Tinnitus

[Milo2]

I have recently developed tinnitus. I realise that I will have to live with it but do I need to see my GP?

[emmie]

give them a phone call, you may find they refer you to Ear, Nose and Throat dept for advice, but as a long time sufferer i am afraid its live with it generally.

[jennyjoan]

very much live with it - nothing can be done about it

[TonyV]

Fortunately I don't suffer, but my mother did, she said it was awfull

[emmie]

it is, and worse at night when its quiet. in the day time with moving about and going out you don't notice it so much. I still say call GP he/she may just refer you to ENT for help, but don't be surprised if they don't.

[Milo2]

Thank you for the answers. Emmie, like you I find I cope well during the day but getting to sleep is much more difficult.

[jennyjoan]

that's right Milo and everybody gets the noise defining something, for me when I get it, it feels like a big bee gets into my ear and buzzes and then goes out, also when it is really bad I can actually feel pain.

My cousin gets the sensation of a washing machine going on in her ear. You will get respite from it eventually. Sometimes medication can aggravate it too.

[emmie]

milo speak with GP, you just never know what they can advise, though with hand on heart, I went to them with more than tinnitus, vertigo is my big problem. Balance issues, and feeling dizzy a lot of the time

[Sqad]

Not enough information.
Is it in one ear or both?
Has it come on suddenly or over a period of time?
Any deafness if so one ear or both?
What was your job before you retired?
Are you taking any medication for an underlying medical condition?
How old are you?

Then I can give advice.

[Milo2]

Thanks Sqad. It is in my left ear. I’ve had a 3 or 4 bouts in the last few months for about 15 minutes but for the last few weeks it has been continuous. I was a teacher and I don’t take any medication. I’m 71.

[Sqad]

Thanks, that is very helpful.
As it is unilateral (one side only),I should give your G.P a ring as it does deserve further investigation.
By far, in your case the commonest cause would be the ageing process, for which, depending upon the severity, little more could or need be done.
No big deal but give your GP a ring.

[emmie]

which is all that you can do for the time being, ageing ain't no fun

[Milo2]

Sqad, thanks you for the advice. I’ll give my GP a call. Emmie, you are right about ageing.

[emmie]

i know sadly....

[david small]

I’ve had Tinnitus for many years. In both ears. Rushing noise, sometimes shrill whistling. Believe it or not, in my twenties classical music. Two of my sisters have had it for years also. Perhaps it runs in family’s?

[Zacs-Master]

I've had it for about 5 years. Too many rock gigs in me yoof, innit.

[gingejbee]

You may find night-time help in the shape of a "tinnitus masker", which produces white noise (and many other noises too)...lots to choose from on amazon. I've used one for many years...and find it difficult to sleep without it switched on!

[Milo2]

Thanks gingejbee, I’ll take a look.

[drmorgans]

With you ZM, Echobelly did it for me. Massive PA, tiny hall.

[tommy39]

milo, also on amazon echo, if you have one

[Milo2]

Thanks Tommy. I don’t have one but will take a look.