“I am the start, middle and end in this journey” Lee’s Story

Lee shares his tinnitus story, kindly sharing with us how he got tinnitus, how it affected his day to day life, and what support was avaialble for him to be able to live well with tinnitus. Read Lee’s story below:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m originally from Torbay Devon, where I grew up beside the sea. However, since leaving college I have lived in many places and worked overseas. I was in the alcoholic beverage industry which was varied in content and responsibilities. I love music, being in my mid 60s it’s rock music, but has not been the cause of tinnitus.  I was fortunate to see Ozzy’s last concert July 2025 and I am determined tinnitus will not define my future for concert going! Reading, sport,  walking and holidays are keen pursuits also.

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

Its been a few years now, whereby I would come out of sleep and have a sound in my ear but when fully awake it would go.  February 2025 it didn’t go and I now have a constant loud high pitch in my left ear. The experience was traumatic really as I knew straightaway what was happening.  My first thought was “oh no, I hope I don’t get this in my right ear”.

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

Just coming to terms with it was enough as it was always there directing my thoughts. At no time was I able to distract or distance myself from it. Family didn’t understand which made it even worse. Obviously sleep deprivation was a key element too.

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

Assessment of the future whilst living with tinnitus.  Exploring options for help, and finding out what works for me. A simple strategy but a serious challenge as everybody is different.  Equally early on, everybody had their own version of the truth. That’s when I knew tinnitus is individual and there’s not really a catch all solution.

What helped you begin to cope or move forward?

Accepting it, finding my own “distractions”, and reshaping myself to be aware that some days will be much better than others and that in time my coping strategies will prevail.

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

Only that I am the start, middle and end in this journey, and not to listen totally to advice as their tinnitus is different to mine. Going to a professional audiologist helped me understand my personal tinnitus and thus the parameters and scope of what that means. I go to a tinnitus support group , and thought tinnitus UK was the next clear step.

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

Back to music and concerts,  or wearing ear pods/headphones.  My tinnitus never changes but early on I was very tentative about my left ear. I’ve since discovered that being sensible overcomes the fear, as because “it is what it is” , taking protocols means I don’t miss out. I’m not sure how my sleep has improved but it has. I won’t allow my concentration to focus on tinnitus when going yo bed, reading is my answer and then accepting it’s bed time..

What would you say to someone who has just been diagnosed with tinnitus?

It’s going to change your life but don’t be scared or let it define you or change your life wholesale.  Adapt, slowly come to terms and experiment on what works for you because everything won’t. This is a marathon not a sprint.

What message or piece of encouragement would you like to share with others living with tinnitus?

You can keep ahead of tinnitus,  but except some days won’t be as good as others and that,  that’s OK. Also in time you’ll get your own toolbox of “tactics” to overcome “the little demon”.

Why do you think it’s important to share stories about living with tinnitus?

Essentially to know and understand you’re not alone, that there are little wins to be had and to demonstrate people can genuinely cope in living with tinnitus.