Tinnitus is a sign of damage to the ear and can affect one or both ears. The sounds experienced can vary widely, from a loud roaring to a soft humming, and some people even report hearing music-like noises. It’s also common to experience more than one type of sound, with variations in pitch and intensity.
Because tinnitus is a constant presence in the background, it can easily interfere with everyday life. However, there are various treatment options available, including retraining techniques, sound therapy machines, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Therapy can be particularly beneficial, as tinnitus is often linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
My experience with tinnitus
I have personally lived with tinnitus for longer than I can probably remember. The exact moment it began remains a mystery to me, but it has been a background presence in my hearing for over thirty years. My official hearing loss diagnosis came only around eight years ago, though my family and friends would likely argue that it started much earlier.
I suspect my tinnitus was caused by prolonged exposure to loud music in my twenties. I spent years in a band and was an avid user of headphones, always playing music at full volume. Back in the 1980s, there was little awareness of the risks that loud sounds could pose to hearing health, and I was no exception to that lack of knowledge.
Ringing in the ears
Tinnitus is often referred to as ‘ringing in the ears,’ but it isn’t always easy to recognise, unlike hearing loss, which tends to be more noticeable. For many years, I simply accepted the sound as part of my normal experience, without giving it much thought. To me, it most often resembles the sound of a waterfall—sometimes louder, sometimes softer, but almost always present in the background.
As someone who had always considered themselves a hearing person, I never really thought about tinnitus. I mistakenly assumed it was something that only affected deaf people, a world I didn’t see myself as part of. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with an audiologist that I fully understood my condition. As she explained various aspects of deafness and related issues, I asked about the persistent noise I was hearing, and she clarified that it was tinnitus.
Once I accepted my hearing loss, I also acknowledged my tinnitus. In fact, it seemed to become louder—though, in reality, I had probably just become more aware of it. Fortunately, my hearing aids help mask the noise entirely when I’m wearing them. I use Phonak Marvel hearing aids, which work perfectly for me. I only notice my tinnitus when I take them out, such as when I’m sleeping, bathing, or swimming.
The sleepless nights
One of the biggest challenges I initially faced was struggling to sleep due to the persistent noise. It was disruptive until I realised that my tinnitus sounded very similar to the white noise generators advertised to help people sleep. So, rather than fight it, I decided to reframe it—convincing myself that this was simply my brain’s way of providing me with a sleep aid. It took some time, but now my tinnitus never keeps me awake.
It doesn’t have to control your life
Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but with the right support and mindset, it doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding the condition, seeking help, and making small adjustments can make a significant difference in how you experience and manage it every day.
