Advice needed - teenager with tinnitus

[isalou]

My 15 yr old son has suffered noises in his ears for as long as he can remember but only told us a few years ago as he thought it was normal. He saw a consultant in 2015 who didn't actually diagnose tinnitus but agreed that it seemed likely and said he would have to learn to live with it. He was sent for a hearing test which showed good hearing, if a little too sensitive.

We hoped he would grow out of it but he's just about to turn 16 and it's getting worse. Some days he says the noise is so loud that he is scared he will lose the ability to hear anything else. He is affected by it mentally although he does his very best to deal with it. He spends his life wearing headphones listening to music to try and mask the noises.

Is there anything anyone can suggest to help him? Do you think we should go back to the GP and if so, what should we be asking for?

Any help / advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

I would have his ears and hearing checked and refural to ENT and audiology just to make sure everything is ok.

Playing relaxing music can help but for now if wears headphones keep it on the lowest setting but best try refrain from wearing them for any length of time.

Love glynis

[NicBTA Partner]

I echo Glynis's suggestion - there are things that can be done. Sound can be very helpful for tinnitus, but shouldn't be played at a level above the tinnitus - tempting though that is.

Perhaps your son might like to check out takeontinnitus.org.uk - it's short little bite sized videos, exercises and information to help people manage their tinnitus. One of the people on their is a young woman, so he might find that relatable. And if you or your son need to speak to a person in "real time" then give our helpline 0800 018 0527 a call.

Best wishes

Nic

[isalou in reply to NicBTA]

Thank you so much. That is really helpful. I'm trying to get a GP appointment & we will start the process. Videos & helpline are good - thank you.

[isalou]

I’m so sorry to have not updated this thread, life has taken over! My son did see a GP who was very nice but said there is nothing more they can do so did not refer him further. In 2015 he did an audiologist who did a hearing test (very good hearing) and advice given to take antihistamine as he suffered with ear ache around the hay fever season. However his tinnitus has clearly worsened over the past couple of years and affecting him psychologically.

I have made another appointment for the GP for later this week. Do you think it’s appropriate to ask for an NHS referral to see a specialist? (The audiologist was a Bupa referral but they won’t refer anymore for tinnitus)

Secondly, I have found a private clinic in Oxford who mention tinnitus retraining. Has anyone any experience of this?

All guidance welcome.

Thank you

[hac82 in reply to isalou]

Can you speak to someone about getting a scan of his head? Privately or via gp. Always worth making sure it is tinnitus because sometimes it is to do with veins too close to the ear etc. Is the tinnitus constant ringing or is it pulsing or intermittent.

[isalou in reply to hac82]

Thank you. It’s a constant ringing I believe (he’s at college at present so can’t check), although some days are louder than others it’s always there.

[hac82 in reply to isalou]

Do you know what caused the ringing to start? ? It’s unusual for a child to have tinnitus? Any head injuries? Etc? Still might be worth getting a scan done anyway at least then you

Know you have done all you can to make sure it’s just tinnitus not something underlying!