The thought of losing the ability to hear is a terrifying prospect for many, as it means being deprived of the delightful sounds that enrich our lives. But what about the opposite scenario?
What if you were afflicted with a condition that ensured you would never experience silence again?
A condition that filled your life with incessant roaring, ringing or whooshing noises?
This is the reality for seven million Britons, including myself, who live with tinnitus – an incurable condition that affects each person differently.
Among those affected are actor and former Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie, both of whom suffer from tinnitus. In my case, I constantly hear a ringing sound in both ears, which is louder in the right ear than the left.
I first noticed this when I was around nine or ten years old. Although it doesn’t significantly disrupt my life, there are moments when I wish the noise would just stop.
My journey with tinnitus began at a young age and, in some ways, I consider myself lucky because I was still a child when it started. Growing up in a bustling household with multiple siblings in London – a city that is seldom silent – perhaps made it easier for me to adapt.
Consequently, there were few instances where the ringing could make its presence felt, except during quiet moments. Being very young at the time, I assumed it was an external noise, not something originating from within my own head.
As time passed, not much changed. I stumbled upon information about tinnitus at school and looking back, the condition didn’t worsen, only making itself known when external sounds were minimal.
However, everything changed one night at a race track. Working as a paddock marshal at an event, I declined the offer of earplugs from a colleague as we watched the start of the final race.
As the cars sped off, an intense ringing in both ears drowned out all other sounds for the next few minutes. Although it eventually subsided, my hearing was permanently altered.
Since that fateful night in the mid-to-late 2010s, I’ve taken steps to prevent my tinnitus from escalating, including wearing earplugs at loud venues, managing stress levels which can cause temporary spikes, and keeping busy to distract myself from the noise.
While my journey doesn’t call for the world’s smallest violin, being diagnosed with tinnitus as an adult can be a daunting experience as you grapple with the loss of silence. With that in mind, I have several pieces of advice to help manage your tinnitus.
Firstly, remember you’re not alone. Seven million Brits share this condition, providing a vast support network for those difficult days when the ringing is particularly loud.
Secondly, welcome other sounds and let them distract your mind. Whether it’s the patter of rain or the hum of traffic, allow your mind to focus on these noises instead of the tinnitus.
Thirdly, don’t panic. Stress and anxiety only amplify tinnitus, so try mindfulness techniques or find ways to relax, such as listening to music or exercising to release positive endorphins and hormones.
Fourthly, protect your ears. You don’t need to wear ear defenders to the club, but affordable earplugs are available at places like Boots and Superdrug, allowing you to enjoy the music without damaging your hearing.
Lastly, be patient. Yes, tinnitus is incurable, frustrating, and frankly rubbish, but part of living with the condition is simply getting used to it.
It takes time, but gradually you’ll learn to live with it and eventually it’ll become just an annoying noise you hear every now and then.
The NHS also offers a wide range of advice for those suffering with tinnitus. I am no medical professional so it’s always best to check with them before undertaking lifestyle changes.
