Hi All,

[Lesley2065]

I haven't written anything on the forum for sometime now but have been reading a lot of the new people's posts from time to time.

I've had tinnitus for 32 months now and in the beginning I thought my life would never be the same as it was before T started and didn't think I would ever cope with it but with the help of my hearing aide and masker , my sound therapy machine for nightime and finding ways to distract myself from listening constantly to my T, I am now at a point where, although I've never habituated to the noise, it doesn't annoy or upset me so much and I am in a much better place. It's not been easy and I do have the occasional spike that gets the better of me but for most of the time, I can live with it.

I'e tried all sorts of herbal remedy that claim to reduce tinnitus but found they are not very successful. At times, I do have trouble getting off to sleep, and use cherry juice, melatonin or anti histamine tablets but I find it's worse if I'm stressed about something and when I've gotten over that, everything calms down and I go back to sleeping properly again, I also find reading a book helps on going to bed.

I did try CBT, but didn't find it useful but just cos it Didn't help me, doesn't mean it won't for someone else.

When I first joined this forum and everyone was telling me that it would get easier, it was hard to believe but I can honestly say that they were right and I just want to say to all of you that have recently joined because you have developed tinnitus, don't give up hope that you will learn to manage living with tinnitus because at some stage you will.

Use this forum and the info the BTA provide as it all helps to find a better understanding of tinnitus and it helps to know you are not alone.

Best wishes

Lesley x

[Ingrid-p]

I agree with everything you say. At first it's literally horrendous, but over me time it does get easier.

I've had mine 35 years and I've habituated about 5 times. Going through a really bad time at the moment, but from past experience I know things will settle.

I've been given new hearing aids with maskers, which are helping. I have no trouble sleeping which is a real blessing.

xx

[Angela-H]

Hi Lesley, you and I met up on the old forum and have supported one another since.

I agree with all that you say - with the correct management, our T gradually fades and we can at times forget that we have it.

Catch up soon, love and best,

Angela xx

[Dave-G]

Hello Lesley

I agree with everything you have said and being an oldie of nearly 18 years I thought the same in the beginning. Its all about managing and taking stock of the situation which at the start is difficult as all you want is for the racket to stop. Like you I have accepted my noise and it plays no part anymore in my daily life, yes it would be nice to have a bit of peace and quiet but hey ho just got to get on with it. Well done in getting this far and a great post BTW.

Take care

Dave xx

[Angela-H in reply to Dave-G]

Hi Dave,

Thank you too - you were the first to reply to my first forum post. I was struggling to comprehend what was happening to me, but your constant support - and that of others on here - is what helped me believe that one day life would be ok again.

Hope you enjoy the sunny days in your beautiful part of the country!

Love

Angela xx

[NicBTA Partner]

Lovely to hear from you Lesley, and it's great to read such a positive story.

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Keoni]

Hi, Leslie2065,

Good post and very encouraging words. I'm glad you seem to be coping and in "a much better place". Long may that continue.

Respectfully submitted,

Keoni