How to cope

[Slowrunneruk]

I've been struggling with tinnitus for a few months. Initially I wasn't sleeping well and assumed it would resolve itself when my sleep improved. After getting the right level of HRT, my sleep is much better but the tinnitus has remained. It's a static noise in both ears and I don't think it's hearing related. Although not especially loud, my tinnitus increases when I concentrate on anything which is a problem as I work full time and I am looking at a screen most of the day

Apart from using background noise which helps mask the sounds, do you have any advice about how to manage this?

[Happyrosie]

your first port of call would be the website of Tinnitus UK, the specialist charity. There’s so much helpful information on there.

Don’t believe any “cures” if you go delving around the internet . It’s always a question of getting habituated to the sound. In my case for instance I’ve had tinnitus since my teens but I only notice after a noisy few hours (like on a plane) when the brain wonders where all the noise has disappeared to. Or now when I’m writing about it.

[Fridays_Child_62]

It is odd that your tinnitus increases when you concentrate, as I think for most people it becomes less noticeable when they are distracted. Perhaps for you it is related to stress or high blood-pressure. It might be worth talking to your doctor, highlighting this effect.

[Kellythecat-74]

At first I struggled with tinnitus trying anything to make it go away . Time did that eventually .One thing that did help when using the computer was wax ear plugs. Not sure why it worked but it did.