What sort of help should I be expecting from my GP?

[Auntbessy]

Hello, I'm feeling very low about the constant tinnitus, headaches and ear pain (all ok the right side). It's been 3 years without any sort of diagnosis. My ear feels inflamed inside and it feels like I also have inflammation around that ear in my head. I had an MRI and nothing came of it. What should I be asking for? Where is the best place to get help?

[daverussell]

They should be able to offer Antidepresents if you are struggling to cope - I think they avoid automatically giving these out nowadays. These may help short term (though I had a bad experience with them - they don't always work or it takes time to find what works for you), but ask for a referral for Talking therapy or CBT. Though there is likely to be long waiting list, unless you go private. Your GP may be able to give recommendations.

Look on the BTA website for local support groups. I'm not sure if these will be running given the COVID situation. However, you should get in touch. Maybe try other hearing loss/deafness groups.

It is important to seek help, as futile as it may seem, but also remember even with help Tinnitus is your own journey. If you havent already, look at sound therapy...

tinnitus.org.uk/Pages/Categ...

Wishing you all the best.

[surreycccfan]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are not getting anywhere, GP visits can be hit and miss. Have you seen an Ear Noise & Throat (ENT) consultant as they can be the best folks to be referred to for guidance. Might be worth asking your GP for a referral for CBT as this can be very helpful in managing your T (it was for me). Here are some links on the BTA website which may help. Best of Luck and hope you find a path to habituation

tinnitus.org.uk/FAQs/what-s...

tinnitus.org.uk/FAQs/see-yo...

tinnitus.org.uk/guidance-fo...

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Auntbessy - thank you for posting. I'm sorry to read about the difficulties which you're having.

We've scheduled some online support and information sessions during our online conference this year - tinnitus.org.uk/Listing/Cat... - which you might be interested in.

In the meantime, some of the resources in our website section aimed at tinnitus professionals might help you in structuring a conversation with your GP - tinnitus.org.uk/tinnitus-co...

It's a shame that you've had some hospital testing and are no further forward in finding a reason for the tinnitus you're experiencing to be present. I would concur with some of the other community members in suggesting that CBT/talking therapies are helpful with the low mood issues you've mentioned.

Take care,

Pat

[richard56]

Hi Auntbessy,

I was attending support a support group at my local surgery, organised by the BTA.

This used to happen every 3 Months. It has stopped since the Pandemic arrived.

I now use Zoom meetings held monthly, again this is through the BTA.

Best Wishes

Richard

(Tinnitus is not for life)

[kashmir007]

the gp dont know