“You are not alone and things can get better.” – Mick’s Story 

Before tinnitus became a constant part of my life, I enjoyed going to concerts and getting on with everyday life without thinking too much about my hearing.

Then, in September 2025, I went to a local concert where the sound was ridiculously loud.

I hadn’t brought any proper hearing protection, so I stuffed some toilet paper in my ears. Looking back, I should probably have just left and gone to the bar; hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course!

The next day, I had tinnitus. I’d experienced ringing in my ears after concerts before, but it had always gone away.

This time, it didn’t.

After two weeks, I started googling tinnitus. I became increasingly worried by what I was reading, and that worry actually ramped up the tinnitus.

I tried to get an appointment with my GP but was initially told that it was “only tinnitus”. I was becoming increasingly anxious, so I persisted and eventually got an appointment. But I didn’t initially get an ENT referral and had no real idea what I was supposed to do next.

By then, tinnitus was affecting almost every part of my life.

I basically turned the radio on as soon as I got up. If I had to go upstairs to the bathroom, I would have my phone playing white noise because I couldn’t handle the silence.

I had a lot of sleepless nights. I felt absolutely awful.

I knew that tinnitus itself doesn’t hurt or cause physical damage, but the continuous noise meant I couldn’t get any peace of mind.

“I was frightened that I’d have to live with it for the rest of my life.”

It was also difficult to explain to other people. Tinnitus is invisible, and if you don’t have it, it is hard to imagine what it is like.

Finding Tinnitus UK

I spoke to the Tinnitus UK helpline and was encouraged to join the Wednesday evening online support meetings. They became incredibly helpful to me.

There was practical advice, including tips about sound therapy, but just as importantly, there were other people who understood what I was experiencing.

Knowing you are not alone going through this and that things can get better made a huge difference to me.

“I felt desperate, but it was easy to pick up the phone and I am very glad I did.”

At first, I attended all of the online meetings. As things gradually became more manageable, I started going once a month instead.

The Tinnitus UK website has also been really useful. Having access to factual, trustworthy information gave me something I could rely on rather than trying to make sense of everything I found online.

Finding a way forward

I’ve gradually come to understand what helps me manage my tinnitus. Consistent use of sound therapy and CBT have been important, but perhaps the biggest realisation has been how important it is to feel relaxed and content.

Only when you are relaxed can your nervous system get out of “fight-or-flight” mode.

I still have tinnitus, but I’m finding that I can do more of the things I enjoy again.

I love snorkelling, for example, but the absence of other sounds underwater made my tinnitus particularly difficult to deal with. Thankfully, that is going a lot better now.

Helping others

My experience with Tinnitus UK has also made me want to help other people who are going through the same thing.

Tinnitus UK is currently working to establish more local support groups in the South West, and I have started a group in Penryn.

The plan is to meet every month in the evening and give people a chance to support each other and share their experiences.

I know how important that can be because I experienced it myself.

“Looking back, I genuinely believe I would be in a better position now if I had discovered Tinnitus UK earlier.”

The onset of tinnitus is just very distressing. You get in a negative spiral where the upset caused by tinnitus makes you more susceptible to it.

It is hard work to get out of that place. That’s why I believe having access to practical information and emotional support early on is so important.

And there are people going through those frightening first days and weeks right now.

They may be struggling to sleep. They may be frightened by what they are experiencing. They may not know where to turn, or who will understand.

Your donation can help make sure they don’t have to face that alone.

By supporting Tinnitus UK, you can help provide the helpline, trusted information and support groups that made such a difference to me.

Please donate today and help someone who is frightened and overwhelmed find the support they need.

I’m very glad I picked up the phone. Your support could help someone else find their way forward, too.

Please donate today