Case Study - Marilyn Goodwin
SUSSEX WOMAN HIGHLIGHTS LACK OF TINNITUS SUPPORT
Marilyn Goodwin of Haywards Heath, West Sussex, was having a particularly stressful time at work when she developed a problem affecting her balance. The condition settled down but left her with slight tinnitus and, as the stress levels increased, the tinnitus grew much worse.
She initially found it a terrifying experience and felt very isolated as she discovered how little support was available for people. Combined with an underlying fear that the constant and intrusive noises would become unbearable, Marilyn struggled to cope and spent hours researching the problem and looking for help. "I tried all sorts of things including visiting a chiropractor, an osteopath and a reflexologist and each time I'd get my hopes up that it would work," she explained.
Unable to find a local support group, Marilyn eventually made contact with one in West Yorkshire and was at last able to speak to someone who knew what she was going through. "It was marvellous just to talk to someone who understood what it was like and to be told that I wasn't alone," she said. "They also sent me a relaxation tape which was very helpful and gave me useful tips about various things such as diet and so on."
But the real turning point came was when an audiologist at her local hospital referred her to a hearing therapist who also had tinnitus. "I immediately felt better just being able to talk things through and to know someone was at the end of the line if I needed her," said Marilyn. "That kind of support makes a huge difference and it's a shame that it took so long to find it."
Four years on, she now feels as if she is going from strength to strength and coping much better generally. "It's still bad at times especially if I'm tired, ill or feeling stressed and it's awful if I wake up during the night but I am learning to manage it. I particularly miss things like sitting quietly and reading and I avoid noisy places just in case they make things worse but I try not to let if affect me too much."
Working in a busy sales office is another useful distraction and Marilyn can generally block out the noises in her head whenever she's busy. "I think accepting the situation and learning to live with it is all you can do and although it's not easy, it is possible. Tinnitus is something that can affect people at any age for various reasons and I really think that being in touch with other people who have experienced it is invaluable but much more support is needed," she added.
The UK-based charity Action for Tinnitus Research focuses on funding medical and scientific research in pursuit of a cure and raising awareness is a key part of its work. Operations director Nick Doughty said: "It is estimated that over five million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus and it can have a devastating effect on their quality of life. Not enough information is available about the very complex symptom and we are one of the few organisations determined to do something about it.� We are committed to funding leading edge research and providing practical information to health professionals for the benefit of sufferers," he added.
For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, logon to the website at
www.tinnitus-research.org, e-mail [email protected] or telephone 0115 925 4065
Regular e-comms
Keep up to date with tinnitus news by subscribing to our regular newsletter, via our website: http://www.tinnitus-research.org/informed/
Press enquiries
For all press enquiries, please contact Jon Gardner:
- phone 0114 275 6996
- mobile 07930 697773
- email [email protected]
