In December 2024, I started hearing a hum in my ear. In January 2025, it turned into a high-pitch dog whistle and has remained ever since. It had affected every aspect of my life and I had some unbelievably negative thoughts.

Since then, I joined Tinnitus UK's support sessions and I'm slowly starting to learn to live it. What shocked me was the complete lack of understanding, research and movement on an overstreched NHS system and the lack of support and awareness in those initial weeks when the crisis begins. I had no understanding of how it happened. I blamed myself. I blamed alcohol. I blamed fatty foods. I blamed Pepsi. I blamed lack of sleep. I blamed every aspect of my life. As it turns out, for me, it was due to an infection in my inner ear and I didn't get any medication in time to try and fight it. The tinnitus and hyper acusis is now the permanent scar that I will live with.

I didn't realise that everyone with tinnitus has a crisis and the thoughts I experienced and felt were normal. I dread to think how many people have felt they could not continue and didn't.

It is far more than a neurological or physical condition. The effect it has on mental health cannot be understated. There's no cure right now, but with your help, we can contribute to the demand for more investment in tinnitus research and its causes, as well as funding for Tinnitus UK whose support has been invaluable.

Tinnitus UK is here to support the 7.6 million people in the UK affected by tinnitus. We provide free support as well as leading the charge for more investment in tinnitus research, and work with healthcare professionals to improve tinnitus care.