Tinnitus: A Constant, Unwelcome Companion
Imagine a never-ending, high-pitched ringing in your ears, like a stuck play button that refuses to stop. This is the reality for many people living with tinnitus, a condition that affects around one in seven adults in the UK, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
For Caris Lount, a 24-year-old from Rugeley in Staffordshire, this ringing first became apparent at her fourth birthday party when a balloon popped, causing her to run to her mother in confusion. The experience left her with a burning question: "Why doesn't my mum know how to fix this?"
Lount's experience is not unique. Tinnitus can manifest as a variety of sounds, including ringing, buzzing, whooshing, clicking, and hissing. It can be triggered by loud noise exposure or ear conditions, but for some, the cause remains unknown.
The Impact of Tinnitus
Lount's encounter with tinnitus during her university years was particularly distressing. "The next day I couldn't hear anyone in front of me because the ringing was that loud. It was just absolutely terrifying," she recalls. "Tinnitus for me is like constantly having a play button stuck; I can't turn it off, I can't put it on pause."
To raise awareness, Lount participated in a national charity video, engaging in splatter-paint art to visually represent her tinnitus. This creative approach helped her gain a new perspective, "Having something on paper that represents your tinnitus gives you something to look at and think, 'Oh, it's not actually that threatening,'" she says. "It also gives you such a sense of achievement. You think, 'I just made this nice artwork from something that I once saw as such a crazy, detrimental thing in my life.'"
Coping Strategies
Lount has found various activities, including cooking and mindfulness, helpful in managing her condition. She emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, "It can be the most isolating experience, but there's so many people out there that understand what you're going through, and there's so much you can do for tinnitus."
Her involvement in these activities has equipped her with mental techniques that have strengthened her resilience. "Tinnitus has given me all of these mental techniques that have made me such a stronger person mentally, and I can feel like I can face anything," she says.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus, consider exploring these coping strategies and seeking support from the RNID or other relevant organizations. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.
