Newcomer

[Maggieve05]

Hi I'm new here, was diagnosed with tinnitus several years ago and the majority of the time seem to manage it fairly well and have learnt to live with it. On occasions however, like now, I do struggle. What appears to make it worse is a noisy environment, especially somewhere with bad acoustics. I don't know if this is normal because I know no-one with the condition and as I say it isn't a constant problem. I just stumbled upon this site and forum and thought maybe someone could comment and maybe offer advice. I wear hearing aids in both ears. Many thanks.

[Seilman]

I and my wife both suffer this scenario she having hyperacusis me with tinnitus. It can be tricky to cope with noisy environments so if dining out drinking out we always aim for a quiet corner if possible. Some establishments have awful acoustics but over time we have found places that we can cope with - a local cafe has been refurbished and added sacking on the ceiling and "astroturf" on nsome walls which really helps quash some of the sound thankfully. When its cinema time we both take earplugs as always these days the sound seems to be very loud. Sadly my worst is the kitchen with pots and pans being clattered about plus knives and forks on plates hence meal times are sometimes past enjoyment.

Good luck and try to go with the flow!

[Maggieve05 in reply to Seilman]

Thank you. Strangely enough I went out for lunch yesterday expecting to be affected but was pleasantly surprised. It has so much to do with acoustics.

[Angela-H]

Hi Maggie, yes I suffer as you do in noisy environments. I don't hear my tinnitus whilst surrounded by the noise, but afterwards I know that I have tinnitus! The fashion nowadays seems to be for laminated or wooden floors, glass or light wooden tables and chairs, and no curtains, which of course absorb all the noise. Plus, of course, the ghastly piped music! Fortunately at my age, mid 60s, my partner and I go to old-fashioned pubs for our meals which means that I don't suffer. But, if I take my son and nephew to Nando's, oh dear, do I know it afterwards. I just avoid such places where possible.

Love and best wishes,

Angela xx

[Maggieve05 in reply to Angela-H]

How true . My son has wood laminate flooring throughout downstairs and it does make a huge difference and yes when I go out with friends or by myself I would choose the environment. I would rather be in but obviously with my grandchildren the choice of venue is totally different. Thanks for your reply. Maggie

[Angela-H in reply to Maggieve05]

Yes of course Maggie, sometimes I have to go to those risky places too! No doubt you have a wonderful time with your grandchildren and suffer afterwards. What we have to remember is that our tinnitus will quieten again, and not let the beast get the better of us. Love and best wishes, Angela xx

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum.

I think it's quite common for people to be managing their tinnitus well most of the time, but have times or situations when it's a bit harder. You are not alone in this - and not alone with your tinnitus either, about 1 in 10 people have it.

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])

There's also a network of nearly 100 tinnitus support groups, perhaps there's one near you? You can find out at tinnitus.org.uk/find-a-supp...

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Maggieve05 in reply to NicBTA]

Thank u it is good to speak with people who have experience of tinnitus and or hearing loss. Sometimes it can be a very isolating condition. Merry Christmas