Dont listen to the birds, there not real

[Cristof]

Hello everyone

I was in the military from school in 78. Started out loading 4.5inch shells. And only finished using weapons in 2017. But out of all that time in close proximity to very loud noises, the thing that really pushed my tinnitus over the edge was headphones. I was operating as a controller for helicopters during the Arab uprising. I received very loud feedback type noises through my headset. This has left me with loud tinnitus in both ears. And what sounds like birds tweeting in my right. At first i got upset, depressed. My wife at the time treated me as if i wasnt listening to her. If she had to repeat any part of the conversation, she would get annoyed. Its very important to have some one with you who understands and is sympathetic to you situation. So after 22yrs of being with her, it ended. I used to have sleepless nights. I have even cried myself to sleep over the noises in my head. I have wondered if being totally deaf would stop it. I have sat and looked at a screwdriver on the table, and wanted to stick it into my ears to try and make it go away. So you can see ive been through it. BUT, and its a big But. I no longer let it bother me. I know its not real, and as for the birds, well i like birds so i can live with it. But i have learned to just not think about it. I know its there, i can hear it and sometimes it takes over. But i just come to terms with the fact that its part of me. I made up a sound recording of as close as i can get to how it sounds in my head. That way i can play it to people to explain whats going on in my head. This does help quite alot. I have had experiences when the noise goes away. Walking the dog on the beach was one. I think my mind was on the waves lapping. But the best one was bird watching. Sounds a bit strange i know. But walking through the woods, trying to be as quite as i can to spot birds helps big time. I dont know what it is or how to explain it, but try it. Get a pair of binoculars and go spot, and let me know what happens ok.

[Hidden]

What type of birds did you hear chirping?

[Cristof in reply to Hidden]

Do you mean the ones in my head that are part of my tinnitus?

[NicTinnitus]

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

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)