Tinnitus Specialist in Ireland/UK: Recommendation?

[IreneO]

OK TT, you're my last hope .... If anyone can recommend a medical professional in Ireland or the UK with a specialisation in tinnitus diagnosis/impact assessment (for medico-legal report), could you please message me? Thank you!

 

[brownbear]

Audiological scientist- prof David Baguley in Nottingham.

Psychologist- Laurence McKenna. London

Both brilliant. Not sure about Ireland sorry

 

[IreneO]

Thanks, @brownbear !

 

[Paul10]

I'm from Ireland, I'll PM you.

 

[Jaybeee]

Hi folks in UK. Is there such a thing as a tinnitus specialist in the UK who is genuine and not out to make money? or even an NHS specialist? Many thanks.

 

[Paul10]

Some (not all) hospitals have hearing therapists who specialise in T. Your first point of contact would be an ENT; ask them if they have a T specialist at the hospital, if not, ask what hospitals nearby do. Search for "hearing therapists" at hospitals near you. There IS help and professional guidance available through the NHS but because there is no universal T policy in the NHS, it really depends on the hospital. I'm currently seeing a T specialist through our version of the NHS. Failing that, you could always look into The Tinnitus Clinic. It's not free, but they know what they're talking about. I would have had a chat with them by now if any of their offices where near me, but go the NHS route first. Feel free to message me if you need any more info.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi folks in UK. Is there such a thing as a tinnitus specialist in the UK who is genuine and not out to make money? or even an NHS specialist? Many thanks.

Hi @Jaybeee
You will get the best help and long term aftercare under the NHS believe me. Private practice cannot match it so don't waste your money. Regarding tinnitus specialists. These are the Hearing Therapists and Audiologists that work with tinnitus patients and teach them tinnitus management. After your ENT doctor/consultant has carried out all necessary tests. If there is no underlying medical problem causing your tinnitus, then you should be referred to a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist for tinnitus management. This can include a variety of treatments and devices such as hearing aids and white noise generators. Below is an article that I have written about tinnitus that you might find helpful. Just click on the link.
All the best
Michael

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

 

[Jaybeee]

@Paul10 @Michael Leigh hi both. Thanks for your advice. I have an appt with the tinnitus nurse in a couple of weeks and she is going to give me a white noise generator if applicable. I don't know if there are any reasons why someone might not get one? My fear about the NHS is a lack of cohesion, if you like, not knowing if there is someone else I could see re psychotherapy for example. I don't know ( I live in worcester) if I should perhaps be looking at the NHS in Birmingham maybe. I don't know how to research which Trust might offer a better service than my nearest one. I did call the tinnitus clinic (one not too far away) but they don't see anyone until they are at least 12 weeks post onset

 

[Paul10]

@Paul10 @Michael Leigh hi both. Thanks for your advice. I have an appt with the tinnitus nurse in a couple of weeks and she is going to give me a white noise generator if applicable. I don't know if there are any reasons why someone might not get one? My fear about the NHS is a lack of cohesion, if you like, not knowing if there is someone else I could see re psychotherapy for example. I don't know ( I live in worcester) if I should perhaps be looking at the NHS in Birmingham maybe. I don't know how to research which Trust might offer a better service than my nearest one. I did call the tinnitus clinic (one not too far away) but they don't see anyone until they are at least 12 weeks post onset

Have you spoke to a psychiatrist at all? I would if you haven't, just to get your mental health evaluated; you could have depression without even knowing and many people have been helped by mental health professionals. It may take a while to get an NHS appointment if you don't push your case though!

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Jaybeee
If you have straight forward tinnitus @Jaybeee. By this I mean if it was caused by loud noise? This is the most common cause of tinnitus, it is far too early for you to be wearing white noise generators in my opinon. The only treatment that you should be having at such an early stage, since your tinnitus started in Feb, is counselling. Even then it might not be necessary so soon. It all depends how intrusive your tinnitus is.

Please read my article because all the answers that you need are there. If you have a printer then I advise you to print it. Please read some of the helpful advice from other members in this forum on the positivity thread.
If you need any more help then please ask or PM me.
All the best
Michael

PS: Jaybee, at this early stage the best help is via your GP. If need be an anti-depressant can help, in the mean time your doctor can refer you to a hospital ENT clinic of your choice, so tests can be carried out on your auditory system.

 

[Jaybeee]

@Paul10 @Michael Leigh seeing a psyche is nigh on impossible without a very long wait I think, unless I'm an persuade audiologist to refer me urgently. Or I could go private possibly with our health insurance. But not sure how to find the most suitable.

Michael, my t started after a very short-lived ear fullness. It caused a slight tinnitus on that ear side that freaked me out. Consequently I had some major panic attacks and here I am now with a high pitched squeal on the other side, though more in my head than the ear. It varies in loudness, today being on the annoying scale but I didn't sleep well last night and I'm hoping that's why it's increasing, but my anxiety I am sure is making the whole thing worse. I'm trying to avoid any more meds. I have had several Valium over the past 3-4 weeks but scared of anything else, after reading so much on here. But I believe my anxiety has caused me permanent tinnitus. I am not sure if I should be more positive about my outcome. Do I tell myself it will go or do I try and learn acceptance early on? Why do you think it is too early for a noise generator? I was looking for the best possible treatment as early as possible to improve my outcome?

 

[Paul10]

I'll shoot you a PM @Jaybeee

 

[Michael Leigh]

Why do you think it is too early for a noise generator? I was looking for the best possible treatment as early as possible to improve my outcome?

@JayBee,
Everything that you are experiencing regarding your tinnitus: stress, anxiety and all the rest of it is absolutely normal and this will settle down. The last thing you want to do is to try any treatments at this early stage. The ear is a very delicate and sophisticated organ.

It is for this reason ENT Drs prefer to see someone that has tinnitus not before 4 months preferably 6 months - this is, if they have straight forward tinnitus as I've already mentioned. As long as you are not experiencing the following: deafness, dizziness, balance problems, continuous pain in the ears or there is a sensation of the ears being blocked-up all the time. Then it's best to leave well alone. The best treatment for the onset of straight forward tinnitus is to leave everything alone. Many people naturally habituate to tinnitus within 6 months sometimes a little longer and it can go away.

Try not to sleep in a quiet room more about this is explained in my article. Wearing white noise generators at such an early stage is not a good idea in my opinion, as this can cause irritation to the cochlea if they are not used correctly. Furthermore, it's best to be under the guidance of a Hearing Therapist when using these devices. I am very surprised that you have been offered this as it's far too early and wrong. I'm sorry but that's the way I feel. I have had tinnitus for over 20 years and it's variable. From silent to severe. I use white noise generators but they are not for someone that is new to tinnitus.
All the best
Michael