This section contains testimonies from members of Whistle Stop on how they cope with their tinnitus and what advice they have found useful.

MEMBERS COMMENTS

I have learnt so much about tinnitus at the Whistlestop meetings. You can get help at the hospital; also the BTA (British Tinnitus Association) and the RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf) will send you leaflets on various ways to help you with many different aspects of your tinnitus. Unfortunately there is no cure yet but who knows what the future will bring since there is so much research being done, worldwide. The speakers at the Whistlestop meetings have included professional people on tinnitus and on alternative medicines. But there have also been speakers with slide shows on subjects unrelated to tinnitus, such as visits to gardens and holiday trips to Cornwall. And there are social meetings as well, so it's not all medical. Some members are helped just by meeting fellow sufferers and realising that they are not alone. By being a full member I receive the BTA magazine 'Quiet' with its medical articles and all the latest news.

I have had tinnitus for approximately nine years (I damaged my ears using a drill without ear protection, I should have known better). I cannot say I have suffered with tinnitus as that is not the case. My dad had tinnitus during my childhood so I did know about it, which has helped me cope with it. I have a constant whistle sometimes it is exceptionally loud and another time it is so quiet I think it has gone. It alters depending how stressed I am.

How do I live with it. I give it as little time as possible by listening to my favorite music, having the radio on. I cannot have music too loud as this does hurt my ears so I find a level which I am happy with. If I do think about it I only give it positive thoughts this is not always easy, but I am determined that it will not ruin my life.

I have known for sometime that there was a tinnitus group in the area and I have had tinnitus for very much longer. About seven years ago I decided to make contact and have attended most of their meetings and events since. This level of interest reflects the amount of help and information that I have received. I now have little tinnitus and have found that from time to time informally talking about my experience has helped others.

 Something I have often thought about is why I didn’t make contact sooner. I had started to look for information about tinnitus and I joined when a health care professional suggested I might find it helpful.

 Whistle Stop has a wide range of talks ranging from experts in the field to talks of general interest. There is always the opportunity to talk about your own experience and to seek information and support from fellow sufferers. There are regular fund raising events for those who wish to be involved and an informative newsletter. I’m sure that anyone who has tinnitus could benefit from Whistle Stop. Do try it.