I am new to this forum - Tinnitus

[Inner-Ear-Essex]

I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis in December 2019, and have been suffering with Tinnitus since then, some days are better than others, some days it interferes with my sleep. I have to say I have been rather shocked at the lack of support available to me through NHS. I have always been fit and healthy, but had to visit my GP several times as this condition was so debilitating, I was confined to bed, and had to take several weeks off work. I was told there was nothing that could be done. He refused to refer me to a specialist (except as a private patient), and told me it would go away on its own. I am so pleased to have found this forum.

[Gouher]

Hi, sorry to hear about your problems. However be very careful when dealing with the medical profession on this, they can do more harm than good. You should look at Julian Cowans videos on YouTube they will help you alot. The medical profession is very far behind on this. If you really need help a high street audiologist will help you more. Try to relax and do breathing exercises also, you will be amazed how they help. Let me know how you get on.

[Inner-Ear-Essex in reply to Gouher]

Thank you for your advice Gouher. I will definitely check out the video on Youtube. Like you I have no faith in the medical profession, they are just not interested. I did go to a High Street Audiologist , just last week in fact, but he wasn't really much help, although he tested my hearing (which hasn't really been affected thankfully). But he did put me in touch with the Tinnitus Support Group, which has helped

[Gouher in reply to Inner-Ear-Essex]

I have had tinitus for a while and went through a horrific period for aboit 6 weeks. As with all things in life things get better though it might not seem like it in time. It's a psychological issue mostly and can be bought on by a number of reasons but the key is to learn not to respond to it and it will ease. It's a brutal cycle of stress - tinitus and stress but if you can break it thats the key. It's hard to believe but it will help you over time. Also do not read horror stories of other people, there are many examples of people getting better. It's about the mind set.

[Inner-Ear-Essex in reply to Gouher]

Thank you so much Gouher, the YouTube videos are very helpful

[Happyrosie]

I don't think it's lack of support through NHS more the fact that they know there is no cure, so they feel there is nothing they can do.

Of course, they could 'prescribe' meditation and breathing but I suspect most doctors are not comfortable with this.

Do you mean the labryrinthitis was ignored or the T or both?

To deal with the dizziness there are medications which take away the worst of the symptoms - see your pharmacist - and also exercises.

[Gouher in reply to Happyrosie]

Zero support seems to be the problem with the NHS. They don't offer hope or help. There is so much a person can do to help. To say to somebody deal with it there is no cure is the worst. I don't just apply this to tinnitus but to most other ailments, modern medicine at best masks not cures. Unless it's something obvious like a broken leg you will struggle to get help. Self help is the best option wity tinitus and requires effort but worth it.

[Yogijo]

Unfortunately your experience isn’t that unusual! Have you looked at the British Tinnitus Association’s website? There’s a lot of useful information on it and they offer support via webchat and a telephone helpline. They are also running online support groups at the moment.

tinnitus.org.uk/pages/searc...

takeontinnitus.co.uk/#home

tinnitus.org.uk

[Inner-Ear-Essex in reply to Yogijo]

Thank you Yogijo, I found this forum there, and a local support group

[Chall11]

Hi there i had similar experiences in January and what some GPs say is nothing short of outrageous. I was told I had a life sentence with tinnitus. Perhaps tell your GP that one in seven people with tinnitus become suicidal and they need to look into it more. I was fortunately referred to the mental health team who understood the tinnitus and had experience of patients with it. It doesn’t go away on its own and quite often people need a lot more support in coming to terms with this.

Glad you found the forum too. Best wishes. Caroline

[Inner-Ear-Essex]

Thank you Chall11. I can quite understand how this condition would make you feel suicidal. It most definitely affects mental health, and knocks your confidence right out of the ball park. It's good to have found this forum, and also a local support group. I think the problem is that until you actually experience something like this for yourself, you can't really imagine the effect it has on you.

[Hidden]

Hi

Sorry to hear that you too have tinnitus, on top of labyrinthitis

You have my sympathies

Regarding the T, what REALLY helped me, after having it for 40+ years was redefining it

I am now no longer bothered by it and haven't taken benzos to sleep for over 4 months now

If interested, see my Post 'How I got rid of my T, just by redefining it'

Thanks

Alps

[Inner-Ear-Essex in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Alpsholiday I will have a look