What Can You Do About Tinnitus?

The British Tinnitus Association is large charity that helps support people with tinnitus and has produced a number of easy read documents. For more information on tinnitus and self-help tips please visit the British Tinnitus Association / Tinnitus UK Website. If you would like to speak to someone there is a tinnitus help line: 0800 018 0527.

The British Tinnitus Association also have a new online resource for people with tinnitus: Take on Tinnitus. It is designed so it can be used on mobile phones, tablets or computers, includes an initial taster session followed by seven learning modules covering the fundamentals of tinnitus, hearing and tinnitus, benefits of using sound, the link between tinnitus and relaxation, sleep and tinnitus, the benefits of talking about it and living your life with tinnitus. Each module takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and includes a range of interactive exercises, video clips and self-tests all designed to keep you engaged in your learning.

The Ida Tinnitus First Aid Kit, may also be of help to you.

If you would like to see us about tinnitus then we accept referrals for GPs and through the Ear Nose and Throat Department who have been referred to us for more advice about their tinnitus. The format of your pathway will be specifically designed for you with the Audiologist you see. Patients are seen up to 6 times on the clinic.

In your first appointment we will undertake a thorough assessment to assess the impact that the tinnitus is having on you. We will spend time explaining tinnitus. Understanding tinnitus plays an important part in learning how to cope with the condition and manage it more effectively. Tinnitus counselling is a type of therapy where you work with us to help you learn more about your tinnitus and find ways of coping with it.

We also have the following on offer to you:

Correcting Hearing Loss

• People often report hearing their tinnitus more in a quiet environment .
• When you are fitted with hearing aids, you are able to pick up more of the background noises around you.
• This allows you to be distracted further by these sounds and not notice the tinnitus as much.
• By listening to external sounds, you’re likely to hear your tinnitus less

Sound Therapy

• As tinnitus is often most noticeable in quiet environments. The aim of "sound therapy" is to fill any silence with neutral sounds to distract you from the sound of tinnitus.
• This may involve simple measures such as opening a window to hear noises coming from outside, leaving a radio or television on, or listening to sounds on a portable music player.
• Noise generators produce a continuous "shushing" sound at a level that's comfortable and soothing that be fitted in your ear or play through a separate device.
  

Learning Self Help Techniques

• Relaxation and meditation – stress can make your tinnitus worse, so relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga may help.

• Sleep hygiene – if tinnitus is affecting your sleep, changes you can make such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding stimulating activities and exercise before bed may help.
• Activity- keeping the mind occupied with an absorbing task can help.
• Exercise – Exercise helps the body achieve a higher level of well-being and in most cases this helps people to ignore and cope with their tinnitus more easily, as well as helping them to sleep better.
• Apps - There are number of tinnitus support apps now available these apps may play relief sounds or assist in relaxation techniques. 
• Mutual support - It can often be very helpful to talk to someone who understands how you are feeling, who can reassure you about anxieties you may have and answer your questions. This can be online, at information days or through a support group.