My poor experience with BTA helpline

[Brett_angel]

Sadly, when i recently called the BTA " helpline" looking for support i was far from impressed. I enquired about Mindfulness tailored to tinnitus. Reference is made to this on the BTA website. The person who answered didn't know anything about it and just suggested " do a search on google for mindfulness". I was advised it might be worth talking to a cognitive person but was told to do a search in google and there was no guidance on finding someone with specific knowledge. Poor.

[Peeweecat15]

Brett...have you considered hypnotherapy? I've heard it can help particularly surrounding the anxiety which comes with tinnitus. I am considering it myself.

[hazyfan]

Hi Brett, iv taken the Tinnitus mindfulness course at the Royal ENT in Grey Inn Road Lauren Mc Kenna ran it. I did it in April and practice it every day , def helps lower you anxiety , but it not a quick fix and requires you to do it every day....

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello Brett_angel

I'm sorry that you had a disappointing experience with our helpline. We do try to give the best information available. I will pass on your feedback and suggest mindfulness as a topic to be covered at our next training.

Currently, mindfulness for tinnitus is offered at the Royal London Nose Throat and Ear Hospital, and at St Georges hospital too on the NHS. We're not aware of any other clinics offering mindfulness.

The ideas behind mindfulness for tinnitus come from the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and his work with people experiencing chronic pain and PTSD. His books are widely available, and may be of interest.

Coincidentally, I am currently researching mindfulness resources for a revision of our webpage on the topic, which hopefully will help. I would be happy to share what I have found so far, although they have not been reviewed by our professional advisers.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[deltec in reply to NicBTA]

I after agree u don’t get a lot of help off the help line or the help line off the computer chat at all

[Brett_angel]

Thats fair enough Nic. Good that you are answering in an honest way and at least showing some accountability.