“Speaking to someone who understood what I was going through helped me realise that I wasn’t alone” – Danielle’s Story

Tinnitus UK member Danielle Moorley kindly shares her tinnitus story, and how Tinnitus UK was there to help her realise that she isn’t alone and that there is support available to her. She also shares how important becoming a Tinnitus UK member has been in making her feel part of the tinnitus community.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Danielle Moorley. I’m 35 years old and live in Letchworth Garden City with my best friend and our three cats. I work as a Room Leader in a day nursery, caring for children aged two to three years old. Outside of work, I love horses and enjoy horse riding as a hobby. I’m also passionate about photography and enjoy going on adventures and exploring new places.

When did you first notice your tinnitus, and what was that experience like? 

I first noticed my tinnitus around my 18th birthday when I was suffering from a severe toothache. Suddenly, I heard a ringing sound in both ears that I couldn’t control. It was a very frightening experience and felt like a complete shock to both my body and mind, as it was something I had never experienced before.

How did tinnitus affect your daily life in the early days? 

In the early days, I struggled with low energy levels and barely slept at night. It made me feel stressed, trapped, and overwhelmed. At times, I felt like I was losing control and kept wondering if the ringing would ever stop.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when you were first trying to understand or manage tinnitus? 

One of the biggest challenges was the impact it had on my mental health. I also found the lack of support and understanding from healthcare professionals difficult to cope with.

What helped you begin to cope or move forward? 

Over time, I found support and understanding through Tinnitus UK. I was also offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from my doctor which was the only formal help they could provide at the time, which helped me understand the importance of changing how I reacted to my tinnitus. I learned that stress could make tinnitus symptoms worse, so developing techniques to manage my stress helped me break that cycle and begin moving forward.

What Tinnitus UK support services helped you?

Several Tinnitus UK resources were incredibly helpful, including:

• Calling the helpline
• Reading research studies and information articles
• Reading other people’s stories and experiences
• Learning more about the structure of the ear and how tinnitus can affect it

Did you find any support, advice, or strategies that made a real difference for you? 

The helpline made a huge difference. Speaking to someone who understood what I was going through helped me realise that I wasn’t alone. It was also reassuring to know that people are actively researching tinnitus and working towards better treatments and, hopefully, one day a cure.

Have you been able to return to any activities, hobbies, or parts of life that tinnitus once made difficult? 

Yes. Over time, I’ve been able to return to activities such as parties and concerts. In the past, these situations would often leave me feeling dizzy and unwell, but now I feel much more confident managing my tinnitus, thanks to the support I’ve received and the encouragement of my friends.

What made you decide to Join Tinnitus UK as a member?

I was inspired by the work Tinnitus UK does and wanted to become more involved. Joining as a member allows me to support others, be part of a community that understands my experiences, and contribute to making a positive difference for people living with tinnitus.

What benefits makes your Tinnitus UK membership feel worth it?

Being a member makes me feel like I belong to a supportive community where I am understood and not alone. It gives me the opportunity to share my experiences, talk openly about the daily challenges of tinnitus, and connect with others without fear of judgement.

What would you say to someone that is considering joining Tinnitus UK as a member?

I would highly recommend joining Tinnitus UK. Living with tinnitus can sometimes feel isolating, but being a member gives you access to trusted information, practical support, and a community of people who truly understand what you’re going through. It can make a real difference knowing you’re not facing tinnitus alone.