Hi
@Rtg123.
Thank you for the information. What you have described is not the normal practice, when a tinnitus patient in the UK is referred to Audiology under the NHS for help with tinnitus. Please read
@Eleanor89's post in this thread, who is having TRT with counselling and was issued with white noise generators. I had the same treatment.
Once a tinnitus patient is referred to ENT under the NHS and have had hearing tests and MRI etc., the ENT doctor will decide whether the tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical problem or if it is noise induced. There are many medical conditions within the auditory system that can cause tinnitus. Please read my article below titled: Tinnitus, A Personal View, where they are explained at length. You may also find other information helpful.
If the doctor is able to treat the underlying medical problem that is causing the tinnitus then he/she will attempt to do so. With medication or surgery or a combination of the two. However, if the tinnitus is noise induced, which is one of the most common causes of tinnitus, the patient will usually be referred to Audiology. Here they will see either a hearing therapist or audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management.
Treatments vary between NHS hospital trusts and what they have to offer. A person may be offered TRT, CBT, counselling, sound therapy, mindfulness, relaxation classes, medication, hearing aids, white noise generators. One or a combination of these treatments will usually be offered.
If you have been to five hospital departments and haven't been offered any of the treatments that I have mentioned above, then I suggest you have a talk with your doctor. If necessary write to your local MP. Be as polite as possible and explain about your tinnitus and the difficulties that you have been going through. Mention that you have been to Audiology and been offered no treatment. I am sure you will get a response, but I don't think you will have to go this far.
Talk to your GP and ask for help. Keep going back and be as polite as possible. If your doctor refuses to refer you back to ENT, say the following words exactly as I am going to write them, and remember to keep calm: Doctor, I am requesting a referral back to ENT for help or to another hospital.
You will get the best help and long term aftercare for tinnitus under the NHS, that no private practice can match in the UK. Please click on the links below and read my posts.
All the best,
Michael