Out of the dark, dark cloud that lockdown cast over our lives, the overriding silver lining for me was the support offered by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) via Zoom. At first I was sceptical, having been to a face-to-face one (B.C.) where I was the only person with tinnitus whom also had hearing loss. This left me feeling even more isolated and I was left with a feeling that no-one else in the group could truly understand what I was going through. That said, I was feeling desperate for support. I'd been enduring a self-imposed isolation period, with the exception of work, for nearly a year due to the complications of my hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis, and now I didn't have the physical locality of support from my colleagues.
I went into that first meeting with little expectation and with much trepidation, but how I'm so glad I managed to get over my anxieties to attend. For the first time during this entire journey, I met people who had similar stories to me, gave me the language to explain some of the symptoms I was facing, and displayed a level of empathy only possible from someone who has had a similar ordeal.
Our group, facilitated by the wonderful Sandy - a retired hearing therapist - has become a little community in its own right, with people joining from all over the country and the world! We are given the safe space to discuss our own battles, triumphs and be able to ask advice and guidance, not only from Sandy, but from each other. It quickly became clear that the support once a month, a great provision that it is, was not enough for us and we set up a WhatsApp group to share tips, information and just have a good old whinge when needed - knowing always that understanding and validation will be provided.
Of all the ways I've tried to manage my tinnitus and come to terms with both it and my hearing loss - this group has been the most invaluable - and it's free! Thank you BTA for putting me in touch with such wonderful people.
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