Help and support

[Easteregg101]

Hi I’m new here and looking for support and advise. Developed T back in January due to mild Low-frequency hearing loss according to ENT. Going back next week with a follow up on scans etc. learning how to accept T and what people use to help with masking etc. it’s been a journey and starting to accept it but any advise on what others went through would be helpful.

[Happyrosie]

Hello Easteregg. You are in the right place here - we’ve all been through it! Firstly, don’t believe any “cures” you see - they are just trying to get your money off you.

If you are prescribed hearing aids you’ll probably find them helpful, in that the real world is louder so the T can fade a bit into the background.

Personally I’ve never needed any extras but others on this forum will, I’m sure, give you their thoughts.

A very good source of information is the British Tinnitus Association. They have a helpline, and the website has lots of good stuff.

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Easteregg - masking is absolutely an option to give yourself a distraction from tinnitus, as you habituate to it. There's no right or wrong sound to use - whatever is relaxing for you to listen to or interesting enough that it takes some of your mind's focus away from tinnitus for a while.

Some people use white noise - there are lots of variations on that very neutral sound to be found here: soundcloud.com/relaxing-whi...

I'm particularly open to soundscapes like some of the ones in the link above - drifting off to sleep with the gentle hum of a spaceship in my ears is something I've used a lot when I'm feeling more stressed than is helpful for me.

[Easteregg101 in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thank you BTAP. It’s trying to consider something for the day times and when I’m in the office. I’ll check out your soundscapes above 👍

[MOLKO1972]

Hi Easteregg101,

Welcome to this forum

I don't know if you are struggling to sleep at night, but I find just using a fan very helpful. I used to play all kinds of noises mixed together from babbling brooks, birds chirping and thunder and lightning and I think I was just infuriating my T with the bombardment of noise.

It is down to the individual and what works for you. During the day I have a pair of Aftershokz headphones, which are bone conductor headphones. Visit the BTA Website and you'll find them on there if you're interested and not heard of them before. They have been a godsend for me, as I work in a very quiet/silent office and that silence can be very deafening...if you get what I mean

Good luck on your journey

[Easteregg101 in reply to MOLKO1972]

Thanks MOLKO1972. I’ll have a look at Aftershokz headphones as that’s what I’m trying to deal with. Think I’m about there at night time, it’s more what to use day time…

[doglover1973]

Hi Easteregg101 Welcome🙂 There's several things you can do to help yourself. Sound is a nice distraction - if your hearing is good enough. I like water in all its forms. Relaxation techniques are helpful too . They can make a difference if you do them every day. Anything you enjoy is good news as it takes your mind off T. I enjoy puzzles - like Wordle. It's a journey - as you say - with ups & downs. All the best next week with your follow up .

[Easteregg101 in reply to doglover1973]

Thanks dog lover1973. No one prepares you for this so just trying to adjust. I know everything will be ok but sometimes it’s hard to see the wood from the trees!

[doglover1973 in reply to Easteregg101]

Completely agree. It's a steep learning curve at the onset but things will get easier as you get used to the sound(s) . You're doing really well given you're only three months into your journey. It's not easy!