At the point of despair.

[SRendell1]

In June, I woke up with what appeared as a blocked left ear. When checked out by the ENT, my hearing was low but still within normal range. I have had two check ups from the ENT, all saying that my hearing is within normal limits. I then went on to develop sudden tinnitus and I thought after the initial distress, I was coping with it. I was seen by a hearing therapist and was given a white noise masker. Today, I had an MRI scan to check for any lumps in my ear but also, the tinnitus has been unbearable. I am a single mother and if I am really honest, this is really scaring me. I am depserate for ways to help me to cope with my tinnitus as it is genuinely making me feel as if I'm going mad. Any advice would be gratefully received.

[whywouldi]

Hi, T is very frightening when it first strikesand you don't know what to do, or who to turn to, years ago when it first happened to me ,the head of my local surgery just shook his head told me there was nothing he could do for my tinnitus and showed me the door! Devastated ! It nearly cost me my life, I became seriously ill mentally, and was admitted to a mental hospital, while in there I was prescribed anti psychotic drugs which reduced the volume of the T and calmed me down, although my hearing itself was not too bad at the time I was given a pair of hearing aids by the hospital, which reduced the volume further and continue to be a godsend to this day,,,,,,, do not think you are alone dear, there are plenty of us.get a good GP who understands tinnitus patients and what med to prescribe, and a quick referral to your local ENT clinic for hearing aids , that's for starters, good luck and god bless,...Jeff

[berry76 in reply to whywouldi]

Further message to SRendell .....unfortunately the more stressed we are the more the tinnitus intrudes - so keep busy, with background sound and at least there will be the satisfaction of achieving something instead of being totally submerged in head noise. Our limbic/emotional system is very close to the audiological system and they become over intwined. Try to relax - yoga, pilates, mindfulness - and use a masker and Sound Oasis at night.

Every best wish, Berry

[AdamfromAus in reply to berry76]

Hi Barry

Good advice. What do you do when sound maskers now longer work and all you can hear is your T? There seems to be no escape even when doing hobbies I generally enjoy.

[berry76 in reply to AdamfromAus]

One just has to accept - so much easier said than done! I find that when I am in company my mind is diverted ....and also if there is a serious problem with a loved one (my husband is a cancer sufferer). I think we get into an obsessive state - well I do anyway, and when I am tired there is so much less resilience. Soldier on - there are plenty of other things to keep the mind occupied!

[AdamfromAus in reply to whywouldi]

Hi Jeff

A moving response. That is my biggest fear ending up in a psych hospital. It's nice to hear someone has been there and come out the other side. When you say nearly cost you your life, what did you do to stop it from taking it? I'm kinda feeling like I'm heading down that path at the moment

[whywouldi in reply to AdamfromAus]

Hi Adam,Believe me it was a close call, my doctor in the mental hospital prescribed me Zopiclone which is a powerful sleeping pill, they knock you out for 8 hours or so, I regained a bit of strength through getting some sleep, and then quieta pine tablets daily, best of all I was prescribed hearing aids....Gradually you adapt to the situation and a process called Habituation happens where you are not aware of the T for hours at a time, keep calm and carry on mate regards Jeff

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum.

Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk

takeontinnitus.co.uk

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

This stage will pass. I know it doesn't feel like it at the moment, but there is help and support out there. If you would like to talk to someone, our helpline team is ready and waiting.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Jellybeanz_ in reply to NicBTA]

I have used the helpline and received the most empathic response. Truly lifted me. Additionally, I have attended a BTA information day. This was just brilliant as I found I was not alone and there are more like me! I have had tinnitus for about 15 years and only bothered badly by it in the last few, so I know I can manage it, it's just finding a way now!

Nicola 😀

[ade-the-pade]

This time is the worst. You think that you are never going to live with it but slowly but surely you get small victories. Lots of us are with you and know how you feel.

You will start to get things in you armoury that helps you deal with it. Don't give in to it. Be determined to live you life. You will have bad days but will end up having many better days.

I have had T and Hyperacusis for 18months. I thought that I would end up being "sectioned" but with good support from friends and family I am over the worst.

I wish you well and good strength.

Ade

[Hidden]

Hi SRendell1

Sorry to hear you are suffering badly with tinnitus.

I have had mine for almost 2 years and have found several

ways to cope. White noise generators from ENT Treliske have

helped slightly for 2-4 hours a day. Trying to keep busy to take

your mind off the noise and most important is to try to have a positive

outlook on life even if it seems impossible at the moment.

It will improve.

Best wishes, Keith