I have worked with the D/deaf and hearing impaired for some considerable years, and also people who suffer with Tinnitus so don't think that there is nothing you can do about your tinnitus. There are plenty of ways to help you manage it.

Tinnitus is a medical term to describe noise(s) that people can hear in one ear, both ears or in the head – such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. The sounds heard can vary from person to person, but the common link is that they do not have an external source.

Visiting your GP is crucial because your tinnitus may be caused by a condition that is easily treatable, such as an infection or excess earwax. Stress can make this a lot worse.

Once your GP has checked your ears, they may refer you to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department at your hospital.

Can counselling help me if you have tinnitus?

Yes.

Being able to talk to somebody who will listen and show understanding can be comforting and reassuring. Your counsellor may also help you see how other things in your life can affect your tinnitus.

Medical counselling:

Most medical counselling for tinnitus is delivered in specialist tinnitus clinics in hospitals. Your GP may refer you to your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) department initially. If the ENT staff feel it is appropriate, you may then be referred to a tinnitus clinic or specialist.

Help at the hospital:

First, you'll see a specialist at the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. The specialist will give you a check-up to see if there are any obvious causes of your tinnitus. They then may suggest a referral to a specialist tinnitus centre or clinic, but this will depend on where you live. Some areas may offer limited tinnitus services and some may have none at all.

As part of tinnitus management you may be offered:

Equipment, such as noise generators therapies, 'White noise' which help you become less aware of the tinnitus. Sound therapy involves listening to a range of sounds that you find pleasant, to distract you from the sounds of tinnitus.

Sound and noise generators – whether given to you by the hospital or products you buy yourself - can help you manage and live with tinnitus and hyperacusis (sensitivity to noise).

They are forms of sound enrichment. Sound enrichment is a vital part of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).

Hearing aids:

If you have a hearing loss, using a hearing aid may help tinnitus by:

Helping to compensate for your hearing loss
Stopping your ears straining to hear
Increasing the information available to the brain by picking up background sounds around you.

All these will help distract you from paying attention to your tinnitus. Sometimes hearing aids can take some time to get used to, particularly if it is your first one.


This is only a few things that could help of course it depends on where you live, which country etc etc.

rc