some “unglued” stories of their own.

Please click on their blogs today for a chance to get to know some of my friends and possibly win one of the fun GIVEAWAY GIFTS!

I love gifts. I love friends. I love fun.

Today is a fabulous day.

Cajun Joie de Vivre
The Southern Institute
Women Living Well
Karen Ehman
I’m Just Sayin’
Social Savvy Mom

Join me on January 29 at 9pm EST for a live, FREE Webcast with Women of Faith’s Sheila Walsh! We’ll be tackling the topic of “Inside Chatter.” We would love to have you with us.

So clear your schedule and meet me right back here at www.lysaterkeurst.com! (Afraid you’ll forget? Sign up for a reminder email here.)

You May Also Like…
When life demands too much from you

When life demands too much from you

For the girl going to bed tonight feeling … Weighed down by fear and worst-case scenario thinking. Consumed with anxiety because of situations you don’t know how to fix. Stressed out, maxed out and worn out by all that’s on your plate right now. Hold on to this...

If you’ve been feeling alone in this season …

If you’ve been feeling alone in this season …

When the very people you thought you could count on hurt you … When it seems like no one understands you or the struggles you’re facing … When you're surrounded by others but still feel incredibly lonely … It’s tempting to wonder, Jesus, are You here? Do You care? Oh,...

Am I missing the red flags in my relationships?

When navigating difficulties in a relationship, do you ever find yourself asking, "Is this normal? Is every relationship this hard?" I understand these challenges and have also asked the same questions. But after years of personal counseling and extensive time spent...

124 Comments
  1. jane

    Hi Lysa, I have the same problem with my ear. A hearing aid has greatly helped during the day, but at night the sound sometimes wakes me from sleep. There is also sound therapy for ringing ears. Do some google searching and you’ll come across it. I haven’t tried it yet, but am considering it. I pray for your healing.
    Jane

    Reply
  2. pat

    Lysa-
    I’m praying right now for your glorious healing. God of course is the author of miracles, as we know. Healed!! in Jesus’ name!!! Amen!
    On my end, I have been victimized and abused by my family for years, and kept coming back for more. Now I have been alienated by them (I think) , as they are not contacting me. After praying and fasting, I am realizing how FREEE I now am. I am free to run. I am free to dance. I am free to live for Him! Hallelujah!
    Continually praying for you!!!
    Love,
    Pat

    Reply
  3. Helen

    Thanks for sharing this and being so transparent with how you feel about it all. That is a huge blessing to me and a reminder to yes, truly appreciate all that God provides for us… all that I take for granted. Thank you for the different perspective to focus on. Praying His complete healing over you for your hearing. May you experience His peace when it all seems just a little “too loud” around you. Greetings from New Delhi, India.

    Reply
  4. Janell Rardon

    Oh dear Lysa,
    My heart sank as I read your words this early morning. I just can’t imagine.
    I am surrounding you with Psalm 61:2,
    “From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

    Other versions say, “WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED……”

    Oh, God, have mercy upon Lysa. RESTORE her hearing so she can
    continue leading thousands and millions of women to HEAR your voice. Amen.

    Know you are covered in prayers.

    Reply
  5. Deb Graham

    Lysa,
    I’ve dealt with this for years….after a horrible ear infection when I was a child…and the doctor misdiagnosed it….. I am partially deaf in my left year with the screeching and screaming there all the time….. Yes through this and a surgical accident that left my left vocal paralyzed.(it’s now surgically stinted over) I am able to get up and sing on our Praise Team at church every week… All I can say is nothing is impossible with God…. He even uses my “little bit” that I have to glorify Himself… No it’s not the best voice in the world…but it’s on pitch and it’s all for Him….. and He has glorified Himself through all of this….I promise, Lysa, He will use this in someone’s life…. embrace it and realize that without this “problem” there are people that you would have never crossed paths with…. that’s what I learned when I went through breast cancer 8 years ago…. God showed me all the people that I would have never met and impacted for Him had it not been for the diagnosis…. I could go on, but I won’t…. I just wanted to encourage you that what you see as a loss, God can use for His glory…
    In Him,
    Deb

    Reply
  6. Melissa

    Lysa,
    You have been prayed for each day as I pray for loved ones, strangers and friends who need healing. Thanks for reminding us that we all need to notice the small, the simple, the quiet blessings of each day. Continuing to lift you up as you continue to encourage me!
    Melissa

    Reply
  7. Wendy

    Lysa,
    Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers since you first mentioned the damage, and I was wondering if you had experienced any relief yet. We’ll keep the prayers coming!

    Reply
  8. colleen laquay urbaniuk

    i love how nothing is wasted. how God uses even our bad moments to bring about something good. how people like you embrace it and move forward always seeing His hand, always seeing Him. so many others don’t. they get lost in their own sorrow, they get stuck in their own pain. but God needs those who even when the rain is falling are still willing to get wet and cross the road to help another. He is our umbrella after all…

    happy thursday dear friend. thank you for not allowing the noise of this world to crowd out the whispers of Him.

    Reply
  9. Lynette Eason

    Hi Lysa, your story resonates with me so deeply. I feel your pain, your frustration. I suffer from that stupid, nervewracking ringing, hissing, screeching in my right ear. Mostly. Sometimes my left ear. I have a severe to profound hearing loss and wear hearing aids. Mine isn’t the result of an accident or a medical mishap, mine is just bad genes. LOL. Nerve deafness is in my family all the way up the family tree. The good thing is that my hearing aids often mask the ringing. Unless I’m in a quieter setting like riding in a car or sitting at my desk working. Then the ringing comes through even with the hearing aids turned on. That’s when I turn on the television for background noise or music or whatever. So sorry you have to go through this with the rest of us sufferers. God bless you. Praying for your healing and mine!

    Reply
  10. Chris Baker

    Lysa,
    I was just wondering how you were doing with your hearing; God’s timing is always perfect. You are continually in my prayers. I too have suffered a hearing loss & nerve damage. Now I am battling constant pain in the other ear & we are unable to track the source. So yes, the little things are very important. God is good all the time; all the time God is good! You are changing lives with what you & your team are doing…never forget that what you do matters. Hugs & Prayers XOXO 🙂

    Reply
  11. Diane Hawkins

    Lysa, I’ve had ringing/chirping in my ears for about 12 years now. It’s worse in my left, and like yours, it never stops. When I’m tired or stressed it gets worse. I just want you to know you can manage it to a livable level. God be with you and give you healing.

    Reply
  12. Barb Thompson

    Lysa, thank you for sharing about your ear again. I have been wondering. It is like Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Thank you for continuing your ministry even with this thorn. Cannot tell you how many times my life has been blessed and helped by your sharing and by your books–especially the Made to Crave. I also recently bought Unglued and know it will help greatly too. Thank you for being honest and real. Blessings, as we continue to pray.

    Reply
  13. Jenny Yarbrough

    Oh, Lysa, that must be so frustrating! I’m glad that you’ve found that the one way to not dwell on it is to focus on the other 1000 gifts that God has blessed you with. I consider Unglued and the Unglued Devotional two of mine. I’m so thankful that you have shared them with me and I’m honored to be a part of this book tour. These books are changing who I am. By God’s grace I am listening through the noise that attempts to drown out his still small voice telling me that I have a choice… I can choose to respond rather than react. Praise God for imperfect progress!

    Reply
  14. Lori Walz

    Lysa,

    I too know the struggle of hearing the screeching in my left ear all the time! When you first posted your ear ringing it was a comfort to me to have someone else verbalize how irritating it is and stressful. I was able to forward that email to my family so that they understood what I couldn’t describe to them! I pray that the Lord brings some relief to you!

    Reply
  15. Patti

    Lisa, I just “met” you today, and Proverbs 31 ministries online only two days ago. I cannot tell you how both days have talked to the deepest parts of my heart. Ironically, I am going through some disabling episodes that involve the ears!, as well as other parts of my central nervous system. This is leaving an already-disabled woman, who loves community and had great plans in her planner, isolated and waiting – for tests, cancellations, drs’ reports, THE ANSWER. Only God can keep my fears and anxiety in check, boost my faith and help my impatience. Most of all, please pray that He will send persons to me, when I can’t get to them. Thank you for sharing with honesty and encouragement.

    Reply
  16. beth willis miller

    Lysa, thank you for sharing with us…you have described so well my own left inner ear nerve damage…mine began in July 1989 and has not stopped…I certainly agree with you that it is constant and much more noticable when the atmosphere around me is quiet…so in some ways “white noise” helps me not to focus on the “Screeching, Ringing, Hissing” (as you so well described) in my left ear…I have found though that just like I learned from you in the Made To Crave book and teachings, the more I crave, and focus on Jesus and the Truth of His word, the less I notice the sounds in my ear…thank you for sharing your life experiences with us in such an open, honest, and transparent way 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sharon

    Lysa, I have been praying for you since you 1st wrote about this. Thank you for the update, although I had hoped it would be better. I will continue to pray for peace for you!

    Reply
  18. Christine

    You poor thing! I prayed for you after reading your post that got delivered to my inbox. I don’t have what you have, but I can identity with what you were feeling because I’ve been there but with different circumstances. I don’t even know how I made it through some of the things I’ve been through without God’s presence, even if I didn’t think He was there (which, of course, is wrong. He’s always there!) I pray that our Father heals you totally and completely so you can enjoy the sound of silence once again.

    Reply
  19. Ellen Cole

    Lysa: It’s my RIGHT ear that causes me to no longer have complete silence. Ringing in that ear has diminished my ability to hear. If I put the telephone receiver to that ear, the person calling sounds like the person on the other end of the telephone in the Peanuts cartoon….”Wah, Wah Wah wah wah!”.

    You are so right, of course. I thank God every day for my health and for having food and shelter and a job. I am able to walk unassisted (most of the time!), see unassisted (okay…reading glasses have become necessary to make up for increasingly smaller print!), hear unassisted (God gave me two ears, after all), breathe unassisted. So many in our world dream of having those capabilities.

    Reply
  20. Kate

    Lysa,

    Just wanted you to know that I am praying for your ear – for healing, for new methods of treatment, for wisdom filled doctors to surprise you with excellent options for care.

    In Him,
    Kate 🙂

    Reply
  21. Leigh

    Thanks for the update, Lysa. I have often wondered how you were doing with that, and praying for you too. You amaze me, that you are always dealing with that horrible problem, yet still pour beautiful encouragement into our lives on a daily basis. God bless you, and I thank Him for you & your ministry.

    Reply
  22. Mary Ellen

    Thank you, Lisa. I, too, suffer with the always constant ringing in my ear. I so identified with your circumstance and appreciate the reminder to be thankful. I have been ringing 8 yrs now, and often get so discouraged, but am reminded that I still have one good ear, and God has provided the ability to read lips and I MUST remember to be thankful.
    I pray for you today, and thank you for your words…

    Reply
  23. Adrianne

    Hi Lysa. I have been reading your blog for over a few years now. First I want to thank you for sharing your honest stories and encouragement. It really helps hearing from you and P31 ministries, especially about when your kiddos were younger and the challenges we face as new moms! I am in that season now. I also am an audiologist, and when I first heard about your hearing loss and tinnitus I wondered about what kind of care and treatments you were receiving. I am sure you saw a fantastic audiologist in NC! While there is not a cure, there are many advanced treatments and therapies for tinnitus. What I do, is find the best solution for each of my patients because it will vary for each person as to what works best for them. If you need any information, please feel free to ask and I hope and pray the best for you! Thanks again for all that you do, and share! May God bless you.

    Reply
  24. Stacy T

    Good morning ~

    I suddenly lost my hearing 3 yrs ago in March and boy what a journey this has been. It is so frustrating to do the things I used to do like have dinner with my husband in a restaurant, be at the kids sporting events, or even in the grocery line where people are making small talk and I have NO idea what they’ve said. It has changed my personality drasticly. Not because I’m angry, why me, but because the constant ringing and screeching gives me a headache trying to concentrate on what is being said around me. I remember when I was being fitted for a hearing aid, at the ripe old age of 36, and hearing the air conditioning unit cut on in the doctor’s office. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Something so simple, yet I heard it again for the first time in years.

    Since I was a little girl I have always read lips, why I had no idea, until I lost my hearing. God was preparing me for the time in my life when those lip reading skills would come in handy. ☺Lysa, you’re an inspiration to so many. I am personally grateful that you are here to share your story.

    God bless you!

    Reply
  25. Cheryl Dimarzio

    I have suffered with Tinitis for over 30 years. I have multiple pitches of loud ringing in my ears. I have tried everything and I know that different things work for different people. But the only thing that lets me sleep at night is a noisy fan. The noisiest one I can find. There is no other sound I have found that replicates it. It may be worth a try. A funny story about that is a few years ago my fan died in the middle of the night. One of our teenagers offered to go to Walmart and get me one. I said get the noisiest one they have. When she got back home, my husband plugged it in and turned it on. I was like, “Oh no! Is it broken?” He said “No, it’s on!” We looked on the box which proclaimed “WHISPER QUIET”. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep that night! My most earnest prayers will be for you as it can be a maddening condition. Praying for God’s healing.

    Reply
  26. Lisa

    Lysa,
    I’ve been following your ear saga with particular interest because I have had major hearing loss in my left ear since a childhood ear infection. My careers have all been communication based, so suffering from a loss sometimes places me at a disadvantage. When attending church, concerts, movies, or presentations, I always rush to the left side of the auditorium in order to gain maximum hearing potential. And going out on dates? Always a problem since the male wants to drive and is seated on my left.

    But reading your post today made me realize one advantage. Many of my conversations that may have occurred side-to-side have instead taken place face-to-face allowing me to read expressions and to look into another’s eyes during discussions. I tend to focus in on speakers and rely heavily upon their expressions and mouth to maintain the context of a conversation. This hearing “affliction” requires me to stay focused on the speaker in order to converse. How ironic: my hearing may not be all that good, but my listening is keen.

    I’ll be raying for the best outcome and that your affliction works to the glory of God. Perhaps your next book will be on listening (to God, people, etc…) despite the many distractions around us!

    Currently reading your Unglued Devotional on a daily basis. I swear it has my name ALL OVER IT!!

    Keep up the good work in God’s name.
    Lisa

    Reply
  27. Nora Dugan

    Wow…I am so thankful for this post today!! I have had a ringing in my left ear now for over a month. So far there is no diagnosis. Just lot’s of tests. Not that I would wish it on anyone, but it is refreshing to know that I am not alone. And that someone understands my pain. Thank you for reminding to not take things for granted. I am praying for comfort peace and healing for you Lysa!!

    Reply
  28. Mari

    Hi Lysa,
    I was just praying for your ear last night!! As my head hit the pillow, I heard a buzzing in my ear and God put You on my heart–“God, how is Lysa’s ear? Have You healed it, yet? God, please be with her and heal her…” (sound of snoring here–I fell asleep. =) So God and I had a smile this morning when I opened my e-mail and saw the title of your blog. We haven’t met, but we’re Sisters–Princesses of the King who loves us and knits our hearts–even the hearts of the little princesses, like my daughter, Lilly, who always asks me how your ear is doing when she walks by my computer and happens to see your blog picture on the screen. Lysa, thank you for sharing your frustrations, your joys, your insights, your convictions–the messages you get from our “Abba”. Thank you for spreading His light even on your cloudy days when there’s a first soprano bee in your ear. =)

    Reply
  29. Suzi

    I have been desperately trying to ‘put on’ self-control for the last 10 years. At 66, and with the blessing of arthritis, (but not RA any longer) there is no such thing as metabolism functioning in my body, lol. But now, because I started your book and your devotional some 3 weeks ago for my 2013 commitment (I don’t do resolutions) I have picked a healthy food plan, gave away all the real sugar in my home, replaced it with splenda, have learned to bake with it, and also NOT to bake very often, have picked a healthy and what I hope is a God glorifying eating plan. HE has blessed me so much since 2 weeks ago when I made those changes. He has graced me with the ability to obey him in these choices, every moment since I started to walk this journey into freedom. KEEP WRITING. I AM walking in VICTORY now, and down 10 pounds from my (are you ready for this number?) 294 pound, and yes very thankful for the confirmation from my Lord and Savior that he is blessing my desire to obey him in this area. BUT THAT IS JUST IT! I AM ELATED that the Lord is helping me to learn to obey HIM in the gift of food and eating. In my life I have been obese, then anorexic, bulimic, then obese once more, defeated in all of this area, and not able to find the path to healthy eating at all, nor obedience, nor what a healthy food plan even looked like until God gave me clarity in all this, through your little books on my ipad, for Christmas, this year. Oh what a loving, caring awesome God we serve!

    Thank you for Lysa, Lord. Bless her abundantly and would plz heal her ear? Thank you Lord. Suzi

    Reply
  30. Juli Rudd

    Praying for healing for your left ear!!

    Reply
  31. Janet Kelly

    Lysa,
    Thank you for sharing your struggle. My struggle is so different but God used your words and His Word through you to remind me of His love for me and renew my mind. This week, after 9 years of homeschooling, our son started private school. What a difficult week it has been yet God has spoken to me through so many people. Your devotional came at the right time with the right words. Talk about apples in settings of silver, girl!
    I’ll be praying for you and your ear and your hearing. I cannot imagine what you have lived with but your desire to seek God in spite of it inspires so many and is a reminder to all of us Jesus girls that we only need to look to Him and His Word.

    Reply
  32. Doreen

    Lysa, praying for healing, while you are waiting for God’s perfect timing, do you mind if I share my experience? I too had loud noises in my ears, due to a condition in my ears and thought for sure I was losing my mind as I got less and less sleep. After a long while and a lot of noise I got my first set of hearing aids and guess what? All that noise could now be processed and the noises went away. Every once in a while very early in the morning the noise would come back, but not like before, the noise was much softer and beautiful. God has since healed my ears and restored them to full hearing (which is not always a blessing) What a mighty God we serve! Who am I? Nobody here on earth, but in heaven there is one who loves me and listens and cares and prepares a place for me.

    Reply
  33. Lisa

    Lysa, I can only imagine what that must be like. I can relate in that I have headaches every day. You have to get to that place of accepting your life and being grateful in what you have. I appreciate how transparent you are.

    Reply
  34. Jayne

    I have had my tinnitus for 3 years. I totally understand everything your going through. I also tell people what a gift silence is and not to take it for granted! If I do get healed while on this earth what an amazing day that will be! If I don’t get healed until I leave this earth what an amazing day that will be!

    Reply
  35. Kelly

    Hi Lysa. Came across this information a couple of days ago through e-mails I recieve. The source of the article about hearing loss and ringing in the ear came from Institute for Natural Healing or INH. The product is called Accu-Hear and is available through Vital Max. It is an all natural supplement. Number for Vital Max is: 800-815-5151. It may be worth trying. Praying for you!

    Reply
  36. Clara

    I am at home battling Bell’s Palsy symptoms. I usually get Proverbs 31 devotions at work and I just felt the Lord’s leading to read your devotion today. I have felt myself feeling sorry for myself and my faith so small. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement that I needed to read. I pray for your healing and strength to go through this and ask for your prayers for me.

    Reply
  37. Suzi

    Have you ever seen the movie Music Within? “a powerful true story about Richard Pimentel, a brilliant public speaker with a troubled past ” who returns from Vietnam with constant ear ringing & total hearing loss. He changed the face of America regarding the disabled. Our family will be ever in his debt for the work he did. Our son was able to attend and graduate from a high profile state college due to the Disability Act. This movie will effect anyone who sees it and give them compassionate hearts.

    Reply
  38. Wanda Ruiz

    Hi Lysa..
    Thank you so much for sharing this testimony. I have been going through a moment in my life where my faith is being tested as never before. Nights are really hard for me and just the other day I told my husband that I can no longer take it, and that I want to die. But reading your story has brought me to tears and has touched my spirit. I have asked God for forgiveness, for doubting, for being angry and losing faith. And I have also canceled those words of death I called upon myself. Thank you so much for this, and may the Lord continue to use you. I pray your healing comes soon.
    Blessings.

    Reply
  39. Pam

    I was so encouraged by reading your devotion for today. Yes, yes, God is always faithful, and it’s important to remember all the ways HE’s been faithful in my life. Thank you for the reminder : ) And may you continue to trust HIM to lead you in this way you never even thought you would be traveling. HIS grace is sufficient.

    Reply
  40. Dianna

    I had been wondering what the status was with your ear. I’m glad you updated us. I’m also glad you mentioned that we should realize that little everyday things need to be noticed. Appreciated. Celebrated.

    Reply
  41. Sarah

    I really appreciated silence when my friend was in hospital and they moved her onto a ward next to a lady with alzheimer’s who was shouting and singing very loudly. When I got into bed that night, I was so glad not to be in my friend’s situation and have that to put up with.

    Reply
  42. Bonnie Traher

    Tried to find the blog to make a comment. Would love to win anything that you want to give away. Need all the help I can get. I become unglued when my three sons talk about each other in a not so nice manner. Hubby does it too.

    Reply
  43. Christina

    Lysa,
    I too have the nasty ringing and hissing you speak of, not in one ear, but both ears caused by a head injury at work on May 9, 1984. Funny how we can remember some dates so clearly. Probably because my life as I once knew it changed that day. It is so frustrating, especially when trying to have a hearing test. I’m like, did I hear that or was it the ringing in my ear…ugh When I get overly tired or stressed the ringing seems to get even louder. I remember one day I had gone most of the day, when I stopped and realized at that one moment it was silent, no ringing. Even though it didn’t last but for a few seconds, it was so peaceful. I have learned to live with the ringing of the ears and my disability and try not to let it get me down. Some days can be harder then others, but I remind myself of what blessings God has given me. Thank you for reminding me of those blessings again.

    Reply
  44. lori

    I just listen to “Blessings” by Laura Story and thought of you. You are such a blessing to me. I went to see you in Kernersville,NC last Sunday night. Your main verse was Deuteronomy 2:3. Thank you for what you do. My prayer verse for you is Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding.

    Reply
  45. Judy

    Thank you for this post! Not only do I share the ringing in my ears, but your writings are always where I am living that day. Thank you for your transparency and for sharing! I copied part of this devotional from Proverbs 31 to text to my daughter who is struggling with her own challenges today, and your thoughts, closing line, and prayer all just had her name on them. Praying God will speak to her, through your writings, right now! And praying for you as you continue to share what God is doing in you to those of us who are on the same (but different) journey of our own.

    Reply
  46. Tammy

    Lysa, When you go through something like what you described, you tend to feel like you are the only one that is suffering like that. I have been experiencing the same thing you described with my hearing (but in my right ear) since I was 18. I am 45 now. The ringing is still there but it is such a part of me that it doesn’t disturb me anymore. I have trouble with background noise, if I am speaking I will not be able to hear anyone else, and in any large crowd I’m lost. I do sleep better though because I lay on the “good” side. I will pray that you will find peace through the “static”. You are such a blessing! Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful stories of how God is working on and through you! with Joy, Tammy

    Reply
  47. LaVonne

    Lysa,

    Praying for healing and strength to get through the days when you can’t take it anymore.
    God is writing our story and only He knows the ending. I too join in with the many who have the same problem as you. Your words are so encouraging giving smiles to my day and thanks to our God for someone who is not afraid to be real.
    Blessings for a wonderful day!
    P.S. Looking forward to Heaven when our ears will be healed!!

    Reply
  48. Lori

    Lysa,

    I know what you are going through…2 years ago I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour called an Acoustic Neuroma, which causes severe tinnitus in my right ear, as well as hearing loss. I can totally identify with all your frustrations! You are so right, nothing is so peaceful as silence. I work in a library, a quiet environment, which makes it even more apparent to me, but my ENT got me set up with a hearing aid that can play zen tones when I want, so I can have quiet, soothing sounds to mask the hissing & chirping. It does not interfere with me carrying on a conversation, either. I find the hearing aid alone does help a great deal, even without playing the tones. I pray for God to help us with this cross we bear, and for others to understand, as we look perfectly fine on the outside. Try not to stress, either, as this makes it worse. Thank you for all your good work and inspiration. Love from Canada, Lori.

    Reply
  49. Kathy Wright

    Thank you for putting things in perspective for me today. After completing three of your studies, I feel as if we’ve been on a journey together and I consider you a friend (in fact, I told our mutual friend Mary Snyder I feel like we are at least on side-hug terms). You are so real in your writing that I’m sure all of your readers feel the same way I do. Thank you for being the morning coffee buddy that gets us and relates. Thanks for not just telling us how to change, but walking with us through the changes. My hurts for what you are going through but I’ve been so blessed to see how you have handled it and trusted God along the way.

    Reply
  50. Amber

    Hi Lysa,
    I am reading this post and all the comments with tears streaming down my face. I began to lose my hearing 7 years ago at the age of 29. I have had many tests and the doctors have no idea why or what is wrong. I am now completely deaf in my right ear and have severe hearing loss on the left. I wear a hearing aid on the left and it helps, but I too have to read lips to understand what anyone is saying. I have the ringing occassionly but mostly my world is silent or sounds like I am far away from things I am right next to. My life has changed drastically and some days it is so easy to slip into fear and frustration. It can be extremely lonely. No one seems to really understand and people tend to forget because I haven’t always been this way. Reading your blog and all the comments helps me to realize that I am not alone and that God has a plan and a purpose for us all. My husband is a children’s pastor and children’s ministry (along with being a wife and mom) is what I was put on this earth to do. Not being able to hear has caused this to become difficult. (You can’t read a puppets lips! or most kids’ for that matter) but I believe with all my heart that He is going to use me and this ‘burden’ for His glory. Thanks for the reminder and for helping me know that I am not alone and that it’s ok when it feels like I am dangling from that thread, cause He is there and WILL catch me. Much love and appreciation, Amber

    Reply
  51. Karen

    Isn’t God amazing? I feel so blessed that I read your post today and all the related comments. I have tinnitus and hearing loss in my right ear due to otosclerosis and will be having stapedectomy surgery this coming Wednesday. I was just feeling anxious and now I feel like I am not alone. Praying my hearing is restored because this is my second try.
    Lysa, I will pray for you…When my tinnitus is at its worst and on nights when I can’t sleep I try to visualize that the sound in my head is from a beautiful waterfall. I have also had luck with using relaxing meditation/hypnosis music that I download from iTunes.

    Reply
    • Roxanne

      Oh my goodness!!!! I totally relate. My ear started ringing in 2011 after a surgery….and there are literally times I think I am going to go insane!!!!
      I also ha e prayed for, begged for resolution, but I am still waiting. Waiting patiently because He has nothing but good in store for me!!!!

      Reply
    • Tammie

      Karen, praying for favor and skilled doctors for you Wednesday ! Thank you for your suggestion for masking the noise. I lost my hearing in 1 ear just 4 months ago and your story was very comforting and relatable! Thanks

      Reply
      • Karen

        Thank you so much for the prayers. I am going to Dr. Vernick in Boston and have heard he is very good. I pray they find a cure for tinnitus and hearing loss. It can be agonizing.

        Reply
    • Cindy Wilson

      Lysa:

      It has been over 4 years now, that I came down with tinnitus, severely, that changed my life completely. I would have never imagined that this type of condition would cause me so much pain, hardship, depression and even suicidial thoughts. My condition is very severe, but God certainly has put in the right places at the right time. Ringing doesn’t come from the ears, it is a neurological factor, which I’m sure you are aware of by now, and there is no cure.

      If it wasn’t for my Faith in God, and working now in Audiology, I really don’t know where I would be today. You have to hold on to your Faith and now that God is with you and that we are all be tested for his Glory. His timing of healing, is not our timing, and I pray with all my heart and soul, that one morning I will wake up at this horrible condition is gone and God has answered my prayers and healed me. Only through my Faith and knowing that God can do MIRACLES, I am expecting a Miracle.

      I use the Neurmonic System Device, to help the brain re-train itself, which this device definitely saved my life, because by the time, I was ready to start the program, I was ready to take my life. This is a situation, that no one can see your pain, your suffering your hardship that your battling, but thankfully this device system, (which took almost 8 months) to help, got me back on track, and with people who have Tinnitus severly, they now recommend to have some type of feedback playing all the time, and I am fortunate enough to work in Audiology with an audiologist that specializes with tinnitus, to set me up with hearing aids with the Zen program for tinnitus.

      Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you (good Health), not to harm you declares the Lord, but to give you Hope and a Future…..I say this verse over and over in my daily struggles, and know one morning, my blessings will come. You are not alone. I know what you are going through and may the Lord give you the peace and strength each day and I pray that you have seen a specialist and are under sometype of treatment. I don’t have hearing loss, but severe tinnitus, and my prayer is that God will cure all of us….

      Reply
  52. Suzanne

    Dear Lysa, I am praying for you during this trial. I wanted to leave a comment for you as I am the head of speech-language pathology at University of Texas at Dallas. We have a wonderful tinittus clinic that has helped many people. If you would like more information please email me at [email protected]

    Reply
  53. Joanne Urbany

    Hi, Lysa ~ I am so sorry about the ringing in your ear. I will be praying for your complete healing and for God’s grace to see you through in the meantime. I have never written to you before. I was so blessed by the fact that you referenced 1 Kings 18 in today’s devotional, as God gave me that verse in my devotional from SPRINGS IN THE VALLEY this morning. It blessed me earlier and then when I read it in your writing, it doubly blessed me, as I knew God was confirming to me that He would be raining provision into my life. Last April, my daughter and I quit our well-paying jobs and moved to Akron, Ohio from NJ because God told us to. We had no idea why we were being called to come to Akron, OH, but God confirmed it in unmistakable ways that we were to leave everything and go. I resurrected my Christian bookstore Come Up Higher in September which I had previously opened and closed in NJ. The store has been very, very slow and my savings are depleted. So, this word today is OF GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME. Thank you. If you feel led, you can read about my story on my website at http://www.comeuphigher.com. Thanks for sharing your life and wisdom with others. In Christ Joanne

    Reply
  54. Jeannee

    God bless you, Lysa! Your gratitude in the midst of adversity isn’t faux & mirrors others, like Sarah Ban Breathnach’s own disability that she writes about in her introduction in her “Simple Abundance” book.

    Reply
  55. Rachelle

    Praying for healing!!! I am thankful that God has been reminding me to view my life as a gift from him, even when I feel that circumstances aren’t perfect. He knows better than I do, what I need.

    Reply
  56. Jennifer

    THANK YOU for sharing your painful journey, lysa. You give so much wisdom and love through cyberspace, that I forget you are a struggling child of God that I need to pray for. Praying for your peace – both audible and heartfelt. Much love to you!

    Reply
  57. Marilyn

    Lisa you might try the supplement Benfotiamine. It is a fat soluble supplement of Vitamin B1. I have taken it for a long time to stabilize my blood sugar but my son is also taking it for nerve damage from a bad medicine. We are thinking that this is helping for that and my sister in law saw her blood pressure to lower.

    I wish i could just give you a hug to chase this away. I can’t imagine what it would be to have to live with this.

    My prayers to you…

    Reply
    • Tammie

      Marilyn, I am trying lipo-flavonoid plus for nerve damage? a friend recommended it. I didnt get any advice from my ENT. so thank you for sharing! And have you heard of this too? Is this the same? Where do u get this med you speak of? Thanks Tammie

      Reply
  58. Ann Jenkins

    Lysa, I said a prayer for you today for God’s healing power!

    Reply
  59. Kris Asgian

    Lysa- Thank-you for sharing your struggles with the lack of silence in your life. I started to have ear ringing in one ear and then both about 2 yrs. ago. No known cause. I’ve always been a person who loves the outdoors, and yet, my ear ringing is magnified when I’m out in a quiet setting in the midst of God’s beautiful creation. For the most part, I’m coping well. Thankful I’m not in pain and thankful that this doesn’t keep me from doing the things I love. But, every once in awhile, I experience deep sadness at my inability to experience silence. We were just out in Joshua Tree last week-end, and as my boys and husband scrambled around on the rocks, I just wanted to walk and “listen” to the quiet of the desert and be with my Lord. I found myself getting frustrated that I couldn’t rest in quiet like I used to. I find myself asking God to help me be reminded of Him every time I am consumed by the ringing. I will be praying for your healing. Thank-you for sharing this today…I’ve been struggling. Kris

    Reply
    • Tammie

      I can relate to and feel for you! My ringing/ constant noise started 4 months ago when a virus took out my hearing in my right ear! Your frustrations were well stated. I miss the nature noises, and being still in silence. Thank you so much for sharing! You wrote exactly what i feel! Tammie

      Reply
  60. Edie Kile

    My husband has been right there for 2 years now. We pray for you because he can KNOW what you are going through. God Bless you and your family. You are a blessing to us.

    Reply
  61. Craig

    Hi: mine started about 6 months ago. But the last 2 months have been really scary. Just terrifying and awful. I am a Christian and pray almost non stop since this started. I was in a Christian band playing drums. I don’t know if this caused it or sme meds I was on. When it gets so very bad a cry my eyes out. I am 51 and my kids have never saw me in this condition. At the worst I have thought of way to end it all. I don’t want to but it gets so unbearable. I sometimes want to die. I have thought of suicide. But I am still here. When it let’s up some I thank God and ask him to be with me when it gets so loud again that I don’t do anything stupid. I use sound machines. I take gingko and fish oil. I really don’t know how to keep going when it gets loud. I am scared I may hurt myself. What do you do? I mean this is the worst thing I think anyone could have. The thing about mine is that is does go quite for a day and a half then comes roaring back for 3 days then it may go quite again for a day. I don’t understand. I love God and all my family but sometimes I get so scared that I may hurt myself. I know that God is with me and must be putting me through this to mold me into something he wants me to be or do. I just don’t understand.
    If any one has answers for me please let me know. How can someone live the rest of their life like this? Please pray for me!!!! Thank You

    Reply
  62. Craig

    Hi: mine started about 6 months ago. But the last 2 months have been really scary. Just terrifying and awful. I am a Christian and pray almost non stop since this started. I was in a Christian band playing drums. I don’t know if this caused it or sme meds I was on. When it gets so very bad a cry my eyes out. I am 51 and my kids have never saw me in this condition. At the worst I have thought of way to end it all. I don’t want to but it gets so unbearable. I sometimes want to die. I have thought of suicide. But I am still here. When it let’s up some I thank God and ask him to be with me when it gets so loud again that I don’t do anything stupid. I use sound machines. I take gingko and fish oil. I really don’t know how to keep going when it gets loud. I am scared I may hurt myself. What do you do? I mean this is the worst thing I think anyone could have. The thing about mine is that is does go quite for a day and a half then comes roaring back for 3 days then it may go quite again for a day. I don’t understand. I love God and all my family but sometimes I get so scared that I may hurt myself. I know that God is with me and must be putting me through this to mold me into something he wants me to be or do. I just don’t understand.
    If any one has answers for me please let me know. How can someone live the rest of their life like this? Please pray for me!!!! Thank You

    Reply
  63. Sondra Haarberg

    Oh Lysa my heart breaks for you! I’ve had my own share of health issues (life threatening) over the past few years and I can’t tell you the raw emotions I’ve gone through as a result. But I will tell you in short that with God ALL things are possible (I know you know this)! 🙂 Granted, it may not be in our own timing but don’t give up hope that this situation that the doctors have declared unsolvable can’t be solved! If I had given in to that mind set I wouldn’t be here typing this note to you right now! My 9 yr. old son is severely permanently hearing impaired. We have prayed over this for years and most recently God has placed something before me that I want to share with you. I promise NO gimmics, sales pitches, etc…! I’ve been a big Lysa TerKeurst fan for a long time so this is straight from the heart and out of conviction to help others. Anyway I feel certain I’ll be able to share it with you eventually. But for now know that my prayers remain with you for complete healing from this awful condition. I can’t wait to watch your webcast with Sheila on the 29th! Thank you for being an amazing instrument of God! May he bless you with complete healing!

    Reply
    • Craig

      Is this something that can help tinnitus. If so Please Please share.
      I need help so bad you would not believe. My tinnitus gets oh so terrible. Please help!!!
      [email protected]

      Reply
      • Shanna Groves

        Lysa and all of you precious people dealing with hearing loss and tinnitus – I have a ministry called Lipreading Mom Communications that shares the lessons of faith I have learned in my 12-year journey as a mom with progressive hearing loss and tinnitus. I would like to correspond with anyone needing support in this area and point you in the direction of helpful resources. And I want to pray for you! Please contact me through my sites http://www.ShannaGroves.com and http://LipreadingMom.com. God is in control, and our struggles will be used for His glory. Blessings to all of you.

        Reply
  64. Izabela

    Oh Lysa….my heart goes out to you right now…I will be praying for you. I feel so burdened for you and inspired by your faith all at the same time. May God bless you and your family as you deal with this trial Lysa. Thank you for all that you do everyday to bless us ladies through your writing ministry and encouragement…Hugs.

    Reply
  65. Elizabeth

    I am so sorry you are still suffering with this. It makes me cry for you. I understand ear issues, as a child i had excrucating ear infections. Got tubes but as a result i do have.some hearing loss but nothing bad. I am praying for a miracle for you. I know what the doctors say but if its Gods will he can heal it. I am committing to keep you in my daily.prayers on this issue. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

    Reply
  66. Tonya

    i had wondered about your ear, and how it was doing. you told us about it at ewomen in pensacola last year. thank you for the update, though im sorry its still doing it!! praying for you!!!

    Reply
  67. Amy C

    Thank you, Lysa
    you are a blessing from God

    Reply
  68. Shelly Wildman

    Lysa, as always, you bless me. Thanks for always giving proper perspective. And thanks for the update–I’ve been thinking about you.

    Reply
  69. Barb

    HI Lisa, Oh how I identify with you and the ringing in your ear. I was diagnosed 36 years ago with ringing in my ear, due to nerve damage. I was told it would stop ringing completely and go totally silent- well, 36 years later it is still ringing! I, too, need music or some kind of noise to distract from it. The silence in a room is “screaming” to my ear, so I try to avoid that when possible. If it should go silent some day, I think I will be lost without it! From one “screamer” to another!
    Barb

    Reply
  70. kristi

    Lysa, thank you for sharing about your ear. I know what you mean when you talk about not having silence or hearing converations. I have hearing loss in my left ear. The one thing I had not thought about until I read your blog today was to think about the things that I have miss. This has given me a look at the life around me. You and Proverbs31 have been a blessing to me. God Bless.
    Kristi

    Reply
  71. Sharon

    I have a hard time reading normally but now I’ve developed that hissing noise you speak about too. It can literally drive you crazy. Thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t know where to go to to get help. It is good to bring out things like this because there will always be someone that is having the same problem..

    Reply
  72. Jenny

    I’m praying for healing & peace for you Lysa

    Thanks for all you do for your sisters in Christ … you are greatly appreciated!

    May God bless you in amazing ways today ♥
    Jenny

    Reply
  73. Craig

    Please help!!! What is the best place to get help with tinnitus? I will sell my house if I have to to get rid of this. Also my tinnitus may go away for a couple of days and then come back with a vengeance .
    Is this normal? The doctors I have been to just do not understand how this feels.
    But I do live in a small town.
    Please any help!!!
    David Craig Muller
    [email protected]

    Reply
  74. Kitty

    Dearest Lysa,
    You are now constantly in my prayers. I will envision God over you and His white light of healing will wash over your entire body. Please know that I believe this works. It has for me and my loved ones. 🙂
    Thank you so much for your and your other ladies who contribute to this website. It has always been my most beloved time of the day, in the morning, when I read the email.
    Sincerely, Kitty

    Reply
  75. CarolAnne

    Thank you for your update, tho I am so sorry you have to go thru this! I have had the same, but in both ears, and believe it or not hearing aids help! All the other suggestions, do too. Vitamins, supplements, white noise, whatever will help you to sleep, at least, I have found if I get my rest, that really helps the most. God Bless You!

    Reply
  76. Lisa

    Dear Lysa
    I am so so sorry that you have hearing loss and ringing in your ears. I suffer from the same problems, part of it is due to my fibromyalgia. The constant ringing can sometimes drive me crazy, but I know God will never take me where His grace will not not save me.

    Reply
  77. Sue

    Blessings dear sister! As a Registered Nurse (retired) I have seen so many medical mysteries AND medical miracles. God is SO good and I believe that even the annoying maladies suffered are somehow a blessing. The hard part is being able to see beyond whatever we encounter! Praying for relief of your symptoms, thank you for being a blessing in my personal walk~

    Reply
  78. Stacy

    Dearest Lysa,

    I’m not sure of your diagnosis, but my husband has similar symptoms and has been diagnosed with tinnitus. He relays how frustrating it is and how it interferes with his sleep. I’m sure you can relate. I would be honored to pray for you.

    By the way, our Ladies Bible Class on Sunday has studied several of your works. We just love ya!

    Best regards,
    Stacy from Oregon

    Reply
  79. Dawn B

    I have been living with a loss of vision for 7 yrs now…I have a “test pattern” spot in the middle of my left eye’s central vision…some days are worse than others. When it started, I was terrified that I would not see my newborn granddaughter as she grew or continue my job which requires travel. But God assured me of his plans for me and has led me ever step of the way these past 7 yrs…through injections in my eyes, diminished sight, but increased faith. I don’t know if I will be healed this side of heaven or if you will be, Lysa, but God is good and will use our experiences to help others. I just started seminary at age 56!

    Reply
  80. Kendal

    Hi Lysa! You are not alone! I can completely relate. Many many years ago when I was in 7th grade, I’m now 35, I lost my hearing in my left ear due to an unknown virus. It sadly destroyed my auditory nerve and I lost my hearing. My life was forever changed. I suffered, and still do to some degree, horrible tinnitus. It at one point threw me into a severe depression. The noise was horrible, just horrible. But the Lord has been so very faithful to bring me through those hard trials. With time your brain will filter out some of the noise. I can now go many many months without noticing it. My ringing, which really isn’t an accurate description of “my” noise, actually gets louder with noise. Very strange.
    Be encouraged! God is a God of miracles and He can bring complete healing to your ear. I will pray that you will have relief from your ringing and I can pray with a sympathetic heart.

    Reply
  81. Lisa

    I sympathize with you in the tinnitus. I suddenly lost the high frequency hearing in my left ear six and a half years ago and have had constant ringing ever since. I, too, miss “silence,” especially when I am outside and would like to hear the birds, breeze in trees, etc., ONLY, not strain to hear them past the ringing. The doctors I saw said they know of no reason why the nerves suddenly died. I basically woke up with it one day. I feel like most of the time I ignore it pretty well, although at night in bed it can drive me crazy. It is aggravating trying to listen to people speak when I am in crowds, like at church. Wears me out and tempts me to avoid circumstances where I will have to strain to hear and possibly mishear things people say. I have only asked God to take it away a few times. I don’t know why I don’t ask more often. Maybe because it does not cause me physical pain and seems something I can “live with.” But how awesome it would be to have the ringing stop, even if my hearing were not restored. May God bless you as you suffer.

    Reply
  82. Lisa

    Lysa, I am truly sorry! I will be praying for God’s healing on your ear and for the way you’ll navigate this trial for His ultimate glory no matter the outcome.

    Reply
  83. Shanna Groves

    Lysa – I have a ministry called Lipreading Mom Communications that shares the lessons of faith I have learned in my 12-year journey as a mom with progressive hearing loss and tinnitus. I would like to correspond with anyone needing support in this area and point you in the direction of helpful resources. And I want to pray for you! Please contact me through my sites http://www.ShannaGroves.com and http://LipreadingMom.com. God is in control, and our struggles will be used for His glory.

    Reply
  84. Diane

    So many people have told you they will pray, and I will pray, too. I will add you to my list of regulars. God is still in the miracle-working business, right? Love to you and your family!

    Reply
  85. Marilyn

    Lysa…I also have been afflicted with something going on in my left ear. Have not been able to hear out of it for nearly 4 months now. It is very frustrating, because I have no health insurance, and cannot afford to go to the doctor for it. It is very aggravating…but I have left it all up to God. I have other physical things going on…and I am leaving them all up to the Lord also. Isn’t it wonderful that we can do that…without worrying of the outcome? God bless you and I will continue to pray for your situation. Faith and trust….

    Reply
  86. Melissa Melton

    Lysa, I’m so sorry you are continuing to deal with the frustrations of hearing loss. My husband found out 1 1/2 ago that he had a tumor in his ear which has caused almost complete hearing loss in his right ear. After two surgeries, he has no more hearing than before and is facing a third surgery this year to make sure the disease has not returned again. I know how frustrating it is and I’m praying for your restoration…or at least silence. And as the spouse I am praying for your family too. Of can be frustrating for us too and heartbreaking at the same time! Much love to you!

    Reply
  87. Marcie Joy Brown

    Greetings Lysa!

    Forgive my delay in responding to your post…

    As I read what you are going through, it brought me back to a time, several months ago, when I was experiencing what some would call, “terror by night…”

    Each time I would try to lay my head down to sleep at night, I would hear various noises, particularly that of a man laughing. It caused me much anxiety, particularly when I began to suspect that the source of it was truly demonic. I realized that I had made myself vulnerable by reading something online that I more or less happened into when my curiousity got the best of me after reading a review about a book on a Christian website. The story is too long to tell here, but suffice it to say, I suffered for my mistake…

    I have always had a very sensitive sense of hearing, it seems I can hear everything, the sounds of the birds (even hummers…) from a distance, the sounds of the squirrels (my children….), crying from a distance, the sounds of my not so godly neighbors…, etc. Suffice it to say that the sounds associated with this terror by night were not sounds I wanted to be hearing.

    I decided to write out an index card with a few Scritures that pertain to sleeping peacefully. I keep on my nightstand. Now, just as I lay to go down to sleep, I say a soft prayer, asking the Lord to guard and protect me as I sleep, to bless my dreams, and that I would awaken renewed, refreshed and restored by His Holy Spirit. I also quote the Scripture or Scriptures that pertain to my peaceful sleep (think Psalm 4:8, etc…) and I have been sleeping peacefully ever since. No more terror by night! Glory to God!!!

    I used to even get awoken in the wee hours of the morning and it seems I could literally hear the darkness going on in the spiritual realm during those later hours. I have concluded that my ears have become super sensitive after 30 years of attempting to press in to hear that “soft, still voice…”, and therefore I’m attuned to just about everything.

    I have no doubt that the reason this has happened to you is that as a leader among women, the enemy wants to get into the one area where you are so gifted, hearing the truth and the heart of our precious living God!

    I am also certain that in that He is no respecter of persons, just as He took care of the horrific situation I was experiencing, He too will guide, direct and protect you.

    Don’t forget to put on your helmet of salvation… It covers the ears too…

    And forgive me for saying so, but I sure hope you sued the scuba diving company…

    And we being many, are ONE BODY in Christ! I will continue to pray for you, sweet sister.

    Reply
  88. Jeannette

    I am sorry you are suffering. This must be especially frustrating when you are trying to sleep!
    As the previously pregnant woman gave advice to the present pregnant woman, I am giving you advice…Have you tried a chiropractor?

    Thank you for your inspiring articles. I learn a lot!

    Reply
  89. Susan

    I am reading, “Unglued” and I find that your stories and scripture has helped me in my faith walk. I have raised a duaghter age 22. And have 2 other children, with special needs. A daughter age 17 has Autism , and a son age 12 with ADHD . Scheduling and having routines is so important for both of them every day. We have therapy appointments numerous doctor visits as both have other health issues as well. Educational plans (IEP)special education is yet another factor in our lives as well. We struggled with even keeping both of them healthy through the winter months as every little virus becomes something more or a hospital stay. It is wearing and time consuming. Yet though it all God pulls us through and our faith keeps us in touch.
    We find every moment with children is always a life teaching moment. Teaching a life skills, cheering them on! As my daughter participates in her Special Olympics sports program, She will always be brave in the attempt, because she is always a winner, every time she tries.
    As my son makes me laugh every day, because his smile is contagious. His eyes light up the room. My oldest when she comes home her spark lights a room, just because she cares. I know God has blessed my husband and I with
    3 Beautiful Children.

    Reply
  90. Laura

    I have tinnitus in my left ear since an injury when I was 19. The first year was the worst -your brain does learn to “turn that noise down”! Also, I found white noise at night like a small fan in the summer and humidifier in the winter help me. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  91. Teresa

    I have this ringing in BOTH of my ears 24/7……I can 100% understand. It is tourcher to be in a quiet room. I have to have constant “white” noise or the tv on or music on as i can not be in a totally quiet room. Mine is very severe and very loud even with the background noise.

    Mine is caused by a combo of high blood pressure and my stupidity of listening to loud rock mucis in the car and with headphones as a teen……I am 46 now and I am paying for it LOL

    Reply
    • Craig

      Do you have this constantly!
      I mean does it EVER stop even for 30 minutes or so. You are not alone and right now I am praying for you. I have it bad. But God let’s it stop when it get so bad that I am thinking crazy things. It has stopped for 2 days and then starts up again. I believe this is one of the worst things someone could have. It follows you everywhere. But I Pray and pray and pray. I think mine is getting lower now. I think God is healing me. I’m a 51 year old man so I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be on this board. It might just be for woman I don’t know. But I believe God led me here. I will continue to pray for you

      Reply
  92. Barbie

    I am praying for your complete healing!

    Reply
  93. Laura

    I have this same thing. You have put words to what I could not describe. Mine just came on gradually and there is no explanation. It is very frustrating. But now, I have a “something good”, it will serve as a reminder to pray for your healing, too. May you be blessed as you minister to us through your speaking and writing ministry.

    Reply
  94. Jennifer Dougan

    Hi Lysa,

    I’ve wondered what an update was on your ear. Thanks for this. I am so sorry that it is still painful and ringing, and wishing it would be healed. Sorry, friend. Thanks for your words of truth here though, and for seeing Jesus’ kindness in it all.

    Warmly,
    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    Reply
  95. Tracy Miller

    Lysa–
    I just started the Unglued Bible study and want you to know that it has already made a difference in my life. It gives me great comfort to know that I am not the only crazy mama in the world and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
    I also wanted you to know that my daugher is a freshman at Winthrop – and for the first time, went to church in Rock Hill today — and of all the churches in the Rock Hill/Charlotte area, she chose the Elevate Campus in Rock Hill. I didn’t even know your church had a campus there, and am so excited that God lead her there. Please pray that she will find this to be here church home.
    Thank you for all you do for the women of the world!

    Reply
  96. Donna

    I too have ringing and hissing etc. in my hear and very little ability to hear out of that ear! I can so relate to not being able to have a conversation with anyone who sits on my left side. I do know that when I wear my hearing aid the ringing is better even though it doesn’t help my hearing in the left ear. No matter what, God is in control!

    Reply
  97. Sandy Gould

    I battle my inner chatter daily (sometimes minute by minute). You see, I come from an abused marriage and survived. The physical and emotional abuse changed this child of God into a recluse and a loner. It took time, but I climbed out of that box and became the girl that God created. Today I call myself a Jesus girl, sing Jesus loves me, hang with great Christian people and know without a doubt that I am loved (by many but most importantly by Jesus Christ). The unhealthy marriage left me a shell, but with continued bible study, devotionals and wise people assisting, I have become a person that I adore today. Yes, the voices will probably always be there but I know how to battle them now…I have arrived and so glad I made it!!!!!

    Reply
  98. Chloe

    Wow, I cant wait to watch! A friend posted a link on her fb and led me here. I struggle with negative inner chatter daily. I have found that prayer works really well to calm it down or shut it up. I try to remember that God made me in His image, so to talk bad about myself would be like dissing God. It helps to stamp out that negativeness a lot! Also, hanging with encouraging people does wonders.

    Reply
  99. Edna Johnson

    Inner chatter can become overwhelming but praying silences it quickly. In the end it is God’s opinion of us that should matter most to us. Ask for God’s protection and His great wisdom and the chatter will stop. Thank you Lysa and Sheila for a great webcast topic. Looking forward to hearing from both of you!

    Reply
  100. Kim Palmer

    The Lord brought this webcast to my attention today. He realizes that with a 12 and 13 year old I have heard many comments like the ones you mentioned. Although I try to keep the negativities in check He knows that it can only be done through Him. So excited to hear you message with other women.

    Reply
  101. Shelia Horrocks

    Lysa, I just started your book Unglued. I have already discovered so much and want to apply what I read to by life. This will be a great book for our ladies Bible Study.

    Reply
  102. Shelia Horrocks

    Lysa, I just started your book Unglued. I have already discovered so much and want to apply what I read to my life. This will be a great book for our ladies Bible Study.

    Reply
  103. Shelia

    Lysa, I just started your book Unglued. I am already learning to apply what Im reading to my life. This will be a great book for our ladies Bible Study group.

    Reply
  104. Nancy S.

    Lysa, I’m so sorry you are experiencing this horrible trial. I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease 20 years ago, which causes constant tinnitus in my left ear and difficulty hearing in situations like you mentioned. But I can tell you I rarely notice the ringing any more. I’ve actually gotten so accustomed to it that much of the time I would have to stop and “listen” for it to see if it’s still there (and it always is.) It does occasionally get louder and is accompanied by extreme vertigo – which is NO fun. I pray you get healing, but consider yourself blessed that you don’t have vertigo along with the ear ringing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda

      My father also experienced the ringing in the ear, besides problems with vertigo. Praying for healing; for anyone with these issues.

      Reply
  105. Susie Ishmael

    God is in control. I can’t wait to hear you at Women of Faith. I could not get the video to work but I love your website.

    Reply
  106. Courtney Sarikasap

    Hi Lysa,

    Just wanted to let you know that your server crashed last night. I tried to join the webcast, my husband, who is an IT expert, tried, and it was down indeed. Maybe you can have your tech people work on it to make sure it doesn’t happen again next time.

    Thanks and God bless you.

    Courtney

    Reply
  107. Victor

    Chapter 8I was gone last weekend vntisiig the very site where all of these body image issues were birthed yes, my home town in Michigan. I do visit a couple a times a year and fortunately, this last year my visits were a bit better because I visited as a smaller version of myself. However, this smaller version of myself does not eliminate the sounds and images of a very difficult and sad childhood. When I am there, it doesn\’t really matter how much I weigh. I see myself as a very hurt little girl with a pot belly. For as long as I can remember, my mother told me to suck in my stomach. In those days, a girtle (don\’t even know how to spell it) was a girl\’s best friend. Even today, as I work on creating a healthy body, I can see that the size of my stomach area is always going to be proportionally bigger than the rest of my body (thanks to the joys of aging). And there in I have named my Tankle. And, I am sure it is no coincidence that when I feel any stress at all, I get a stomach ache. I feel like this spot carries all my shame about my body.Oh how I long to just be grateful to God for the body He has given me. I know He wants me to work on being healthier but He also wants me to get better and better and looking to Him in those anxious moments and not to food and not to numbers from weight loss or inches lost. I am trying to focus on another number .my trust and obey number and then add to that my gratitude number and maybe by spiritual growth number and average those together and see what I get.My trip to Michigan was filled with joys and sorrows. I managed my healthy food intake pretty well. But listening to my spiritual compass while there was the best ever. I even managed to survive my new to me truck break down in West Virginia. My trust and obey number was a 10! My upset stomach was still there, but maybe that is always going to be part of how my body deals with scary, disappointing things. Join me this week in meditating on Psalms 103 and let\’s see how that helps!

    Reply
  108. Liz

    I am having the same issue with my left ear. I did have tons of trouble with scuba and my ears, but I have no idea what has caused my left ear (and beginning of my right) to ring so loudly all the time. I did go to another hearing and balance doc and found that there may be a device to help reduce the ringing and make the hearing voices better.
    I’ll pray to find an answer for this noise. As a mom, hearing is not the thing to lose as your child is starting to talk to you. ; )

    Reply
  109. Vicki Lamb

    Lysa, I saw you speak in my hometown a couple years ago & would never have guessed you have hearing loss!! I have hearing loss as well from Otosclerosis. It’s hereditary & made worse by pregnacy. I’ve had several surgeries which helped for a while. I am totally deaf in my left ear & wear a hearing device in the right ear. I must be looking at the person speaking to know what is being said.
    I have always been very outgoing but this little inconvenience was pushing me into an inner shell. It’s a struggle to keep hearing loss from having a negative impact on my life & the things I need to do for the Lord.
    Lately He’s been giving me little pushes & shoves to get outside the comfort zone I’ve grown accustom to due to hearing loss. I know whereever He leads me He’ll be there to guide me so I won’t be alone.
    I’m usually very forward about my hearing loss. I feel like I can relax & do what is necessary once those around me know I am not ignoring them.
    May God Bless!

    Reply
  110. Myrna Folkert

    Lisa, I certainly can relate. I just wrote a post on my blog last night about my tinnitus experience. It is something that tormented me the first year or two I had it. Now I have made more peace with my noise. Best wishes to you.

    Reply
  111. Sandy

    I’ve been having trouble with my hearing lately also. I am tormented every year and year around with sinus problems which has affected my hearing and other things. I wish you well.

    Reply
  112. raeann

    I have no idea if the doctors have named your ear trouble, or if you’re still searching. And, maybe you have a wonderful doctor who has already discussed diet with you. I also haven’t read all the comments, so maybe someone suggested this already.

    But, for what it’s worth, a gluten sensitivity causes tinnitus. Not sure if you eat wheat or not, but you might try cutting it out for 30 days and seeing whether it helps. There are many success stories out there for ppl who’ve had tinnitus & it gone away, in addition to brain fog.

    Hope that helps. Thank you for your words! Some girlfriends & I are finishing up …bible study girl and i look forward to starting unglued.

    Xoxo

    Reply
  113. Angie

    Hi Lysa! I had to hunt down this post to find it, lol! I know you’ve been dealing with the ear ringing for quite some time now, and most likely someone has already mentioned this to you. It is medicinal/therapeutic-grade Helichrysum oil. I’d been seeing tons of testimonials on it lately, so I suggested it to a girl I know struggling with tinnitus. She saw improvement after the first day! Of course I thought of you, and wanted to make sure someone mentioned it to you! 🙂

    Reply
Leave a Reply to Susie Ishmael Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let's Stay In Touch