Hi, I'm Hayley x

[HayleyStephens]

I live in the north Welsh mountains in a little cottage with my husband, 6 hens and 2 yorkies. I have 2 grown up daughters. I'm 53 and a retired mental health nurse and counsellor. I live with chronic interstitial cystitis and anxiety, which is very much under control. I developed T a few months ago through a stressful house move. I love my life and want to stay positive about this latest symptom. I have no hearing loss or ear damage, so I assume my T was brought on by stress. I have yet to see a doctor about my T, as I'm sure they'll say I have to just live with it. I'm not sure how bad my T is. It's like a static sound/sensation in my head and left ear. It doesn't stop me from sleeping and I don't hear or feel it when I'm out and about or have sound on in the house, but I love being quiet. I like to spend time alone, and I suppose I'm grieving for that beautiful silence. I have every hope I'll get better. x

[HissingSid]

Hi you seem to be coping well with your tinnitus so keep on living your life that way as the best way to distract yourself from the noises is to get on with your life as best as you can. It may be best to see your GP and get referred to your local ENT department in hospital. At least that way you’ll be registered as having tinnitus and receive some help and advice. Good luck!

[HayleyStephens in reply to HissingSid]

Yes..I'm sure that's what they'll do, once he's examined my ears and can't find anything. I'm seeing my new GP on Tuesday. Thank you for your reply x

[Judyspal]

Hi sorry to hear of your tinnitus ,I would recommend that you go to see your Dr 1st of all,I'm sure, having been in the medical profession, you will know that tests will have to be done to make sure that their is no underlying or undiagnosed cause of your tinnitus.

I myself have recently been diagnosed with tinnitus, firstly making sure no wax build up in the affected ear,then sent for an hearing test,from there for an MRI scan, and also audiology /hearing rehabilitation.

Hope this helps,also learning on this forum that I am not alone.

[HayleyStephens in reply to Judyspal]

Thank you. I have an appointment on Tuesday. I definitely don't have wax build up. I truly believe stress caused my tinnitus. I'll keep you updated x

[sammie888]

Hi, Hayley what a lovely picture of those beautiful young sisters shame you haven't included one of yourself (ha ha) you know you have to get yourself checked out with the doc to rule out any nasties as hissing sid says you have to keep yourself busy, living in that beautiful location of yours I am sure you can, I to spend a lot of the summer months in north wales just walking along the beaches with the sea drowning out the dreaded "T" is blissful, you will take charge of it in time we all realise it wont go thats why WE take control eventually.

All the very best Sammie.

[HayleyStephens in reply to sammie888]

Ha ha, Sammie..Yes that's me on the left!..I am going to get checked out. My T is very faint, and I do believe it was brought on by stress. I have every faith it will go. My mum had it, strangely enough when she moved home after splitting with her partner. Her's was much worse than mine and completely went after about a year. I am also absolutely sure nothing abnormal will be found. I have no hearing loss or damage from noise. I am of course positive at this stage but also accept it may always be with me. I'll keep you all informed.! My husband has mild T from using power tools in his job. Wishing you all love and thank you for your replies x

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum Hayley. 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])

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Carpenter62]

hi , its horrid when you buy somewhere for the love of the peace and quiet , only to gain T , we bought a place in rural central france for the joy of the quiet countryside , and now this , not sure if the stress of buying brought it on , only time will tell , love your final sentence , regards keith

[fedup123]

Hi Hayley.

Nice to know another retired RMN. Great to have you on the site.

Best Regards Bernard.

[HayleyStephens]

Thank you...I'm actually an RNMH but then went on to work with people with mental health issues. I had my own care home for 20yrs and was very passionate about normalizing mental health issues. My home was divided into seperate houses and was sited in a normal street where the residents could come and go despite having schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I miss it, so love working voluntarily with the elderly who are isolated, of which there are many in rural north Wales! I still miss working with those with learning difficulties. x

[Brett_angel]

Hi Hayley. Nice to meet you . I am happy for you for 2 reasons....you have no noise damage or hearing damage. That makes me very positive for you...that you will be in control. Feel free to message me as I have a great free resource I can send to you which I think will be perfect for you ( it's a cognitive text specific to tinnitus ) . If you follow it you will be totally in control !

[HayleyStephens]

Thank you Brett_angel, any help is very much appreciated. x

[Brett_angel in reply to HayleyStephens]

You are welcome to message me with your email address and I can send the PDF over to you .