Hi Everyone,I've suffered from T longer than I can remember! It seemed to creep up slowly over time, I think!? Or maybe a post music gig buzz, that never went away...... ?
Basically, what I wanted to ask was, is there any point in going to your GP about it? As there is no real treatment, I have never bothered.
Just wondered what you guys thought/recommend.
Many thanks, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! 🎅🎄🎀🎁🥳😃
I think if someone is very stressed about their tinnitus then possibly yes , if hopefully for some support, however I have found that most doctors just seem at a loss as to know what to say to us, because they don’t really know much about it.
It's a valid question - is there any targeted treatment for tinnitus? Probably not at GP level unless the tinnitus is being caused definitively by something like an ear infection. Even then, as in most cases, the tinnitus is likely to be a symptom of that infection and any treatment will hope to address an underlying cause and subsequently diminish the perception of the sound that a patient is reporting.
A GP is very often the first point for treatment for issues like infections, eustachian tube blockages, sinus problems and the conduit to specialist investigation, if that's deemed appropriate. So from that perspective, GPs are integral to the process of getting help with tinnitus, even if it can seem as though their involvement is tangential.
and along with what’s been said.
You can find the pathway that doc are recommended to follow on NICE (National institute for clinical excellence ) website by putting “tinnitus” to their search box. Just so you know!
I’m in a Similar position to you in that, when I asked doc to refer me to audio for hearing aids, I happened to mention I’d had T for many years. Not interested. BUT he is a doc from whom I couldn’t ask for more, he’s been so helpful for other things.
Seven years ago (long after the onset of my T), I was experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms, including mild dizzyness. My excellent GP threw the book at it, as it were, including a referral to an ENT. He found nothing on examination, but referred me our local (also excellent) audiology department (all this is NHS), who found hearing loss in my left ear - the T side, - and provided a the hearing aid plus masker that I am still using. They also offered CBT. GP involvment was worth it for that alone.
It is also on my GP notes now that T affects my sleep and to take that into account when any issues of tiredness etc arise in other standard consultations.
Hi KazKat I had T for a decade before I told my GP or anyone else. It simply wasn't a problem but - unknown to me - I was slowly going deaf in one ear . Then my T got worse in the pandemic and I couldn't access any hospital services for over a year . There are still long waits for ENT and less so audiology. Ask for a referral now - just to be on the safe side. You're not wasting anyone's time.
Hi KazKat - I definitely think it is worth mentioning to your GP although I have to admit I was in a dreadful state when mine first started and my GP was quite dismissive and just sent me the link to the Tinnitus Organisation!! He was more helpful when he realised what a state I was in.
Have you had a hearing test? If not that’s a good place to start and although I realise waiting lists are horrendous I think it is worthwhile asking to be referred to ENT to rule out anything untoward. I lost most of the hearing in my right ear overnight due to Labyrinthitis then within a week my tinnitus started. I have Musical Ear Syndrome so I hear undefined repetitive music 24/7 along with other odd noises. I am looked after by Royal Sussex Audiology Department and they have been marvellous in helping me understand what I am going through and advising on ways to try and overcome situations when they arise. Although it doesn’t seem to bother you unduly at the moment I think it’s worth a mention.
Happy Christmas to you and everyone else and a peaceful New Year xx
I first went to my GP when my tinnitus came on as a mature student at uni. Firstly I was given ear drops and told to take them for 2 wks then come back and see about getting my ears syringed. I was given the impression this would fix it. I had originally came to them with constant tinnitus on one side, pain in my jaw on that side, and headaches on the same side. The syringing made the tinnitus temporarily worse and I was sent for a chest x-ray, which was clear. Then I was given diazepam to ameliorate the effects of the tinnitus, I have epilepsy and although I am usually well controlled, lack of sleep is a trigger for me. Diazepam just knocked me out and interacted with my current epilepsy medication. I was then referred to a consultant at an ENT department. I wrote down my symptoms and everything I wanted to ask her. I was given a questionnaire, completely unrelated to anything that was wrong with me, but I filled it in anyway.
The consultant appeared to ignore both my list and the questionnaire. She then looked down my nose to the back of my throat….it hurt like hell. After being told, it shouldn’t hurt so much, she sat down and announced that the headaches were migraines and yes, I had tinnitus, here was a leaflet, oh and I had silent reflux. It wasn’t helpful or therapeutic.
When I moved back home the local GPs were just a conduit to get to ENT. I had pretty much decided that. I just went down to ask for a referral. There were a few hopeless appointments to get the referral but when I did ENT were great. They can’t give me hearing aids as I, as one consultant said ‘just can’t hear bats any more’. My hearing is pretty good. I just have constant tinnitus in one ear.
The GPs are just a way of getting a referral to ENT/Audiology. They can be a real source of help, depending on who you get. The tinnitus counsellor was the best person in my book.
THANKS EVERYONE!Some interesting information - you never fail to be informative and helpful! 😊😊
Have a lovely Christmas all, and a Happy New Year! 🎅🤶🧑🎄🎄🎀🎁🥳🍾🥂😊👍
Hello. Yes. Yes it is. If only to make doctors more aware of the causes and effects of tinnitus. In my experience, over many years, stress plays a huge part. Doctors can refer you to ENT to check if there are physical rationale, or Audiology, where they are likely to tell you the symptoms are more related to psychosis and potentially try treatments that may work for you. Everyone's is different, and it seems we have all spent a good deal of time and intensity just worrying about where it is co.ing from.Anyway, come again, best wishes.
Jay
Just to add, in case anyone hasn't seen this, our webinar on positive GP appointments is free to access here - we'll send the link to your preferred e-mail address:
tinnitus.org.uk/gp-consulta...
Thanks Pat , I have managed to get that.
Clarithromycin made my tinnitus worse 
programme about Tinnitus coming up on Friday BBC1 10.45am Dr Xand
How do I tune this out?
Hello - Newbie alert :-)
