Managing with Tinnitus: I just wanted to share a... - Tinnitus UK

Tinnitus UK

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Managing with Tinnitus

20 Replies

I just wanted to share a little of my story to encourage others. In 2016 I developed Tinnitus along with other symptoms. I struggled to get GP support and help and my mental health suffered. I didn't sleep more than an hour a night of 3 to 5 months and had terrible anxiety, time of work and struggled to return to work over a long phase back period. I accepted the offer of antidepressants and attended CBT threapy for a concentrated period of 2 months. Eventually, I made it to an audiologist appointment had my hearing tested twice over a period of 3 months and finally offered hearing adds to bost my high-frequency hearing loss which matched the high-frequency tinnitus I have. Within 3 to 5 months I began sleeping properly and found daytimes easier. 2.5 years later I am not anxious about my Tinnitus , sleep normally without any sleep aids. My Tinnitus hasn't changed but I'm told, I have managed to retrain my brain to stop seeing tinnitus as a threat. The hearing aids have made a massive difference. I am almost off my antidepressants and over the last 18 months have really started to enjoy life again and have taken up more outdoor activities to distratct my mind from focussing internally. I live life more like a child discovering everything for the first time, dew on grass, bare feet, tree hugging, sand, wind, rain ....

We are all unique and have different stories but hopefully sharing mine may help someone. Its tough and it continues to require me to adapt and recommit but there is a way through.

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20 Replies
Shellipops profile image
Shellipops

Wonderful, I needed this today...so thank you.

S

Spring123 profile image
Spring123

Thank you for sharing, great to know that someone has won the battle! I am just at the beginning and struggling with work. Now I wonder if I should take time off or not.

in reply to Spring123

I did have around 4 weeks off but didnt help me I just got worse as I focussed on Tinnitus. The auidologist said to me that people with T who dont go back to work quickly struggle to work again. I would talk to your employer and ask for some help, T can be considered mental health so employers have to make accomodation for you. The auidology department of my local hospital were great support whilst I waited for an appointment. They were happy for me to ring and discuss over the phone at any time and were and area a great support but I had to push the local GP practice hard for many months to get passed to them.

HissingSid profile image
HissingSid

Well done we could do with reading more “success” stories here rather than the negative ones. We all know our T never goes away but learning to put it to the back of our minds is a positive attitude that I applaud. Good luck in it continuing in this vein.

Michael8272 profile image
Michael8272

Hi,great to hear a success story at the moment.its great your tinnitus has stayed at the same level. Sleeping well is a massive help.👏

hazyfan profile image
hazyfan

I agree, great to hear some positive stories on here, i am 10 months in, so trying to come to terms and need a reason to carry on.

in reply to hazyfan

I have to thank the audiology team and the counselor who really helped me through over many months. I had to become like a new child getting excited about every external stimuli and remind myself of how my family needed me to be strong and think of the long term. Two years of determination now means many more years in the future.

SUS776 profile image
SUS776

That's reassuring think mine is starting to get quiter

Lynne-H profile image
Lynne-H

Always good to read a success story. They were one of the things that kept me going during the dark days at the beginning of my tinnitus.

Lynne

CamperT25 profile image
CamperT25

Thank you, this helps loads. Glad u r coping better, its a horrible thing to have. Ive bn diagnosed with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction with sinusitis, which has caused tinitus and some hypercausius too. Just today I can finally hear a bit better. Still buzzing but easier. 👍

Mille23 profile image
Mille23 in reply to CamperT25

Have you been offered a treatment for your eustacian tube dysfunktion ?

CamperT25 profile image
CamperT25 in reply to Mille23

Ive haf ears checked with 2 docs, both agree its this. Ear drum is pulled in showing negative pressure. Thankfully today it has just got easier. Its bn terrible since 24th Sept. I heve less pressure now but sinus pain still. Got Beconase spray for sinuses. Thank u for asking. Hxx

in reply to CamperT25

I to have UTD and sinusaitis and pains in my leg muscles. I suspect Lymes Disease as was bitten many times a year in my job and bitten 3 time sjust before becoming unwell originally and developing T. Howevere lymes Disease tests have come back negative, not a good test only around 40% accurate. Hope you get some relief and support.

Mille23 profile image
Mille23

Thank you for sharing your positive tinnitus story😀. It gives hope. I have a High frequency Hearing loss too, but how can you boost your loss with a Hearing aid? I have never heard about that. I remember I asked my audiologisk about this, but she said that it was not possible to make a Hearing aid for that loss. I hear quite normal but can’t hear 4000 Hertz, which I believe I have had all my life. It was an infection of the inner Ear which gave me tinnitus.

Ruud1boy profile image
Ruud1boy in reply to Mille23

It depends how high a frequency you're talking about. When they test your hearing, they normally measure up to 8Khz - anything above that (eg 10-12Khz or higher) you don't really need / use, although missing out on those frequencies can contribute to tinnitus. They refer to it as 'hidden hearing loss'. If your hearing falls away after 4Khz, then you would benefit from a hearing aid. My hearing is much the same as this - pretty good in the low-mid range, then falling away sharply past 4Khz. I know I'd struggle without my HA's.

in reply to Mille23

I don't know but will ask my audiologist next time I visit. I'm not sure what frequency I'm missing only that is a high tone frequency such that without hearing aids the would sound very bassy. With hearing aids my brain hears more external high frequency which masks the tinnitus so my brain listens less to internal tinnitus and more to external sound. Over a period of 2 years, this has reduced my anxiety and focus on my tinnitus, improving my mental health, my sleep and ability to enjoy activity, work, family etc.

NicBTA profile image
NicBTAPartner

Thank you for sharing this.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

Keoni profile image
Keoni

Hi WildTrees

It's great to hear a positive story - thanks for sharing. Long may it continue for you.

Respectfully submitted,

Keoni

in reply to Keoni

Many thanks

EmuEHLD profile image
EmuEHLD

So nice to hear a happy ending!😀

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