Case Study - Chris Nuttall

POSITIVE THINKING HELPS STATHERN MAN TO LIVE WITH TINNITUS

Chris Nuttall of Stathern near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, developed tinnitus suddenly in 1983 and initially found it a very frightening experience. The noises began out of the blue and simply didn't disappear leading him, understandably, to panic about the possible causes.

"I'd never heard of tinnitus at that point and you do start worrying that there could be something seriously wrong," he explained. "I discovered there was no cure and that I'd have to live with it which is what I've done for the past 23 years."

Although Chris, 59, says his tinnitus doesn't limit his everyday life, he is among thousands of sufferers who miss the luxury of peace and quiet. "I do think you have to put it into perspective but there are times when it can drive you up the wall. I haven't had a single second without it in all these years and I would dearly love for it to go away," he said.

Chris's work as a writer helps him to focus on other things and he does find it possible to ignore the fluctuating sounds he hears in both ears. "If I'm concentrating on something else I can push it to the back of my mind but on other occasions, such as if I wake up during the night, it can be horrendous."

Chris has found alternative therapies effective for other complaints including acupuncture for a trapped nerve and he now hopes it may offer some relief from the constant ringing. "I know that maskers which generate white noise seem to help some people but I can't see the point of blocking out the tinnitus by having to listen to something else all the time instead," he explained. "It is very much an annoyance but doesn't affect my life in the way that a physical disability might. What I notice most is things like not being able to listen to the birds sing without always hearing something else as well."

Having a positive attitude and staying busy are Chris's chief methods of coping and, after so long, he has come to accept the symptom as part of his life. "If I had to choose between finding a cure for cancer and finding one for tinnitus, I'd have to support the former but having said that, it would be lovely to think that it might go away one day," he 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

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