Jean

I started with Tinnitus two years ago following having a pain in the ear for a week. This pain disappeared without medical intervention but then I was left with this ringing/hissing in my head. I couldn't really pinpoint it to anyone ear but the pain started in my right ear. My doctor referred me to the hospital to see a consultant but because my hearing wasn't affected and I hadn't got the ringing in any one particular ear, he didn't deem it necessary to give me a scan. I have been told to just deal with it. I feel aggrieved that I wasn't given a scan as the tinnitus could be down to an underlying problem that is at present undetected.

On a daily basis I wake up like I've been in a nightclub until 3am - it can be a struggle to get up out of bed as I never feel like I've had a good nights sleep. I work full-time and so far this has not resulted in having any time off work. I have good days and bad days. It worsens when tired, if I go out in the cold with my ears unprotected and I now try and keep out of loud places so it has affected my social life and if I have a drink - this can also affect the severity of the tinnitus.

It does get me down that I think this is it or it could worsen. Friends and Family have advised me to go back to the doctors but what will he do this time? Feeling very let down by the system and not been offered any other help.