Newbie Covid Tinnitus Sufferer

[Hunter2022]

Hi

Just joined the group to try and get tips and advice on tinnitus.

I've been suffering from covid for over 7 weeks now and along with many of the usual symptoms have got tinnitus both ears, which seems make me a bit dizzy.

I've not had tinnitus before so it's all new to me but in both ears, it seems to be getting worse since I got it.

I'm hoping I'll be able to get loads of good tips as my GP really wasn't bothered but I'm having a blood test this Friday.

Hopefully also going to contact my local support group for a chat too.

[rabbits65]

Good evening Hunter and welcome to this site. You will find plenty of advice in this community where we all suffer tinnitus in varying degrees. By reading everything on here you will realise that you are not alone, apparently one in ten people suffer from this horrendous condition, you do eventually get used to it but it takes quite a long time to what they call habituate…. You sound quite a positive person which is good. It is very late on here now but tomorrow you will receive lots of tips from other people in the morning.

[RobWG]

Hi Hunter.

I'm roughly 18 months into my T experience. This forum has been my main support point and it has been invaluable.

From my experience it does get easier, I'm close to habituating, I'm still very aware of it but it doesn't overwhelm me like it did at times early on.

Methods I used are some masking with music / radio etc. I do this less of late as again I don't tend to notice it so much. I'm lucky so far in that T has never really stopped me sleeping, i do have sounds on a timer to go to sleep.

My adapting it to it has been and up and down journey, staying positive for me was key though that is an effort.

There is a document that defines 4 stages of adoption that i found really helpful as it showed a positive way forward. I'll look for a link.

Re your GP there is now guidance they need to follow when dealing with T, I initially had a similar experience if a GP who was not interested, my new one whilst realistic about there being no magic cure for T has listened and offered advice which has helped.

Best wishes

RG

[Happyrosie in reply to RobWG]

Hello RG. That habituation document is in my reply to Bantams yesterday - on,y a few posts down the page!

[Happyrosie]

Hello Hunter. The other two posters have said what I would say, with the addition that if you want a web chat or phone call, and/or lots of reading, then the British Tinnitus Association website is your source.And to add that no-one knows much about tinnitus that’s been acquired alongside Covid and it’s always possible that your T might melt into the background all on its own.

But, he (tinnitus is a male imp as far as I’m concerned) is very clever and hides away then pops up when you don’t expect him!

[doglover1973]

Hi Hunter2022 Sorry to hear you have covid & hope you get well soon. In terms of coping with tinnitus the two most useful things for me are sound therapy & relaxation techniques. In terms of support the BTA & the forum have been invaluable. It's a good idea to contact your local support group too . All the best .

[Hunter2022]

Thanks guys this forum has been great so far.

I've downloaded this free tinnitus app on my phone which is as you say hopefully can mask/help with the constant pulsing and keep things calmer during the day and night.

It's nice to know there's a lot of support groups and this forum around giving load's of helpful advice.

I'm having issues with listening to music and TV where if it's too loud it actually hurts my ears not sure if that is related to tinnitus?

Got the details of my local titunitus group, which I'm going to ring tomorrow, just had one of those days when I've tried to do a few things but then ended up in bed.

Covid has wiped me out, but I'm trying to stay positive with setting myself little challenges each day. I'm determined that neither covid and this bloody tinnitus is going to beat me!

[Molly108]

Hi Hunter, I too got my tinnitus due to covid. I’ve had it for 14 months now, suffering with long covid too. I brought a soundasleep pillow and thankfully I found great support with a group called T-Minus, you can find them on all platforms. It took a year to see ENT on the nhs and they seem to think my high bp is the cause! Came out a little disheartened and no real advice just a see you in 6 months! I found finding a good support network worked wonders, best of luck and hope you feel better from covid soon xx