Recommendation for ENT in the UK?

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a really good ENT? One who is thorough and properly investigates all avenues?

Thanks.

 

I wish I lived in the UK. Isn't it like the "only" country that takes tinnitus seriously?

 

I think you are being a little unfair @Raphael7713 if you mean ENT doctors don't take tinnitus seriously? What many people do not understand and I keep saying this. ENT doctors are not tinnitus spcialists they are physicians. They treat the ear medically or surgically and deal with underlying medical problems associated with the ear. Whether they are in the UK or anywhere else in the world. The majority of them don't know much about tinnitus for this isn't their area of expertise. It is Hearing Therapists and Audiologists that work with tinnitus patients and practice: counselling, CBT, TRT mindfullness etc that treat tinnitus. There is not much point in going to see an ENT doctor for tinnitus treatment, unless he or she can treat an underlying medical problem that is causing it.

Michael

 

They don't take Tinnitus seriously AT ALL here so I don't know what you mean.

I consulted with an renowned Austrian doctor in the UK who told me that in Austria Tinnitus is treated like a heart-attack, you're rushed into hospital and given Cortizone injections to bring inflammation down before it can wreak further havoc. Now that's taking it seriously.

In Germany they have the Hyperbaric Oxygen protocol.

Here we have nothing except being told to play white noise and put up with it.

 

Oh and that the noise has always been there you just didnt notice it before. Like its all in your mind. That's our treatment of it in the UK.

 

That is funny @Louise . My treatment under the NHS has never been like that but I know it goes on. Regarding the tinnitus treatment that you refer to in Germany it sounds very good. A member of this forum that lives in Germany telephoned me just before Christmas. This person is under a lot of distress and unfortunately has had a very similar experience to what you've described. This member has gone to a private clinic where they specialise in tinnitus treatment and told me, they will be living there. From what I gather this person will be treated by a team of doctors hearing therapist, Audiologist etc. Heaven knows how much this treatment is going to cost but at least it's available. I haven't been given a further update on progress but I'm waiting.

Michael

 

It sounds good to have that much focus on your Tinnitus issues from professionals. It's just something that is sadly lacking here.

We have HBO here of course - I'm currently doing it in Leeds but have suspended it because of this pulsatile crap.

But the whole point is that I had to find that myself - no-one in the medical profession here has a protocol. In Germany HBO is the protocol. So basically we have nada in terms of a medic putting you on treatment.

Oh, I also forgot to mention one strand of our treatment, besides trying to convince yourself it's all in your mind with white noise - anti-depressants. "You're just depressed love, take these".

Austria & Germany 1 - 0 UK.

 

My personal experience and corresponding with people that have tinnitus in the UK, are not as you describe. Although some of what you say is true. In many cases though, once a person has hearing tests, MRI etc. If there is no underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus, they are usually referred to a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist and some form of treatment is offered. This may be hearing aids where there is hearing loss. Various treatments known to help people manage their tinnitus better .TRT, CBT, Mindfullness, sound therapy, relaxation classes. I know these treatments are available for I correspond with many people.

The truth of the matter is this. When there is no underlying medical problem/condition causing the tinnitus. An example of this is when the tinnitus was caused by loud noise. The main treatments to help manage the condition are: medication, sound therapy and counselling. Sometimes a combination of all three. Tinnitus has been around for many thousands of years and goes back to the Egyptians when treatment for it was first recorded. I believe modern medicine has come a long way since.

Tinnitus today and the way I see it.

Tinnitus has been around for centuries and goes back to the Egyptians, when the first written account and medical treatment for it was recorded. Some say not much progress has been made in the medical field for treating it and I disagree. With such a close mind it’s not surprising they have difficulty accepting medications, therapies, white noise generators and hearing aids have been effective in helping people to have a better quality of life.

I believe we have come a long way since the Egyptians applied infused oil, frankincense and tree sap to the external part of the ear using a reed stalk. The Mesopotamians found benefit chanting a mantra or meditated to help ease the whispering in the ears as it was called. Physicians believed in those remedies and therefore, who are we to say they didn’t make life more tolerable for some people?

A cure hasn’t been found for tinnitus but many live in hope. I once read a newspaper article that mentioned: nineteen out of twenty medical conditions cannot be cured although many can be treated. I will assume those affected by tinnitus throughout the centuries weren’t too dissimilar from the people of today. How did they manage or more importantly how did they learn to accept it since there was no cure? It is probably fair to say we might never know, unless someone has a DeLorean to go back and find out. Seriously though, how did they cope considering modern day medicine was not available then? Has the world become a much noisier place and made it more difficult to accept tinnitus and habituate to it? I don’t think this is the case.

I believe the wearing of headphones and the advancement in technology where most people have a mobile phone on their person enabling earbuds, to be attached so they can listen to music, has contributed to the increase in noise-induced tinnitus particularly amongst the young. Not to mention nightclubs and concerts where high sound levels are easily reached and hearing damage becomes all too real. Exposure to loud noise is the most common cause of tinnitus and often hyperacusis accompanies it, which can make a bad situation worse.

Other conditions not associated with loud noise also cause tinnitus. Otoscelerosis is the abnormal bone growth in the ear that affects the stapes making it fuse together with surrounding bone and eventually becomes fixed so it’s unable to move. It is a progressive condition that results in hearing loss and tinnitus. Rarely does it cause total deafness so hearing aids can be helpful. Surgery is also an option to improve hearing known as stapedectomy.

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes tinnitus and hearing loss. Dizziness, sickness and fullness in the ears are usually experienced with it. An attack can last minutes or hours, typically though two or three hours duration is likely and can be quite unpleasant for the individual. Fortunately hearing aids and white noise generators have proven to be helpful for the tinnitus and hearing. Medications can help relieve nausea, vomiting and vertigo.

TMJ is pain in the jaw. It comprises of muscles that are attached to the joint that connects the lower jaw to the scull. A disorder known as TMD Temporomandibular disorder can affect it causing pain in the face and jaw. Headaches can follow along with ear pain and tinnitus. People affected by it often get relief under the care of a dentist or orthodontist. Special mouth splints can prevent clenching of the jaw and helps relieve tension on the muscles. Sometimes steroid drugs are injected into the temporomandibular joint to reduce inflamation. Braces and oral surgery are known to be helpful.

I have touched on a few of the common conditions that can cause tinnitus and there are others. It may not always require treatment as many people naturally habituate in time. There is no doubt that when tinnitus is severe it can be very debilitating and a person may need the help of a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist trained in tinnitus management. Ultimately, I think each person will have to decide what he or she wants and hopes to achieve living with it because many have coped over the centuries with tinnitus.

We have the advantage over those before us afflicted with this condition, as they didn’t have the treatments that are available now. I think it’s something we should embrace and be thankful for. Not only that but consider, the wealth of information online and the support one can get at a tinnitus forum, which wasn’t around thirty years ago. Science still isn’t sure how the Egyptians built the great pyramids. I wonder sometimes what they and the Mesopotamians would think of our modern tinnitus treatments compared to their own.

Michael

 

If Tinnitus is caused by noise we should be whisked to hospital and injected with Cortisone then placed in a Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. Both of those to prevent further damage and heal what can be healed. Those are 2 good strategies for actually repairing damage, just as you would expect the treatment to be if you'd had your leg mangled. But we have nothing that even tried to tackle the actual healing of the root cause in mainstream medicine.

I've personally been met with apathy by the medical profession. Told once by a doctor to play a radio off station and "live with it as its not going away" and packed off by a neuto-otologist with a prescription for anti-depressants and the words "we cant do anything for you".

The only viable option, once its set in, seems to be TRT. But there are so few places doing it and virtually none on the NHS.

In short, you have to do your own research and doend your own money in this country to give yourself a shot. And the only 2 things priven to help are not done here.

So, no, I dont think its taken seriously here.

 

Of course you are entitled to your views I just happen not to agree with some of them. There are people in this forum and others, that no amount of treatment will satisfy them even if they could get it. The reason being they want a complete cure from their tinnitus which is unrealistic at this time. Tinnitus is just one of many medical conditions that cannot be cured. I read a newspaper article many years ago that helped change my attitude towards tinnitus. It read: 19 out of 20 medical conditions cannot be cured.

I think tinnitus treatment has come a long way in helping people to live a better quality of life.
Michael

 

Thats not true Michael. You are painting us as greedy ingrate divas who are glass half-full. The truth is we are desperate people who would rip your arm off just for a reduction in the noise.

People are frustrated by the almost complete lack of care in this country.

I've just outlined 2 treatments that can actually stop Tinnitus if caught early enough and are routine in other countries. So why not here? That's what pisses people off.

Anyway, I only wanted to hear of a good ENT. Had to takers so far which is really disappointing.

 

I believe I am correct Louise. I have had tinnitus for many years and corresponded with a lot of people and counselled many people with tinnitus. In 2008 my tinnitus increased to very severe levels and it took 4 years for me to habituate for the 2nd time. This included 2 years of TRT. I have read posts in this forum and others where people describe their tinnitus as low; some say low to moderate and they are forever complaining. They have a job, a roof over their head. They can "see" go out and have a nice time and still they are not satisfied.

I say this now speaking as someone that is a veteran to tinnitus just as many others in this forum. Anyone that is on their computer at this moment reading or typing posts does not have severe tinnitus at this "moment". If it was severe they would not even want to turn on their computer because of the distress they would be in. I know full well what I'm talking about.

Anyway I don't wish to change the course of this thread.
I wish you well

Michael

 

I suppose it depends where you live. I am near Cambridge and they Have had a Tinnitus clinic since 1986, and all the associate departments that go with it.

 

I do get what you're saying.

But Id dispute the bit about if you can make a post it isnt severe. I force myself to do such. What else is there when its screaming? May as well focus elsewhere than sit and listen.

Take care anyway.

 

In everything there are exceptions @Louise and I am not specifically referring to you. I am talking about some people that visit this forum and complain profusely about their tinnitus being loud and intrusive when actually it is not. For if it was they wouldn't be able to do the things they do. Tinnitus can be very debilitating condition when it is severe, I have been there and know it.

I also know there are people here that have additional problems in their life which may be health or personal relationship problems, or difficulty finding employment for example. These additional stresses coupled with tinnitus can make life difficult and very problematic. Forums and other social media platforms are perfect places to vent their frustrations at the world and their government for not doing enough. Actually many of them need counselling to deal with issues in their life.

I know you are not one of these people. Saying that I still think our NHS does a lot to help people with tinnitus providing a person can get access to it. If they can't in their immediate location and are willing to travel, they can get help in most instances.

Michael

 

Well thats where we disagree - I think the NHS does nothing for us.

 

I don't know how many people you correspond with but I communicate with many and have counselled people too here in the UK. Most of them get some form of help. Compared to other people around the globe we do pretty well. One person abroad told me he has to pay 2000 euros for white noise generators. Another 3000 for one hearing aid. I could go on.

I was recently fitted with two new digital white noise generators £2000, free of charge.

 

Me!

 

You know a good ENT?

 

He is an ENT.

I agree with you, and I’ll add that I think it’s rather silly when a poster claims everyone with severe tinnitus cannot be on their computer. Everyone copes differently, and I think younger generations are more prone to reach out for help and distraction via smart devices.

Good luck finding an ENT! I’m in the US, but I feel like it can be difficult anywhere.

 

hi has a ent ever cured anyone on this forum ? i am 3 months in and i feel the same as louise not a lot is being done on nhs but then again apart from noise machines and trt what can be done in real terms. as my gp says what do you want me to do about it. i said hbot+ steriods+trt he said he will talk to the ent thats 2.5 months ago still waiting you just give up in the end

 

@jay777

Jay. A lot can be done to help a person with tinnitus under the NHS but if you are looking for a cure then you will be disappointed. Sound therapy, CBT, TRT, Medication and counselling are treatments that work. You are only three months in and in the very early days. Try not to be so negative as this will get you nowhere and could make you feel worse. Please click on the links below and read the post below that is about a member of this forum that was once in a very dark place but has now seen the light.

Michael

From darkness into light.

Tinnitus is not an easy condition to live with when it is severe. So it always pleases me to hear when someone habituates and is able to put the passed behind them and look forwards to a brighter future. A forum member contacted me recently to express just that and has agreed for me to include some of his comments although his name has been changed. Anyone having difficulty habituating I hope they will find this post helpful.

Last year Marcus was in a distressed state and convinced he would never see light again at the end of the tunnel. He works as an electrician and while up a ladder one afternoon, suddenly heard a loud ringing coming from a fire alarm that was on a nearby wall. He didn’t pay it much attention and wasn’t concerned about his hearing as he believed it would soon stop. He continued working but this proved not to be a good idea as the alarm continued for another twenty minutes. When it finally stopped and there was complete silence he then noticed ringing in his ears. Over the following days and weeks it gradually became louder and more intrusive.

I remember his out pouring and condemning himself in this forum as if it were yesterday. He couldn’t believe he had done such a thing. Staying in that vicinity with no hearing protection and not coming down off that ladder had resulted in his whole life being turned upside down. With the benefit of hindsight one is often able to see mistakes that could have been easily avoided if they only knew. In his own words life as he once new it was completely over. Married with two young children he enjoyed regularly going out with the family but all that came to an abrupt end. I and other forum members tried to make Marcus look at the positive things in his life and not to give up hope but little of this was having any impact. The walls of negativity that he had built up to surround himself were just too great and it seemed no amount of good advice was able to get through.

His symptoms will be familiar to those that have suffered noise trauma to their auditory system. Intrusive tinnitus with hyperacusis, that can vary considerably especially in the early onset of the conditions. I understood his distress at not being able to enjoy listening to music even as a form of distraction from the noise. Everything sounded distorted to him as if it is coming out of a broken speaker and his ears would hurt when certain sounds were heard. His appointment at ENT was some time away which is often the case when tinnitus is not accompanied by dizziness, balance problems and impaired hearing or continuous pain in the ears.

Contrary to what some believe, the best treatment for tinnitus in the early stages and when there are no additional symptoms, as mentioned above is to leave it alone. The ears and auditory system are very delicate and often right themselves when left alone. Many people habituate to tinnitus within the first six months sometimes a little longer and the condition has been known to go away completely. Marcus had taken time of work, as he just wasn’t in a good place and couldn’t function properly. One good thing is that he was under the care of his GP and taking medication to help cope with his moods. Tinnitus can be such an emotional roller coaster in the early days so often no two days are the same. An antidepressant often helps a person from becoming too down so acts as a safety net when those low points arrive.

Marcus became a frequent visitor to this forum and I believe it helped him, although his outlook on recovery was quite bleak and negative. Perhaps knowing there were people around him in this virtual world of cyberspace, gave him the support and sanctuary that he needed to vent his frustrations which at times I believe were overwhelming. I hadn’t seen him for quite a while but got an acknowledgement from him recently by private messenger. I have omitted my comments.

It changes a lot over time doesn't it. Not just one’s perception of it but the tone itself.
For me it ranges from a jet engine noise to hum, I used to hear it all the time but now I only hear it in silence.

Just past the 1 year mark for me. Feeling much better now. It sure does take time.
How's things with you? I really appreciate the help and advice you have offered to me over this time, and the help from other people in the forum.

It's a terrible condition. I did go too see Guns n Roses last weekend at Slane castle. Used professional ear plugs, was a great show and no negative consequences apart from a crazy two day hangover lol

The fact the concert was outdoors made it possible, it still peeked at over 115db at times.
I still haven’t been seen at ent yet, did bother chasing up the appointment. No point really. I will take your advice and chase up ent and see if I can get an appointment. Just to do the tests.

Yes, I'm much much better now, I was in a very dark place. It was a terrible time. Things have improved, the distortion in music has gone and things sound normal again. I can even setup an eq system hear the different frequencies, when I first suffered this I couldn't hear bass, everything sounded flat, really was a bad time, I'm surprised I survived it to be honest.

I now have a new appreciation for sound and music. I just wish I understood this before. I still have slight balance issues but mostly I am happy my hearing has improved, It is very difficult too accept when it happens as I am sure you know.
I will always use hearing protection at loud events, concerts etc. The guns n roses concert felt fine with my pro plugs in and I noticed many others using plugs too. Good to see.

I’m back at work and able to spend time with my family. Thanks Michael for your advice (even at those times when I didn't believe it)
Marcus

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

 

thx you michael i have read it all. you right i am very negative at the moment and am willing to try therapy of anykind. i just have to get on with this mentaly some how respect to you

 

I advise you @jay777 but you've probably read this already: Don't start TRT yet as it's too early. Try and get some antidepressant and it can help with your mental wellbeing. Once this has started to improve try the TRT or CBT if it's available preferably when you reach 6 months.

Michael

 

well this is part of my problem i am on ad plus sleeping pill for the last 3months so addicted now to zopiclone that does not work any more if i was medication free and feel the way i do now i would say all right but i am medicated and feel i need to get off them long long rd

 

Some counselling will probably help you with the medication you're on. Give it time you are in the early stages things will improve. Since you have read my post above about Marcus, he was in a very dark place and one of the most Negative people that I have met in my 22 years of having tinnitus. His life turned completely around and I believe yours will too.

Talk to your GP and see whether you can get some counselling.
Use a sound machine at night and try to avoid quiet rooms and surroundings.

Michael

 

thx michael.I believe yours will too. i will keep that thought

 

Mirtazapine for sleep (tiny dose) and Pregabalin for anxiety pulled me through. I wouldnt be here today without the Pregabalin.

 

Oh!

I get it now.

Whereabouts are you @brownbear?

 

South coast. Sorry to not be more specific publicly.