Tinnitus is driving me crazy

[Wolfie04]

One of the issues I’ve had after two brain surgeries has left me with constant ringing in my ear (on the side of my head surgeries). Has anyone got any suggestions how I can live with this? The noise varies and along with the other post surgery issues, I’m feeling like I’m going mad! Looking for source of noise only to find its again in my head! Are we all suffering from this? I’ve mentioned this to consultants and GPs but it’s hardly a priority and I can understand that. Even the word tinnitus doesn’t seem to give this issue a true understanding of it. I’d really appreciate any tips. Some days I really can’t get away from it! All advice gratefully received 😳

[Andy_TBTC Volunteer]

Hi - I developed tinnitus after my meningioma operation and I’m convinced they are linked.

Mine is’t too bad, but seems louder when I’m tired/stressed.

I have good noise cancelling headphones to listen to music through for a break.

If it helps there is a Facebook group for support which might give you more help.

facebook.com/BritishTinnitu...

[Wolfie04 in reply to Andy_TBTC]

Thanks. I’m convinced this issue is connected to the surgeries. I had pretty good hearing before. There’s definitely a connection between the two and how you’re feeling at that time. Sometimes it’s it’s difficult to get to sleep. I put my music on and hope for the best. I’ll look at the Facebook page you mentioned. 🍀

[Seaviewwaves]

Hi , before my diagnosis I worked as an Audiologist for over 20 years and worked with a lot of patients with tinnitus.

The advice you have already received is good. Distraction with other sounds is generally very helpful.

If you can, get your GP to refer you to a Hearing Therapist or an Audiologist who could provide you with further help-techniques to lower your awareness to the tinnitus to the point that it is bearable.

Hearing aids (even if you don’t have a hearing loss) can help by increasing ambient noise to drown out the tinnitus (never to a level which could damage your hearing) and some people devices called ‘Tinnitus maskers’ invaluable. These are devices that resemble hearing aids but play a constant noise into the ear, at a level controlled by you. This sounds a mad idea but as I said they can be very helpful. Having a noise you can control over one which is beyond your reach can be amazingly powerful.

The medical community take tinnitus extremely seriously-you just need to get past your GP!

[Wolfie04 in reply to Seaviewwaves]

Thank you for this information. I will discuss this with my GP. Has been always overlooked due to my other issues. I’m thinking that getting it under control has got to help my headaches further. Thank you 😊

[Seaviewwaves in reply to Wolfie04]

You’re welcome!

I’ve seen many patients that are extremely distressed by tinnitus (the route at my hospital was generally referral to ENT, then to us Audiologists and then to Hearing Therapy if we were unable to help)

I came to see that it is a condition which should never be overlooked, but it often is.

I understand GPs are under pressure but perhaps this knowledge of the system may help a bit. I hope so!

[Wolfie04 in reply to Seaviewwaves]

Definitely found tinnitus is an afterthought when other things at the forefront. It really is an issue and the noises are a constant. It drives me crazy some days and when it’s at its most annoying it’s not something that can be turned down. Thank you for all this info. At least I can be armed with some questions 👍

[Seaviewwaves in reply to Wolfie04]

No problem 🙂

[KazBlue]

Get an appointment with Audiology and ask them for a masking hearing aid