“By working together and listening to each other can we achieve better conditions.” – Mona’s tinnitus story

Mona shares her Tinnitus journey and shares why volunteering for Tinnitus UK is so important to her, the impact volunteering has had and why others should think about joining. 

When I was 20, I survived meningitis, but ended up with tinnitus in my left ear.

Habituating to life with tinnitus has made me a patient and calm kind of person – because almost everything else in life you can conquer with a bunch of good knowledge and strategy.

Surrounded by fantastic friends and fellow students, made the journey to habituation more than just bearable. Despite not knowing what I was going through, they were by my side, supporting and challenging me through the difficult times. 

The healthcare professionals always took the time to carefully answer ALL my questions and guiding me through all the more technical aspects. 

Appreciating my second chance, I have been living life to the full, always taking advantage of any adventures coming my way! 

After about 30 years, one impulsive comment (“Tinnitus! – have you not got that sorted yet?!”) made me sign up to become a befriender and volunteer for Tinnitus UK. – Clearly the world is in need of more awareness, support and research into tinnitus, and I feel I have something to offer.

Therefore, I have started a local support group in Southsea, because I know how important it is to have someone to talk to. People to share your experience with and support you in finding your ‘new you’. The world now is very different than when I was 20, healthcare professionals rarely have the time needed and often there are months of waiting lists. Therefore, being part of a support group makes so much sense, here you can ask all the questions to other people living with tinnitus. 

Yes, there is work involved with organising a support group, but that is nothing compared to the reward! When you see people leaving at the end of a meeting, with a smile on their face, ready to conquer the next challenges, with a bit of extra knowledge, hope and knowing they are not alone. 

We asked how important Volunteering for Tinnitus UK is to Mona, she said: “I feel Tinnitus UK’s mission aligns with the values I care about: giving reliable evidence based information, supporting and connecting people with lived experience, healthcare professionals, researchers and volunteers, because by working together and listening to each other can we achieve better conditions.”

We also asked Mona if anything makes Volunteering for Tinnitus UK feel worth it and she says  “What makes volunteering for Tinnitus UK worth it is seeing the positive difference it makes in people’s lives and the lasting friendships I’ve built with others involved in the charity.”

Mona’s message to anyone who is considering becoming a Tinnitus UK volunteer is “Do it! Volunteering can be a rewarding way to help others who are facing challenges you have experienced yourself.  It can also provide you with new skills and experiences, new social connections and being part of a meaningful cause. ”