I’ve been seeing Fiona Bateson for my Tinnitus problem for just over a year now and I can honestly say she saved me from going mad.
My Tinnitus was ruining my life when I found her. I had tinnitus for a year which seemed ok but suddenly it became a lot louder, drowning out everything around me. I couldn’t sleep and couldn’t eat. My family couldn’t understand why I was so upset with my noise and I couldn’t enjoy anything anymore.
I was very snappy with everyone and never wanted to join in anything fun because the noise was so loud and horrible. I felt it was ruining my life.
I couldn’t focus at work, so much so that I nearly lost my job over it.
I asked my GP for advice and he referred me to see her at Pinehill Hospital. As Mrs Bateson doesn’t like to keep her Tinnitus patients waiting to see her I was called by her Secretary who gave me a very quick appointment for the next day.
I was in such a sate when I saw her first but immediately I walked in for my first appointment she reassured me that something could be done. I left the clinic room a different person. Much less anxious, knowing so much more about tinnitus than I had found on the internet.
She tested my hearing which was fine and then explained in amazing detail what Tinnitus was and what I could do to quieten it down.
She started me on a course of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy immediately and from that first appointment, understanding what Tinnitus was and following the programme, I have reduced my Tinnitus so much that I hardly notice it’s there anymore. I can sleep properly now, have no problems feeling stressed or anxious about it and have complete control over it.
Fiona was so supportive and understanding. She cut right to the points I needed to know and asked my husband to attend the appointments, which he did, so he could help me with the retraining too.
She suggested we might like to go to her Tinnitus Support Group at Pinehill Hospital which we now do and although my tinnitus is quiet and under control we both find her talks and information evenings really interesting.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t seen her. I’m just so grateful that I did and would advise anyone with tinnitus to do the same and not believe anyone when they say there’s nothing you can do about tinnitus. Thanks to Fiona, I’m living proof that there is.
