@tomytl, The only treatment for acoustic trauma that can be applied is early intervention. Once you miss that train, you don't get another chance for the rest of your life. Yes, it might not have completely cured it, but I thought it could be beneficial. Even if it didn't help, I could say, "At least I tried," but the doctor didn't administer it, and I didn't have money for another private appointment.
Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
I even look at photos and videos from before this all started and can't believe how quickly time has passed. It feels like time has almost stopped for me, but in reality, life continues at full speed, like the theory of relativity. I feel immense sadness when I look at old images and messages with friends, family, and my girlfriend.
Even back then, during what seemed like ordinary times, like vacations, I was so peaceful and happy. Everyone who knew me would have said the same. But now, I've met many people like the one you mentioned. I even had a friend in a local group with a brain tumor, similar to what you described.
I've met hundreds of people, both local and foreign, who have lost hearing, have cochlear implants, use hearing aids, or have severe hearing loss. Everyone's tinnitus is unique and subjective. Mine is truly at a suicidal level; I swear on my family and everything that I struggle through the day without ACRN.
Was the person you mentioned really at this level? When I look at people who say they've adapted to tinnitus, they usually have mild cases or only hear it at night. People with levels like mine either commit suicide or barely manage life with heavy medication while enduring daily torture. I'm curious about the person you mentioned because I've encountered many interesting people and stories.
Your doctor's appointment is still a while away, right? Maybe in the meantime, you should see an audiologist who could give you some good advice. Perhaps you can find out where there's a good one in London. I don't think it's a good idea for you to wait it out all by yourself. I hope something like this is possible in London.
@tomytl, Unfortunately, you need a referral from a doctor in the NHS. I don't have the money for a private appointment either; it's too expensive. My family sent me money for the private ENT appointments I went to because I wasn't working due to my surgery. I want to call and try to move my existing appointments to an earlier date, but I haven't yet because so many problems arose after this ear issue started.
I'm afraid they might misinterpret my situation, and since I've missed the early treatment window, I don't think there's much they can do for me now. By the way, I'm shocked and sad about the breakup with my girlfriend. I'm looking for a rental home and a job for myself. I'll need surgery soon, and the benefits office keeps pushing me to find work.
I can't explain my condition to them because tinnitus and other issues are not yet recognized as a disability. I'm living every second in constant pain. My life has completely stopped and turned into torture, a tangled mess. I don't even know what to do anymore; I'm just surviving each day through this agony.
@tomytl, Never mind, my friend. I don't want to drag you into this negative spiral either. I don't know how this tangled mess will be solved, or if it ever will be. I'm going through the hardest period of my life and facing its toughest test. I'm trying to stay strong. I just hope my life can go back to how it used to be, if not exactly the same, then at least something close to it.
You're not bringing me down at all. This is a support forum where people who are really struggling try to help each other, and I'm fully aware of how difficult this whole thing is. On top of that, I understand how stressful everything else is and how much it adds to the burden.
I do hope you can maintain contact with your friend as a friend and maybe also stay in touch with the colleague from your last job.
I imagine this situation, happening so far from home, must be very difficult. Also with the money issue, although I have to say that my own situation is causing financial problems too, since as a self-employed person, I have to cover everything myself and can't really take any time off.
But I think no matter where you are, the issue with hearing problems is so distant for most people that they can't even begin to imagine it. Somehow, it's expected that you "function normally" as long as you're not bleeding from the head or visibly in pain.
No help, but let's be honest, even we couldn't imagine what it meant before. No healthy person can. Hearing is unfortunately taken completely for granted.
It may sound a bit awkward, but aren't there any support groups, similar to this one, where people meet and share experiences in the city? That might help you as well. I've never tried it here either, though there's an interesting meeting coming up in Zurich.
I need to meet the guy again who completely lost hearing in one ear. Even he kept going to concerts, which I just couldn't understand... Though, I was stupid myself, and now I have to start all over again because of a similar mistake.
@tomytl, What people experience and what they describe are different, and for this reason, they're not exactly a guide or example. For instance, I've become housebound. Even when I go outside or to the market, I struggle because the sounds throw off my balance and cause confusion. This doesn't happen with sudden hearing loss cases, and I haven't seen it in other acoustic trauma cases either.
Except mine. But since my hearing and balance system were damaged, I think that's the cause. Yes, maybe that guy's tinnitus is severe too, but I don't think it's at my level, because this is not that level. I hear it very loudly everywhere. I looked into support groups, even signed up for some and applied for sessions, but I haven't attended an event yet.