Coping with Tinnitus

Thanks for your comments everyone. My ears have been checked and as my tinnitus is one sided I have had a scan. The consultant phoned me to say nothing was showing on the scan and that I should Google ideas of how to cope. Nothing is helping at present other than holding a conversation which can help a little but I can't talk all day and I live on my own most of the time. White noise and distraction noise seem to have the opposite effect but maybe one day I'll learn to live with it. Until then I'll be sleeping as much as possible for relief. Hope you all have a good day.

Hi again Suzy. So glad you’ve had this checked out and there’s nothing untoward going on. Your coping though is a big issue and I’ve had days when I really understand how some people can’t cope. As I said yesterday though, focussing on it is, for me, absolutely the worst thing. I used to go on the Health Unlocked tinnitus chat until I realised it was making me think about it more. But I know for many people the mutual support is very helpful. It’s still early days for you though and your brain has to get used to ‘hearing’ this and partially blocking it out. I think your GP’s attitude is very dismissive and unhelpful. This can be a serious mental health issue for some people. Have you tried listening to music through headphones or ear buds? The music can help you relax. Have you had your hearing checked? Hearing aids are often used to help with tinnitus, even if your not hard of hearing, as it accentuates other sounds. I love popping my hearing aids in and hearing the birds. If you do get to see an audiologist make sure they understand you have tinnitus as it affects the sounds used in the hearing test. I really wish you all the very best and truly hope you are eventually able to manage this. ?X

I'm so pleased to hear your consultant says there's no problems - other than the tinnitus. I didn't find that distraction noise works - or white noise as its too much like the tinnitus I have, so in effect it's just turning the tinnitus up louder.

My main help is Radio Four nattering away in the background. Or getting outside as it's never quiet out there. Wind in the trees, waves on the beach, cars, birds. Nature is really quite noisy.

Just popping back and glad to read your scan was clear.
I used one of these

www.ninelife.uk/products/yortot-sound-machinewhite-noise-machine-with-13-color-night-lights-20-soothing-sounds-for-sleeping-and-relaxation-autooff-sleep-timer-adjustable-volumebrightness-perfect-for-baby-kids-adults

when I had a particularly disturbed- nights- period. It helped me.
Now I find I go for days, maybe weeks, and don’t think about it but that wasn’t the case when I got the diagnosis of tinnitus.
I wish you well Suzy .

I’ve had it in one ear or at least been aware of it since my Mum
died in December last year. I think it’s probably down to the stress of losing both my parents last year. I’m sorry you have it too. It’s difficult at times. I find that as long as I keep busy I don’t notice it too much. Tv, radio, music etc helps and anything that distracts my thoughts. It might be relieved for you just by getting your ears syringed and ear wax build up being removed. Hope you resolve things. I think I’ll just have to live with mine. :-(

Mine started straight after I had a hearing test with Specsavers. It is not too severe and much of the time I can ignore it, but I always need to have the radio on. When I am busy I scarcely notice it, but it comes back when I relax.

I have had tinnitus for many years mainly in one ear. It presents as a buzzing sound. I’ve learnt to live with it but it does affect my hearing significantly. Unlike many on here who say background noise helps I prefer quiet. Sometimes I find that a particular musical note or sound can start the buzzing. I use the subtitles on the television and keep the volume turned down. My biggest problem was when I went out with friends to restaurants pre covid I wasn’t able to join in the conversations as the background noise made my tinnitus far worse and I couldn’t hear anything!

Pleased to hear nothing nasty going on.

I'm on a website for widows, and sadly someone's husband committed suicide because of tinnitus, she now fund raises for the charity.

There is an on-line support group, you might like to join, link below.

www.tinnitus.org.uk/find-a-support-group