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The noises in my head came without warning. A low rustle
that sounded like a seashell mixed with a high-pitched
whine they kept me awake for a week.
Before my doctor diagnosed me with the ear disturbance
tinnitus two years ago, I took my hearing for
granted. My ears would often throb and ring after
a night out clubbing
but I never worried. Suddenly I was scared I might
go deaf.
People with tinnitus hear a noise in the ear or head
for no apparent reason. Although doctors disagree about
its exact cause, the Royal
National Institute for the Deaf says exposure to
loud noise is often a trigger and some research suggests
clubbers are putting themselves at risk of hearing loss.
My GP said the whine might just disappear and it soon
faded from my right ear. But my left ear still whistled
and even everyday noise like traffic became painful.
Even so, I gradually got used to this and only sought
treatment
after developing more serious complications about
10 months ago. I was at work when suddenly the
room began spinning. My head was pounding; I felt
sick and faint and started to retch. I spent the
next hour laid flat out too dizzy and exhausted
to move.
Four attacks followed in the next two weeks –
a couple lasted nearly eight hours. My GP referred
me to an audiologist who tested my hearing
and balance. I was diagnosed with Meniere's Syndrome
– a condition related to tinnitus marked
by nausea, vertigo attacks and progressive hearing
loss.
A course of betahistine tablets called Serc has stopped
the vertigo attacks. I've also started tinnitus retraining
therapy with a psychologist who has helped me to train
my mind to ignore the internal noise and focus on an
external one.
Although I have poor hearing in my left ear and it
still whistles, tinnitus no longer dictates my life.
For months, I avoided any loud noise. But sitting in
silence can leave you more preoccupied with the buzzing,
which only makes it seem worse.
I even go clubbing occasionally. However, scientist
David Baguley, head of audiology at Addenbrooks hospital
in Cambridge advises clubbers to take precautions:
"Take 10 minutes out of every hour in a chill out room
to rest your ears. Earplugs can also make the noise
level safe without affecting your enjoyment."
— David Batty 28.07.00
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