My Thoughts on Tinnitus
What is tinnitus?
An awareness of sound in the ears or head that cannot be explained by an external source.How does it manifest itself?
In my case it takes the form of a constant hissing sound in my ears. I also experience an intermittent two tone da da, da da in my right ear. It is always more noticeable at night when trying to go to sleep or at any quiet time. However, it is less noticeable when there is external noise.There are different kinds of tinnitus sounds. Some are more annoying and intrusive than others.
I feel quite fortunate that my tinnitus is not unpleasant or too intrusive. That is not to say I am happy to have it. I would much rather it wasn't there but as there is no cure and I have to live with it I am just glad that the sound is bearable.
Who gets it?
Tinnitus knows no borders and does not discriminate according to gender, age or race.What can we do about it?
Learn to live with it if you experience it already. Protect your ears if you don't have it or want to stop further damage. I now have a very useful free app that registers decibel levels and gives useful advice on how to protect ears from noise damage. If interested you should be able to find one easily in your app store.I have been told that if you have tinnitus you cannot be refused NHS hearing aids. I think that in the present climate of cuts being made by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) you might have to check on that and fight for your 'rights' if necessary. Some people find that whilst wearing hearing aids perception of their tinnitus is reduced.
