Looking for advice

[UnlitCandle]

I consider my tinnitus moderately bad and am looking for advice to help manage it. I’m a student and am worried it will affect my exams. It already affects my sleep and I can’t sleep without white noise, so I’m worried it will distract me in a quiet exam room. I’m willing to try anything.

[PimplePopperfan]

Hi, Have you spoken with your student support? Some uni's (colleges) have their own way of dealing with health issues like this. Audiologists can give you a "hearind aid" to wear without hearing loss but only white noise . I know it is a nightmare to get an NHS appointment but try to speak with your GP and ask for help. GP's can write to the audiology dept and explain.

[UnlitCandle in reply to PimplePopperfan]

Thanks so much, I’ll try and talk with my gp. I have previously seen an audiologist just to check for hearing loss, so I’ll definitely bring this up.

[Stubble in reply to UnlitCandle]

It's very important that you notify your university. They are required to make appropriate adjustments to ensure you are fully supported at all times.

If you end up.wearing a device they will need to check that it's appropriate.

Bose do a sleep bud that only allows streaming of noise tracks so this could be an option if there is a long wait for an appointment with an NHS audiologist.

[perlcoder]

Hello,

Huge sympathy for your situation. I was at one time a Uni lecturer and set / invigilated many examinations. If you had explained your problem to us in advance we would have done anything possible to help.

As has been suggested, a simple masker seems to be a good idea - since it shouldn't involve any tests. I wonder whether your GP might beg audiology just to issue one (or a pair if needed), in good time for your exam. Perhaps the college would need a note to say that it can't act as a receiver.

In an emergency perhaps you might even be permitted to use a phone with earbuds and one of the many good masking sounds available?

Finally, Diazepam does sometimes make T vanish for a while. This is a well-known effect and, sadly it is temporary. I knew nothing about it until I was prescribed for a back spasm that put me in bed and my T disappeared for a few days.

Best wishes.

[Ray200]

I've had some success with Ginkgo. Click on my username to see posts on the subject. But you don't take it daily. It doesn't work like that. What I am able to do is to take it in advance, a day or two before before say, a social engagement and have a reduced whine then. The lower the dose the better, as it has to clear the system before the next dose can be recognised. I'm on 90mg, one day in four.

[Hel_C]

I try and manage my stress with mindfulness and meditation. Not always easy but that does seem to help my tinnitus when it gets loud and shouty.

[Austen17]

Hi there, I'm very sorry to hear this. I just wanted to say that I am a university lecturer and I know that my university would want to support you as much as we could. Do speak with them as soon as you can do you have time to organize it. Sending best wishes!