Newbee

[Londonr]

Hello people, just thought I would introduce myself and give a short synopsis of my Journey. And also ask for any tips and tricks on how to live with T everyday?

So about 8 months ago I was sitting in my office and I heard this high pitch whine, at first I thought it was coming from my computer or something, and even asked people if they could hear it

Anyway after a couple of months back and forth to the doctors for sprays and antibiotics as they thought I had an inner ear infection brought on by sinus problems, I have come to the realisation that I just have to accept I probably have the big T - doesn't help that I am 2 years in recovery from the Big C!

I am currently under a ENT (been twice) and he just keeps giving me hearing tests, but no advice on what to do in the meantime? he says it might just go away, or then again it might not! Wish I could get paid €120 for 10 mins to say that

Anyway it is pretty bad now, especially in silent rooms, but all the time really, even watching telly, and I find music (which is one of my passions) really difficult as the whine seems just to go up and down with the pitch of the songs, which makes them unenjoyable now!

So the main noise is a high pitch whine or maybe a hiss and it seems to pulse if I listen in silence. However if I am really engrossed in a conversation sometimes I don't notice it as much - it doesn't go away (I think you all know that) but I don't notice it as much.

So if anyone has any tips and tricks to try, I am willing to try anything! Would be great to hear silence for just even 1 minute, but maybe that is not ever possible?

Thanks for being here......John.

[ShakeelaBTA]

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 (information and support details)

takeontinnitus.co.uk (free tinnitus management programme)

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

Kind regards

Shakeela

[JEHSPORT]

Hi have you tried any white noise apps? They can be downloaded to your phone and used with earphones. Don't have it too loud, the aim is to distract the brain away from the tinnitus, not to drown it out. You may need to try different sounds to find the one that suits you. I used to use one for during the day and a different one at bedtime. Most have timers so they switch off automatically- once you are asleep you shouldn't need it.

If you struggle getting to sleep you can also try soothing sleep stories - Calm, for examples a free sleep story read by Stephen Fry.

And maybe some meditation will help to reduce anxiety - look out for apps or if you sign up (free) for Futurelearn they sometimes have free online courses on meditation.

Silence may come to mean something completely different to you. I know it is difficult but if you can characterise your tinnitus it may help you to make peace with it. I termed mine as an angry bear - when it was annoyed it was really loud. So I did whatever I could to keep it calm without pandering to it. The important thing is to be kind to yourself. Do the things you enjoy, get plenty of rest, eat well, spend time with the family/friends who are good for you, try not to dwell on it (difficult, I know), try not to let it define you.

We have all been in those dark places and there is no guarantee we won't return to them but hopefully you will start to control it rather that it control you. Good luck!!

[Londonr in reply to JEHSPORT]

Yes I have Calm, and actually listened to Stephen Fry last night coincidently (trip to France)

I do meditate and have tried white blue pink noise, but none seem to help. Thanks for your advice.