Cliff, 60, said, “The tinnitus is mostly in my left ear, but often in both ears, and is much worse at night. It becomes even more unbearable when I wake first thing or if I wake in the night, like someone trying to bore into my skull. Sleep seems to exacerbate my tinnitus.”
Cliff is now retired, but is robbed of the pleasures that he was looking forward to after leaving work. He misses the enjoyment of music, or just sitting quietly in his garden on a summer’s day, but considers himself more fortunate than some other sufferers. “I am lucky, as I do get really quiet periods. It makes you feel very happy, but then the noise comes back with vengeance.”
After talking to his GP, Cliff was referred to an NHS consultant, who actually had tinnitus himself, but was of little help. Cliff then obtained a masker and two hearing aids from a local dispenser which did not really work either. He has been taking the drug Amitriptyline for some time. “It made me feel much better so I am still on it.” Cliff has also tried acupuncture, gingko, a mouth guard and a visit to a chiropractor, with little success.
His local NHS tinnitus clinic has been helpful but cannot understand why Cliff is still not completely used to the noise. In fact, it has been impossible for him to get used to his tinnitus, as it has got much louder over time. “If my tinnitus was still like it was ten years ago, then I would be much happier”, Cliff says.
Cliff believes that anyone who does not have tinnitus, particularly in a severe form, cannot understand what each day is like. “The fact that I cope relatively well with something that isn’t visible is hardly recognized by my family and friends.”
“There is not enough being done. I really believe that with time and professional help my tinnitus could be resolved but no one seems to be interested. I’ve recently had an appointment with my local NHS hearing clinic, who have been fantastic, but when I tried to explain that my tinnitus had got worse, I was quickly referred back to the tinnitus clinic so I feel like I’m going in circles”, Cliff agonises. “I would love to just sit down with a professional who would accept what I say and not think that I’m exaggerating my problem.”
The UK-based charity Action for Tinnitus Research focuses on funding medical and scientific research in pursuit of a cure and raising awareness is a key part of its work. Operations director Nick Doughty said: “It is estimated that over five million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus and it can have a devastating effect on their quality of life. Not enough information is available about the very complex symptom and we are one of the few organisations determined to do something about it. We are committed to funding leading edge research and providing practical information to health professionals for the benefit of sufferers,” he added.
For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, logon to the website at
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